I bought my first Ally Capellino bag, which I’ve since sadly lost, back in 2003 ... it was a large Freddie waxed holdall! I loved that bag. It travelled the world with me.

At home we had a large allotment, an apple tree and herb garden. It was ingrained in me from an early age that it's always better to eat foods of all varieties that are in season.

For years I had suffered with water retention, aches and pains, puffy eyes and swollen ankles, and was on traditional medication. Then I decided to stop.

London used to be full of oyster and chop houses, and Mark found the perfect site directly behind Smithfield Meat Market. I think it took just 8 weeks from getting the keys to opening the doors.

I wanted to dedicate this post to my mum Joan Biggs. A wonderful lady to us boys, and now in her 70s, having lived an incredible and widely unsung life..

In memory of Bill Granger. Inspirational cook, restaurateur, writer and friend.