Cooking for People

The only seasonal cookbook needed for cooking and entertaining, from South London’s chef-vanguard Michael Davies.

“The scrumptious loveliness on every page with the winning charm of a cook in his element conjures a table groaning with dish after dish prepared from this charming book.” - Jeremy Lee

"Mike’s food instantly puts a smile on your face and the recipes in this book are no exception, they’re destined to make home cooks and their guests very happy. Simple, no fuss cooking. My heaven." – Richard Corrigan​

Michael Davies is the UK’s answer to Alison Roman and Gen Zs answer to James Martin. He’s done the hard work so you don’t have to and now anyone can replicate his cult-status menus (as seen at The Camberwell Arms, Frank’s Café and Mike’s Peckham) for entertaining at home. This cook book is for those who want to enjoy cooking more and loves the idea of having people round for dinner whilst finding the reality of it a challenge. It’s fool proof menus delivers way more than any Dishpatch box ever could and ensure you’re guests will leave wowed and well fed.

Containing beautiful seasonal menus for home cooks Cooking for People takes out the often prohibitive stress that accompanies hosting. With various recipes planned out from early prep (some items you can tick off in 5 minutes or even a few days in advance) through to the execution on the day, this cookbook is the perfect accompaniment for any household that loves to host.

Recipes include: Purple sprouting broccoli, roasted garlic aioli and lemon; Whole baked fish, creamed leeks, potatoes and dill; Slowly roast pork shoulder, sage and chestnut polenta, sweet and sour onions; Poached peaches, zabaglione and toasted almonds; A good tomato salad; and 70 more!

Written by a chef looking to celebrate his own love of food and hosting with an eye on prioritising mental health, Cooking for People makes cooking a joy for everyone.

Reviews

“The scrumptious loveliness on every page with the winning charm of a cook in his element conjures a table groaning with dish after dish prepared from this charming book.” - Jeremy Lee

"Mike’s food instantly puts a smile on your face and the recipes in this book are no exception, they’re destined to make home cooks and their guests very happy. Simple, no fuss cooking. My heaven." – Richard Corrigan ​

'Mike is one of those pioneer cooks that knows how to turn a few ingredients into truly unforgettable meals.' - Ravneet Gill

PRAISE FOR MIKE:

“If you believe the stories, [Frank’s] invented negronis, rooftops and Peckham itself.”– Evening Standard

“The reopening of Peckham rooftop bar Frank’s Cafe marks the start of summer for London. It's like a ritual. The bar announces its return date and the weather immediately brightens up.” –Time Out

About the author

Born and bred Londoner Michael Davies started work as a chef more than 15 years ago, abandoning a degree in Biology at Manchester University to follow his passion for food. He learnt on the job and worked at the award-winning gastropubs The Anchor and Hope (Waterloo) and The Canton Arms (Stockwell) before launching cult-status rooftop bar Frank’s Café in Peckham in 2008. Since then he has opened the kitchens at The Camberwell Arms and pizzeria Mike’s Peckham.