Borough Talks

Claudia Boyer, co-founder of Jenki, joins Giulia Crouch to taste some of the matcha bar’s signature drinks and chat about the heritage and craft of Japanese matcha production, the factors that determine its quality, and how its slow release of caffeine is meeting a cultural moment.

Joel Ferrer, founder of La Pepiá, joins Giulia Crouch to taste some of his stall’s Venezuelan salsas. They chat about sourcing produce from his fellow traders, the ethics of avocado consumption, and how his inventive approach to arepas – the traditional South American cornbread – has helped broaden their appeal.

Andy Oliver, chef and co-owner of Thai bar and grill Kolae, joins Giulia Crouch to taste some the restaurant’s vibrantly flavoured dishes. They chat about the complexity of southern Thai cuisine, balancing authenticity with local sourcing, and accommodating spice-averse palates without compromising on heat.

Ewa Weremij, owner of Bianca Mora, joins Giulia Crouch to taste products from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy and chat about two-hour lunch breaks, the Slow Food movement, and how time is an essential ingredient of the very best parmesan and balsamic vinegar.

Tim Siadatan, chef-owner of Padella, joins Giulia Crouch to taste some of the restaurant’s signature dishes and chat about our universal love of pasta, his perspective on Italian ‘rules’, and how a simple plate of Tuscan tomatoes shaped his life.