Perfect picks for the food and drink lovers in your life this Christmas
As we all hurtle toward Christmas, many of us are looking for thoughtful gifts — and what better present for the food-obsessed than a brilliant new book? Whether you’re shopping for a passionate cook, an armchair traveller, a food-history nerd, or someone who simply loves a beautifully written story, our LDE London Book Club has curated a treasure trove of ideas.
Did you know LDE London has a Book Club?
We meet throughout the year, with a mix of in-person gatherings and virtual sessions to make sure everyone can join — including international Dames, wherever they are in the world. It’s a space to swap recommendations, champion great writers, and celebrate the joy of learning and eating together.
For upcoming books and meeting updates, please visit the Book Club App.
Here are the books our Book Club members most loved in 2025:
Dame Chantal Coady – Boustany: A Celebration of vegetables from my Palestine by Sami Tamimi
A vibrant, vegetable-forward celebration of Palestinian cooking, rich with memory and tradition. Chantal especially loved the fermented dishes, which brought new flavours and ideas into her kitchen.
Dame Jen Greenhalgh – Sunny Days Taco Nights by Enrique Olvera
A luminous journey through Mexican cuisine. Jen describes it as “the perfect marriage of authentic recipes and vivid culinary history, with some truly innovative new takes.”
Dame Hermione Ireland – Red Sauce Brown Sauce by Felicity Cloake
A joyful odyssey through the great British breakfast. Hermione found it “life-affirming and yummy,” and promptly cooked an extraordinary breakfast featuring laverbread, kippers, and the full works.
Dame Stephanie Teekaram – Elysian Kitchens by Jody Eddy
A fascinating exploration of monastic food traditions — from ancient techniques to the rituals behind sacred kitchens. Stephanie found it absorbing, atmospheric, and unlike anything she usually reads.
Dame Kate Howell – Around the Table by Diana Henry
Warm, funny, poignant and full of generosity, Diana Henry’s newest book celebrates the emotional heart of gathering. Kate loved how it blends recipes with the kind of writing that stays with you long after you’ve closed the book.
Dame Alison Swan Parente – All Consuming by Ruby Tandoh
Ruby Tandoh explores why we eat the way we do — with clarity, compassion, and cultural insight. Alison chose it as her standout read, with President Cathy Sloman also being a big admirer of Ruby’s work.
Immediate Past President Jacqui Pickles – Kitchen Person: Notes on Cooking and Eating by Rachel Cooke
A sharp, stylish and deeply human collection of essays from a brilliant writer we sadly lost this year. Jacqui highlights this as one of the most memorable food books of 2025.
President Cathy Sloman – Greekish by Georgina Hayden
Cathy’s favourite read of the year is a joyful celebration of Greek-inspired home cooking. Packed with delicious recipes and warm storytelling, Greekish brings heritage, comfort and sunshine to the everyday table — a book she has cooked from again and again.
Happy Reading — and Happy Gifting!
We hope these recommendations spark ideas for festive gifts — and perhaps inspire a few additions to your own reading list.