Hi! I’m James.
A Food Writer, Author & Magazine Editor
Born on the Isle of Wight, I studied language and literature at the University of Iceland and University of Malmö in Sweden. I now write as a freelancer, specialising in food, travel and history – as well as working as a magazine food editor and creating my own books too (see below)
My Food Articles & Interviews
I’ve been a food writer since 2020, visiting chefs, bee-keepers, brewers and bakers. I have held quick-fire interviews with TV cook Rosemary Shrager and Michelin star chef Michel Roux Jnr. as well as sampling Japanese sake with a specialist in Asian spirits and learning about traditional Polish baking from an artisan master baker.
Take a look at my portfolio here
My Specialism: Historic Food
The things that really excite me are social history, different cuisines and foods with a fascinating backstory. I’m especially passionate about Britain, the Balkans and Turkey and exploring their culinary and multi-cultural histories. I’m also self-taught (albeit shakily) in Albanian, Turkish and Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian which allows for deeper research and a better understanding of their varied cuisines.
My Books
The Isle of Wight’s Missing Chapter (2019) – My first book uncovers the forgotten Asian, African and Caribbean history of the Isle of Wight and explores some of the Island’s overlooked minority residents, including Jamaican artists’ model Fanny Eaton and Sri Lankan cricketer Alfred Holsinger.
Historic Isle of Wight Food (2021) – This book takes a tour through the lost world of historic Isle of Wight food, exploring the stories behind some of the Island’s most iconic food products. Find out more here
James Rayner 