Stella’s Scoop

Hey folks, on today’s episode of Scoop we welcome Francesco Dibenedetto, the executive chef at Brooklands by Claude Bosi. Playing with pots and pans as toys as a baby, Francesco’s perspective of the culinary world is much greater than the plate itself. We talk about his family history on farms in Italy and his dedication to producers and growers especially in the UK and Italy utilising regenerative farming techniques. Francesco began working with Claude Bosi way back at Hibiscus in London.

I began recording this episode almost as soon as we sat down and I enjoyed the conversation so much that I haven’t edited anything at all.

I’m Stella and I’m gonna take you out for dinner.

A big thank you to Francesco for making time for me on his day off. Follow the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and me on Instagram @stellagent for the latest updates.

Mentions:

- La Gavroche (permanently closed)

- Hibiscus (permanently closed)

- L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Paris

- Bibendum, Sloane Avenue, London

- Alex Parker, head chef of Mary’s, Mayfair

Picture this, you go out for drinks and you get the “good” champagne. You know what you’re paying for: the craftmanship, the quality of the grapes and the production, and the labour - you get it. Now, do you consider the same factors when you wake up feeling slightly hungover, stick the kettle on and whip out a PG Tips teabag? Today, I’m here with Henrietta Lovell, the founder of the Rare Tea Company. Her aim is to revolutionise the tea industry by working directly with farmers and their tea gardens to ensure the people who make it are getting fair pay and a good wage. The consumer is educated about the true value of tea.

I’m Stella, and I’m gonna take you out for a drink. 

A big thank you to Henrietta for inviting me to the Rare Tearoom in Farringdon and I hope everyone enjoyed the latest episode.

Mentions:

- ⁠The Rare Tea Company⁠

-⁠ Rare Charity⁠

-⁠ 'Infused', Henrietta's Book⁠

- ⁠Claridges Hotel, Mayfair⁠

- ⁠Noma, Copenhagen⁠

- Henrietta's tea mentions: ⁠Single Estate Lost Malawi English Breakfast⁠ ,⁠ Rare Earl Grey⁠

*Special mention to Ian Douglass, a Rare Tea employee and our photographer at the tea house!

Find Me!

Follow the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and me on Instagram⁠ @stellagent ⁠for the latest updates. 

What I used to make this podcast:

Recording Equipment

⁠Zoom H5⁠

⁠ZDM-1 Podcast Mic Pack⁠

⁠Reaper Audio Editing Software⁠

ROGUES X SCOOP - Gabriel Waterhouse, The Water House Project

Hey folks, picture this: it’s 2016 and you’re wondering what to do for the weekend. This professional chef is doing a supper club at his flat in Bethnal Green, and you’ve heard it’s pretty special. You message a group of friends and call the chef only to find out it’s fully booked for the next… three months!

Here with another Rogues x Scoop collaboration Zac and I chat with Gabriel Waterhouse, the founder of The Waterhouse Project. Unusually, Gabriel started making his solo path pretty early in his career. Whilst working at Galvin La Chapelle, Gabriel hosted supper clubs at his London flat on his days off; this side hustle flourished into a fully-fledged site in 2021. Gabriel creates a new seasonal tasting menu every three months and each night (and Saturday lunch) there is only one time slot and every guest eats the same dishes at the same time. In a world in which we have an abundance of choice, why not treat yourself with being completely looked after?

This was such a wonderful conversation - the passion and the love that Gabriel brings to his work is evident: from the stories of working insane hours establishing his own business to the non-alcoholic pairings he and his team concoct, and the tranquillity of the kitchen space.

A big thank you to Gabriel for inviting us into his space and I hope everyone enjoyed the latest episode.

I’m Stella with my co-host Zac, and we’re gonna take you out for dinner.

Mentions:

- Gabriel Waterhouse

- The Water House Project

- Rogues, Hackney

- Rogue Sarnies, Hackney

- Innholders Hall

- Galvin la Chapelle

- Ynyshir, Wales

- Hi Spec Design, Fulham

- The Good Life

Find Me!

