About

In this talk, Dr Peter Ross, Principal Librarian at London's Guildhall Library, will explore the culinary landscape of Georgian London, from street food stalls to elegant dining rooms, offering a tantalising glimpse in to the vibrant food culture of that time.

Find out how the famous Maids of Honour confectioners on Kew Road played a crucial role in satisfying the Georgians' seemingly insatiable appetite for buns and pastries.

Roaming 'virtually' through Georgian London, Dr Ross will reveal the eating habits of the era: from early morning drinks consumed on the street before dawn, 'nunchions' served at coaching inns, the Jewish takeaway foods of the East End, syllabubs and ices and the exotic spices and flavours from London's first Indian restaurant.

Through prints, paintings and newspapers of the period, Dr Ross will conjure the sights, smells and tastes of Georgian London where food was not just sustenance but a reflection of culture, status and social life.

Dr Ross has lectured for more than 20 years on London history, appearing on TV and radio as a consultant on the history of English food. His most recent publlication, The Curiouos Cookbook, is published by the British Library.