Welcome to September

I’m going to make a little admission – I don’t eat breakfast. Gasp! I know. Yes, it’s partly because I’m a terrible morning person (apologies in advance to my fiancé for a lifetime of grumpy starts to the day). Yes, it’s partly because I’m lazy and don’t want to rise even a minute earlier than I have to. But mostly, honestly, it’s because it’s a contender – when done right – for my favourite meal of the day. And so I only indulge in brunch on the weekend, when it can be done properly. When I can cook at leisure, eat unhurriedly and put off the washing up, indefinitely, while I potter.

Like most of us, I’m a creature of habit and normally my brunching ritual involves avocado – and so I was inspired to clear my diary over the next few weekends to try out John Gregory-Smith’s incredibly tempting recipes. Peanut butter drizzle pancakes? Consider me a convert. Greens and gruyère toastie? Consider me devoted.

I also like having brunch cooked for me – particularly the full English(s) I enjoyed on my travels to Tisbury recently. This little pocket of Wiltshire might not instantly jump to your mind for a weekend jaunt, but it should. It, like the rest of our travel features, is an authentic, affordable foodie adventure that shouldn’t be missed. There’s plenty more, of course, to help you celebrate this last hurrah of summer, too – from foolproof recipes from one of my favourite food writers, the infectiously enthusiastic and knowledgable Diana Henry, to seriously smart and speedy lunch ideas that can be packed up for work or eaten on the hoof. What will you cook first?