Follow the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and me on Instagram @stellagent for the latest updates. Find Rogues restaurant in Cambridge Heath and on Instagram at @rogues_ldn

What do I use to make this podcast?

Recording Equipment

⁠Zoom H5⁠

⁠ZDM-1 Podcast Mic Pack⁠

⁠Reaper Audio Editing Software⁠

Bar Levan

Today, I’m excited to chat with Mark Gurney and Matt Bushnell, the co-founders of Levan and Bar Levan in Peckham. Their journey is one of remarkable transformation—before venturing into the world of hospitality, Mark honed his skills in music and marketing, while Matt also dabbled in the corporate world as an environmental consultant. Now, they've turned their passions toward their love of the French gastronomic experience; creating spaces with exceptional French-inspired cuisine and making the lesser-known (but delicious!) wines of the Jura region more accessible to everyone.

Curious about the inspiration behind the name "Levan"? We’ll explore that along with a few of their favourite food and drink spots across London and insights on how they plan and decide the themes for their events. What do they believe is the secret to a successful business? Bums on seats! As a North/East Londoner join me as I get to know the delights south of the river.

I’m Stella, and I’m gonna take you out for dinner.

Mentions

Bar Levan, Peckham

Restaurant Levan, Peckham

Salon, Brixton (permanently closed)

Liberty Music, Brixton

Café Murano, St James’

Ploussard, Clapham

Leo’s, Clapton

Naughty Piglets, Brixton

Barrafina, Soho

Bar Termini, Soho

Brat x Climpsons Arch, London Fields

Strictly Bangers Playlist, Spotify

Provisions, Holloway Road

The Standard, Kings Cross

We Out Here Festival

HG Walters

Forza Wine, Peckham

Peckham Cellars

Veraison, Peckham

Gala Festival, Peckham

Find Me!

Follow the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and me on Instagram @stellagent for the latest updates. 

What I used to make this podcast

Recording Equipment

⁠Zoom H5⁠

⁠ZDM-1 Podcast Mic Pack⁠

⁠Reaper Audio Editing Software⁠

Did you co-found a rooftop bar at the age of 20, then manage that whilst opening another restaurant at 25 full time? Yeah neither did I, but my guest today Mike Davies did just that. Mike is the chef owner of The Camberwell Arms and Frank’s Cafe in Peckham.

Born in South London, Mike only properly considered being a chef once he had completed a year studying at The University of Manchester. He decided that the societal expectation and pressure to go to university didn’t fulfill him and he wanted to do something different. Before university, Mike worked at a local chippy as a head chef. With an already signed student lease in Manchester, Mike walked around the city, CV in hand and eventually landed his first proper chef role. Mike’s style of cookery was massively influenced by the stages he completed after leaving Manchester especially restaurants like St John Bread and Wine and The Ledbury. We discuss his experience cooking for the Sultan of Oman, how stages feel so different when you have more experience, and how comparison is the thief of joy.

On top of his culinary brilliance, Mike has written a beautiful cookbook called Cooking for People, which is out today - the 15th of August! This book teaches and helps you step by step through hosting people with delicious seasonal menus, prep lists and shopping lists. Mike had a period of burn-out a few years ago which led to him not enjoying the pressures of a kitchen as much as before; this book was born when Mike needed to fall in love with the enjoyment of cooking once again, and helping others feel the same. You can really feel his love of creating and exploring food.

I’m Stella, and I think i’ll be having dinner in tonight - fancy joining?

