Food & Drink notes

East side story; Local hero; bread of heaven; a mug's game

East side story

East side story

At the Feast East food show next Friday and Saturday, Essex is fielding more fine food producers than any other East Anglian county. Facing Heaven Chilli Co, Wicks Manor Pork, Coles trad puds and Maldon Oysters are among 50 stalls, joined by Suffolk's Stock Farm juices (below) and much more. Chilford Hall, Linton, Cambs, 01473 785883, admission £3.

Local hero

A chef who starts his glossy hymn to regional food by saying he never wanted to write a self-conscious, cheffy recipe book is instantly endearing. Claiming that 90 per cent of good cooking is good shopping, Terry Laybourne, who comes from the North-east, has journeyed through the region, eulogising the corn miller, herring smoker, Lindisfarne oyster rearer and Blue Grey cattle farmer and giving recipes along the way. Titled 'Quest for Taste', it's £25 from bookshops, or plus £5 p&p from www.questfortaste.co.uk.

Bread of heaven

The first UK branch of the Brussels bakery Le Pain Quotidien has arrived in Marylebone High Street. Loaves of artisan sourdough, wholewheat and nut breads, baguettes, brioches and croissants are set to take those from Paul and Poilâne head on. It's pricey - up to £8 for a 2kg loaf - but £3.45 buys some beautifully packaged organic preserve. You can eat in the handsome café too. 72-75 Marylebone High Street, London W1 (020-7486 6154)

A mug's game

For confirmed cafetière users, these mugs designed by Sebastian Conran (eldest son of Sir T), let the lone coffee drinker take the plunge without the palaver of getting the glass jug out for just one cup. It makes sense - we're drinking more coffee and more and more of us are living on our own. The mugs have a filter on the inside so you make the coffee in the cup, and as they're better insulated than most mugs, the coffee's still hot when you've come out of the shower. And, once it's brewed, it's less of a grind to clean out. Available now for £4.95 - if you want one in orange or lime green go to John Lewis stores ( www.johnlewis.com/08456 049049), the pink or blue mugs are also stocked by other department and kitchen stores.