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• Books from Paul Merrett

• Notes & Recipes from the Kitchen

• Where we buy our food

List of published recipes

• Sashimi style salmon with a shallot & chilli crunch & pickled cucumber

• Cream of parsley and potato soup

I’m kicking off this week with a special mention for my departing Sous Chef Chris Marriott who has been my second in command from the very first moment here at The Victoria. Chris is off back to New Zealand (the home of football!) and he goes with our very best wishes, gratitude and respect.

So welcome aboard Dan – our brand new shiny Sous chef! Come along to our garden grill on Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday evenings and meet Dan and all the chefs in person as they rustle up a few goodies on the outdoor grill.

This time of year presents we seasonally focussed chefs with a problem – what not to put on the menu. There is so much fantastic produce about – fresh peas, beans, amazing salad leaves, soft fruit – you name – we’ve got it.

Even the bar is getting in on the seasonal act – we’ve knocked up a huge vat of Elderflower cordial from locally picked buds – 100% organic! Very good with ice cold vodka…..allegedly.

There are some parts of the world where food is far more important than a seasonal menu and it was with this in mind that I agreed to represent Action Against Hunger at this year’s Taste Festival in Regents Park. The day was a storming success raising over 5K for this very worthy cause. I’d like to thank all those at The Victoria who dedicated their own time on the day and put in a real shift for free.

You can find out more about Action Against Hunger by going to: www.actionagainsthunger.org.uk.

Best wishes

Paul