Mentions:

Mike Davies, chef owner of The Camberwell Arms and Frank’s Cafe, Peckham

The Camberwell Arms

Frank’s Cafe, Peckham

Simply Heathcote’s, Manchester

Paul Heathcote

40 Maltby Street, Bermondsey

Stephen Williams, head chef of 40 Maltby Street

Le Manoir, Oxfordshire

Texture, Marylebone (permanently closed)

The Vineyard, Newbury

St John Bread and Wine, Spitalfields

Magdelen, Southwark (permanently closed)

The Ledbury, Notting Hill

Walnut Tree Inn, Abergavenny

Ollie Dabbous

The Anchor and Hope, Waterloo

Johnathon Jones and Robert Shaw, The Anchor and Hope

Joe Beef, Montreal

James Lowe, head chef of Lyle’s

Lyle’s, Shoreditch

Black Axe Mangal, Canonbury

Lee Tiernan, head chef of Black Axe Mangal

The River Cafe, Hammersmith and Fulham

The Canton Arms, Stockwell

Ravneet Gill

Domaine de Souch


Find Me!

Follow the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and me on Instagram @stellagent for the latest updates. 


What I used to make this podcast

Recording Equipment

​⁠Zoom H5⁠

​⁠ZDM-1 Podcast Mic Pack⁠

​⁠Reaper Audio Editing Software⁠

Hey! It’s time for the next episode of the Scoop x Rogues collaboration. We are back for a natter with Meedu Saad, the head chef of Kiln in Soho. This establishment holds a special place in my heart - many first dates and fun nights out have started at Kiln and I was so excited to chat with the man behind the coals.  

Born and raised in Tottenham, North London, Meedu was introduced to many different cuisines from a young age as his father is Egyptian, his mother grew up in Chicago, and his maternal grandfather is Polish and Russian. Although this suggests the romantic notion that he always wanted to be a chef, he initially set his sights on becoming a creative - a musician, an artist. After switching his college studies from fine art to culinary arts, he became one of the top students at his college. After graduating, he worked in The Playboy Club, Mayfair (not as a bunny before you ask), and he divulges some crazy stories! You may wonder what his experience was like working for large hospitality corporations like hotels, or feel comforted by the fact that Meedu wasn’t sure about his career until he found the right job with the Super 8 Group. Kiln completely changed Meedu’s approach to suppliers and produce. Super 8 whisks their team away to visit far corners of the world like Thailand and also closer to home in Devon, offering vastly different but rewarding experiences for their colleagues. And despite all of Meedu’s culinary experience, his favourite condiment is probably the same as yours.

I’m Stella with my co-host Zac, and we’re gonna take you out for dinner.

A big thank you to Meedu for giving us his time and I hope everyone enjoyed the latest Scoop x Rogues episode.

Find Me!

Follow the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and me on Instagram @stellagent and @rogues_ldn for the latest updates. 

Mentions

What I used to make this podcast

Recording Equipment

Good morning folks! Apologies for going MIA for the past few weeks I have been opening a new hotel in Mayfair! 

In this episode, I visited another hotel to chat with Patrick Powell, the executive head chef at Midland Grand Dining Room. This restaurant resides inside the iconic and beautiful Renaissance St Pancras Hotel. 

Patrick mans the kitchen and the pass at Midland Grand. In 2019, he also opened Allegra in Stratford. Both of his restaurants offer different gastronomic experiences. Allegra is his more innovative and modern exhibition whereas Midland Grand still maintains its history through the menu - a glimpse of French cuisine at our Eurostar gateway. Previously Patrick has worked at Cutler and Co in Australia, L'Ecrivain in Ireland and Chiltern Firehouse in London. 

Patrick and I discussed how much he valued travelling around the world for work, especially to Australia, the challenging environments of tough kitchens, and the rite of passage of realising that you may be acting too big for your boots. Patrick emphasises the need to take your time to learn.

I loved listening to Patrick’s many stories and his incredible career history, I hope you do too.

I’m Stella and I’m gonna take you out for dinner. 

For regular updates on new podcasts please follow me on Instagram @stellagent and @stellas_scoop. This podcast is available on Spotify and Apple Music. 

