Much-loved chef and food writer Rick Stein paid a visit to Oswestry to promote his latest cookbook to a sold-out audience at The Holroyd Community Theatre.

Rick visited the theatre, situated on the outskirts of Oswestry, to discuss his new cookbook ‘Rick Stein at Home. Recipes, memories and stories from a food lover’s kitchen’.

Taking audience members on a culinary journey, Rick talked about the joys and comforts of his beloved home kitchen, as well as talking through the dishes he most enjoys cooking for friends and family throughout the year.

He said: “It was a pleasure to pay another visit to Oswestry and provide a glimpse into what goes on in my kitchen at home. Given the past year, it’s probably little surprise this book focuses on home cooking, considering that’s where we’ve spent the bulk of the past 18 months.

“Lockdown became, for me, a time to remember the joy of regular cooking at home in a world where the almost limitless possibilities of modern life had suddenly been shut down – that’s what this book really centres on, it’s the joy of being able to go back to basics.”

Joining forces with Booka Bookshop in Oswestry, audience members from across the region filled the newly-built, modern theatre, all keen to hear Rick discuss his passion for all things culinary and also have an opportunity to ask any questions and purchase a signed copy of his new book.

Carrie Morris of Booka Bookshop commented ”Fantastic to host our first event at the new Holroyd Community Theatre – how wonderful to have a first-class venue on our doorstep.  We are looking forward to hosting many more events.”

Situated in Weston Rhyn, The Holroyd is fast becoming a cultural flagship for North Shropshire and the Welsh Borders, offering a wide range of performances, talks, workshops, academies and much more.

Michael Jenkins, Commercial Director for the theatre, added: “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome Rick Stein to The Holroyd – he is just one of the many exciting names that we have had lined up to give a talk or performance at our exciting new venue.

“It’s also been fantastic to work alongside Booka Bookshop to bring this event to Oswestry – this is just the first of many collaborations between us and the brilliant Booka team.”

To view The Holroyd’s upcoming programme of events, visit: www.theholroydtheatre.co.uk