• Neil Sowerby
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I grow my own, brave the kitchen heat and know my woozy way around a wine list. Welcome to my post-lockdown world…

You may call it a blog if you must. It’s certainly a change of direction I’ve been putting off through years of journalistic hyper-activity. The lockdowns have made me reassess the food and drink I really care about. I feel refreshed and free of restraint. Even so. Please excuse the solipsistic sounding neilsowerby.co.uk. It’s not just about me. More the discoveries I want to share. Read more…

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How Jayasekara’s The Cocochine has brought a unique magic to Mayfair

The Cocochine is one of London's finest restaurants with a great sustainable ethos. Why then does Michelin ignore it?
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Celebrating 20 years of El Gato Negro – cool city prime and brave Pennine gestation

Simon Shaw's homage to Spanish cuisine was born in a Pennine village and now has spent 10 years in central Manchester. What is El Gato Negro's secret?
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My Italian food trail – the ancient Umbrian ‘pea’ Roveja

Roveja is the ancient legume that came back from near extinction, but is the taste as good as the story?
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It’s a Zin! But what version of this enigmatic Californian red will turn up?

Zinfandel is the 'official' red grape of California, with an intriguing back story, so why does it play second fiddle to Cabernet and Pinot?
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All the winners from the MFDF Awards 2025 on a night celebrating community 

The only hospitality awards that really count in Manchester continue to delight and surprise. Now in their 28th year the Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards returned to New Century Hall for a celebration of the resilience of the city…
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A slice of my sweet, sweet sausage? You’ll be tasting a very Catalan dish

A sugar heavy sausage is a surprising Catalan delicacy. Can I reproduce it?
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