Mentions:

Patrick Powell, Executive head chef at Allegra, Stratford and Midland Grand Dining Room, King’s Cross

https://www.instagram.com/ppowellchef/?hl=en 

Midland Grand Dining Room, King’s Cross

https://www.midlandgranddiningroom.com/ 

Allegra, Stratford

https://www.allegra-restaurant.com/ 

Seb Meyers, head chef of Planque, Dalston

https://www.instagram.com/sebastianfmyers/

Planque, Dalston

https://planque.co.uk 

L'Ecrivain, Dublin, Ireland (permanently closed)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%27Ecrivain 

Cutler and Co, Fitzroy, Australia

https://www.cutlerandco.com.au

The Square, Mayfair (permanently closed)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Square_(restaurant)

Pollen Street Social, Mayfair

https://www.pollenstreetsocial.com 

Wild Honey, St James’

https://www.instagram.com/wildhoneystjames/?hl=en 

Anthony Demetre, Chef/Proprietor of Wild Honey

https://www.instagram.com/anthony_demetre/?hl=en

Nuno Mendes, executive head chef of Chiltern Firehouse

https://www.greatbritishchefs.com/chefs/nuno-mendes

Chiltern Firehouse, Mayfair

https://www.chilternfirehouse.com 

The Ritz, Mayfair

https://www.theritzlondon.com 

Perilla, Stoke Newington

https://www.perilladining.co.uk 

John Chantarasak, head chef of Anglothai

https://www.greatbritishchefs.com/contributors/john-chantarasak 

Sertac Dirik, ex-head chef of Mangal II

https://www.instagram.com/sertacdirik/ 

Mangal II, Dalston

https://www.mangal2.com

Harry Handelsman, owner of Allegra and Midland Grand

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Handelsman 

https://www.manhattanloft.co.uk/about-us/ 

Darren McHugh, Head of Operations at Restaurant Story and Story Cellar

https://www.instagram.com/darrenlmchugh/?hl=en 

The Ledbury, Notting Hill

https://www.theledbury.com 

Morchella, Farringdon

https://www.morchelladining.co.uk 

Oma, Borough Market

https://www.oma.london 

Bout time for a new podcast folks! On this week’s Scoop, Zac and I are introducing you to the sweetheart of the pastry, who knew from day dot that desserts were going to be her forte. Kelly Cullen is currently the head pastry chef at Allegra, in Stratford and has worked previously at other incredible restaurants like Cornerstone and Angler. Beginning her career in culinary training, she worked at Claridge’s Hotel and soon realised that a smaller, tight-knit team was what she loved most. 

Due to the open kitchen at Allegra and Kelly enjoying a good chat with her guests, I knew this podcast would be a corker. Listen to us chat about what makes the best dessert - whether that is nostalgia, taste, texture, beauty, elegance or just comfort. We also learn about how her mentors gave her some seriously tough love and her addiction to the buzz of a brilliant service. Whilst we discuss the difficulties of being female within a historically masculine environment, we also touch on the potential benefits being a woman brings us within hospitality. 

So without further ado, listen to Kelly demonstrate that the proof is in the pudding. Join me and Zac for our newest Scoop.

Mentions:

