Rachel's Diary - back to market

I met Matt Tebbutt during our rehearsals and he’s been just great, really kind. I also find Borough Market so eclectic, an incredible showcase for local produce.

I love this time of year for all the end-of-summer ingredients—tomatoes, raspberries and the first autumn apples. I do love summer, but I also love getting back to autumn food. I’m ready for a change. I start craving roast chicken suppers, mashed potatoes, warm apple crumble, soups and stews. I’m making a spicy vegetable stew with coconut milk on the show.

It’s also this back-to-school time of year when I get back to testing recipes. For Market Kitchen, I’m in London two days a week, and then it’s back to work and family in Ireland.

Being in London is a nice change for me. When I’m here I love the diversity. There are so many options. You get the best of Indian, Chinese and Thai—there’s always some place new that intrigues me. I find that so exciting, the melting pot of cultures. Recently, I ate at Wahaca for their Mexican street food, which was delicious. Tonight I’m going to Le Café Anglais. I’ve been wanting to go there for ages. I always try to go to new places when I’m here, but it’s hard to keep up!