Kitchens

As you might imagine, our bijou Brighton home has a bijou kitchen. But it contains everything that one needs.

Oven, hob, big fridge, washing-up machine, washing machine, microwave, sink, and a reasonable amount of cupboard space. We also have a separate outdoor larder. I'm not complaining.

Some of the nicest kitchens I've known have been small and primitive. A very good friend of ours, who lived in a huge chateau, had a two ring, bottled gas, camping stove, and an old wood-fired oven. She was a superb cook, but her kitchen was from the dark ages. It never held her back!

On a TV country home search programme that I occasionally watch, I am stunned by people who, having been shown a very large and over-equipped modern kitchen, declare it to be too small, not light enough, or doesn't have the right type of island. 

WHO ARE these people? One has to presume they are women who don't cook, but just want a kitchen to flaunt in front of their friends or family. A good cook can always work, and produce gourmet food, in even the tiniest of spaces. Some of the most memorable meals I've ever had have been from outdoor kitchens. Rusty BBQ, old table for preparation, bottle opener, and good company.