https://www.instagram.com/kellycullenxx?igsh=ZGRra2Rnb3VoNHk1

https://www.instagram.com/allegrarestaurant?igsh=MXRldGt1cmp4bGRsMw==

https://www.instagram.com/rogues_ldn?igsh=MWJxZ2t0a3J2em85dg==

https://www.instagram.com/morchelladining?igsh=MWE1bzlmaHpya3FqYQ==

https://www.instagram.com/cornerstonehackney?igsh=MTlmNGw5YWx1amE4cQ==

https://www.instagram.com/claridgeshotel?igsh=ZXpidG4yYnpybmNk

https://www.instagram.com/angler_restaurant?igsh=MTJhdDZxeTNoeTlteA==

https://www.instagram.com/davidbcox87?igsh=czJoeTkwOWtkYWxs

https://www.instagram.com/adamegwood?igsh=aXVxc3Q4b2dhd2Nt

https://www.instagram.com/noblerotmayfair?igsh=MTFrdWRoMnhpNHk4dQ==

https://www.instagram.com/perilladining?igsh=aXVoaXljeTFmbTli

448 Roman Rd, Old Ford, London E3 5LU

https://www.instagram.com/whathazshecooked__?igsh=eWlpcHFqYW02cTg0

https://www.instagram.com/jamieoliver?igsh=MWZqd2FncTR0MjNoNQ==

https://www.instagram.com/robbeckettcomic?igsh=NzJ1NWdlMTBsMWo2

https://www.instagram.com/_thebroadchare?igsh=ZmxiMG5rMGhkcWlq

From military bases to gyms to pubs and now to a bourbon bar, Ryan Sheehan has a plethora of stories up his sleeve. Growing up in Savannah, Georgia in the Deep South, Ryan has a passion for bourbon and his bar lies beneath Counter 71, a chef’s table restaurant in Shoreditch. Exploring bourbon, Ryan alongside Angela (his protege) has created a list of classic, historical and signature cocktails. One example of this is their old-fashioned washed with bacon fat and sweetened with maple syrup. 

Throughout our conversation, Ryan and I talked about his entrepreneurial drive; he has always loved his autonomy. Also, we touched on his resilience in relation to his work and personal life. Talking to a bartender, I always thought that alcohol would take the stage in terms of creativity and mixology. However, at Low Country, Ryan is also acutely interested and supportive of cultivating a unique variety of non-alcoholic options. 

I was captivated by Ryan’s outlook on his career and the twists and turns that one takes in the pursuit of ambition, necessity and eagerness to learn. I hope you enjoy this episode and with that, I would love to introduce you to Ryan Sheehan. 

I’m Stella and I’m gonna take you out for a drink. 

Mentions:

https://www.instagram.com/titsupamerica?igsh=ZTBwaTZyZGtlYXhj

https://www.instagram.com/lowcountrybar?igsh=MWdvd3dzcWllNzU1

https://www.instagram.com/counter_71?igsh=cTRjdDA0eDU5ajFp

https://www.instagram.com/angelak_unz?igsh=Z3FtcWFhb3RkbWNp

https://www.instagram.com/joe_laker?igsh=MWt6eXUyZ3c1ZTd2Ng==

https://www.instagram.com/coope82?igsh=MW92ZjBucXBqejB0cQ==

https://www.instagram.com/michaelrmiles?igsh=MTRoYzR1bXN3djE3bA==

https://www.instagram.com/thecrabtreew6?igsh=N2xjdmk5ZHkzbWxn

https://www.instagram.com/threespiritdrinks?igsh=MWp2dWJ3aGNidHdhNA==

https://www.instagram.com/seedlipdrinks?igsh=MTY5NDB3eHcwaHB0MQ==

https://www.instagram.com/charlottepatricia__?igsh=ZjB4aWptY2Vpb2Jr

https://www.instagram.com/makersmark?igsh=MWlsaTByNzRzcmJmYQ==

https://www.instagram.com/dram.ldn?igsh=cG5uOGh4MjZydzA0

https://www.instagram.com/thechristanner?igsh=b3NvZWx4cTMzajc1

https://www.instagram.com/threesheetsbars?igsh=MXJ2bWkwd2x1Ymgy

https://www.instagram.com/a_bar_with_shapes_for_a_name_?igsh=MWM2cnA5aDlmNDF3dg==

https://www.instagram.com/satans_whiskers?igsh=ems5aHZzM3Vzendu

https://www.instagram.com/coupettelondon?igsh=MWI1d3E4Z2hkbGd0aw==

https://www.instagram.com/tayer_elementary?igsh=MTByeDBnNDY2dzAwZw==

https://www.instagram.com/tayer_elementary?igsh=MTByeDBnNDY2dzAwZw==