The queen of baking

Ahead of her appearance at Hampton Court Palace Food Festival, Sophie Farrah catches up with Bake Off star Nadiya Hussain

I will always remember the moment that Nadiya won The Great British Bake Off in 2015 and her emotional acceptance speech that ended with the inspiring words “I’m never gonna say ‘I don’t think I can.’ I can, and I will!” And she most certainly did. 

Renowned for her sparkling personality, wit and warmth, Nadiya has since gone from strength to strength and is now an established, award-winning and hugely influential chef, author and television presenter, and this month she is taking to the stage at Hampton Court Palace Food Festival, appearing alongside the likes of Michel Roux Jr, Melissa Hemsley and more. 

“Wow, when you put it like that it sounds crazy,” she beams.

“Life has been a whirlwind but I’m loving it and doing things I would never have expected three years ago. Writing books, filming TV series and lots more.” 

In addition to presenting her own cookery show and co-presenting another, Nadiya was also nominated for an RTS (Royal Television Society) Award as Breakthrough Presenter for The Chronicles of Nadiya, which saw her travel the globe, exploring the recipes that shaped her love of cooking. Another significant achievement closer to home came in 2016 when she was invited to create none other than the Queen’s 90th birthday cake. No pressure there then… 

“It was a real honour and something I’ll never forget,” she says. “At first I thought it was a prank that I’d been asked!” 

When she’s not busy cooking for the Queen, Nadiya is a family woman and family cook through and through, and her latest project is testament to this: this summer sees the release of her brand new cookery series, Nadiya’s Family Favourites, along with an accompanying cookbook of the same name. 

“It’s a collection of recipes that my family love, and ones that I’ve developed and tested on them and that they’ve come to love,” she smiles. 

Plans are already afoot for next year too with the release of her first picture book titled My Monster and Me, which deals with panic disorder and childhood anxiety, but first, this month’s Hampton Court Palace Food Festival is calling. Set over the bank holiday weekend, this three-day feast is held in the spectacular gardens of the former home of one of history’s most notorious foodies, King Henry VIII and is set to delight all food lovers, Nadiya included. 

“I’ve never been to Hampton Court before so I’m looking forward to seeing the venue, but I also love the vibe of demonstrating live and meeting all the fantastic festival goers, and tasting lots of yummy food too,” she enthuses.

“I’m going to be cooking some recipes from the new book – you’ll have to come along to find out which ones!” 

Hampton Court Palace Food Festival takes place over the bank holiday weekend, 25–27 August; tickets cost £19.20, child £9.60 including entry to the palace. Book online at hrpfoodfestivals.com or by calling 0844 581 1366

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