The lockdown was a difficult period for everyone. When our workshops had to be cancelled, we began working online and started cooking together over Zoom. We would agree on a recipe each month, and packages of ingredients would be sent out to the young people we work with. Usually we spent an hour together (sometimes more) trying to cook the same recipe aided by our workshop leader. These workshops would inevitably result in conversations about each other’s favourite foods, dishes from other countries and different methods of cooking.

Our Kitchen is a celebration of this experience. It includes recipes from our Zoom calls, the young people’s own favourite foods and some dishes from the adults who supported the workshops. Food has always been a way for humans to connect and it has really helped us feel a little closer even after so many months apart.

Big thanks to:

All the young people and staff at The Guardianship Service for cooking with us. Hannah Wright and Marie-Gabrielle Koumenda for leading cooking sessions. Belinda for starting this amazing project. Sam at Speculative Books for his expert designs and Jenny Booth who brought our dishes to life in these beautiful illustrations.