Best English, Scottish & Welsh Cooking & Wine Books of 2026

The "Plenty: Vibrant Vegetable Recipes from London's Ottolenghi" cookbook by Yotam Ottolenghi is a must-have for every home cook, whether you are a meat-eater or a vegetarian. The book features 120 exciting and fresh vegetarian recipes that will become mainstays in your cooking repertoire. Ottolenghi's approach to vegetable dishes is wholly original and innovative, based on freshness and seasonality, and drawn from diverse food cultures represented in London. With a vibrant photo accompanying every recipe, this visually stunning cookbook is an indispensable addition to any home library. The book's unique flavors and surprising ingredient combinations will make you fall in love with vegetables all over again.

The Official Downton Abbey Afternoon Tea Cookbook: Teatime Drinks, Scones, Savories & Sweets is an elegant cookbook that captures the essence of teatime at Downton Abbey with classic recipes for sweets and savories, etiquette notes, tea service know-how, and lavish imagery to recreate this British tradition. This charming cookbook features a detailed narrative history and extols the proper decorum for teatime service, from tea gowns and tearooms to preparing and serving tea. The gorgeous food photographs and character quotes bring the characters of Downton Abbey to life in contemporary times. Overall, this cookbook is a must-have for fans of the PBS series and anglophiles alike who want to stage every stylish element of this cultural staple of British society at home.

Gordon Ramsay's Healthy, Lean & Fit: Mouthwatering Recipes to Fuel You for Life is a comprehensive guide to eating well for optimum health and fitness. The book offers 108 delicious recipes divided into three sections, each highlighting different health-boosting benefits. The Healthy section provides nourishing recipes, the Lean section encourages healthy weight loss, and the Fit section features recipes to fuel your next workout. Gordon Ramsay's recipes prove that healthy food doesn't have to compromise on taste and flavor. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone who wants to improve their health through delicious and nutritious meals.

The National Trust Book of Scones is a delightful and quirky guide to 50 National Trust properties and their accompanying scone recipes. Sarah Clelland has curated a collection of 50 recipes from National Trust experts, providing readers with a range of delicious scone options. The book is perfect for history lovers and foodies alike, as it combines fascinating facts about each property with mouth-watering recipes. The book is a must-have for anyone looking to indulge in a bit of baking and history.

The Primary Ninja Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners is a great addition to any kitchen, especially for those who are new to cooking. The book offers easy-to-follow recipes with clear instructions and budget-friendly ingredients. From nutritious breakfasts to mouthwatering main dishes and luscious sauces, this cookbook has it all. The air fryer recipes are perfect for those who want to eat healthy without sacrificing taste. This book is a must-have for anyone looking to cook more meals at home and enjoy delicious treats effortlessly.

Celtic Folklore Cooking by Joanne Asala is a must-have for anyone interested in Celtic culture or looking for traditional recipes to celebrate the Sabbats and Esbats. Asala gathered over 200 recipes during her trips to Ireland, Britain, Scotland, and Wales, many passed down through generations. Each recipe includes ancient and modern holidays associated with the dish, making it easy to choose the perfect fare for the season. The book also includes food-related proverbs, poems, tales, and customs. Whether you're a solitary practitioner or part of a group, this book is a great resource for delicious, traditional Celtic dishes.

Tea at the Palace: A Cookbook by Carolyn Robb is a delightful cookbook with 50 delicious tea-time treats inspired by twelve of Britain’s best-loved royal palaces and castles. The former royal chef presents classic recipes with a modern twist that rely on seasonal ingredients and have easy-to-follow instructions for cooks of every skill level. The cookbook is filled with beautiful food imagery and inspiration for serving an afternoon tea fit for a Queen, making it a perfect addition to any home baker's library. Overall, this cookbook is a must-have for anyone who loves tea-time treats and wants to create something spectacular.

The Great British Baking Show: Love to Bake by Quercus is a delectable collection of recipes from the series, featuring contributions from Paul Hollywood, Prue Leith, and the 2020 bakers. This book reminds us that baking is an expression of love, celebration, and togetherness. From impressive occasion cakes to stunning bakes for gatherings, the book offers a wide range of recipes, including Chai Crackle Cookies, Sticky Pear & Cinnamon Buns, and Raspberry & Salted Caramel Eclairs. The judges' recipes and the contestants' lifelong favorites will hone your baking skills. Overall, this book is a must-have for bakers who love to create delicious, impressive, and heartwarming treats for their loved ones.

The Sourdough School: The Ground-Breaking Guide to Making Gut-Friendly Bread is a comprehensive guide that teaches the secrets of healthy and easily digestible breadmaking. Vanessa Kimbell, the expert author, shares her knowledge and skills to create delicious sourdough loaves, from creating your own starter to experimenting with different flavors. The book includes step-by-step photography, detailed instructions, and specialist advice to make artisan baking a timeless craft. The book is highly recommended for bakers who want to achieve the perfect crust and tangy flavor of homemade sourdough bread while taking care of their gut health.

The British Baking Book is a meticulously researched and beautifully written cookbook that delves into the history and heritage of British baking. With over 100 recipes ranging from cakes and biscuits to tarts and pies, this book offers a guided tour of Britain’s best baking. The author, Regula Ysewijn, expertly details the landscape, history, ingenuity, and legends that have made British baking a worldwide phenomenon. The book also includes recipes with a sense of place heritage, making it a unique addition to any baking collection. Overall, The British Baking Book is a must-have for anyone interested in the history and evolution of British baking.