Before the Hob — British Food History
A Behind the Hob project

The stories behind the food on our tables.

Discover the people, ingredients, journeys and traditions that shaped British food history.

Explore the stories
From the archive

Latest stories

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The first stories are being prepared. Check back soon.

Ingredient journeys

More than what’s on the plate.

Follow familiar ingredients through trade, migration, invention and changing tastes.

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The newsletter

A little food history for your inbox.

Read collected editions featuring stories and overlooked corners of Britain's culinary past.

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“Every dish has a story.”