The Sportsman

This is a beautiful and absorbing book with evocative photographs. Having very much enjoyed Stephen Harris's column in the Telegraph I expected the recipes to be more accessible to the home cook. I am a fairly adventurous and keen home cook but I can honestly say that there are very few recipes in this which I feel inclined to tackle at home. Many call either for hard to find local ingredients or specialist equipment (I don't really want to add a smoker to my gadgets but maybe I am wrong) or ask for restaurant quantities of e.g. Duck fat. I am giving this four stars because it is written with integrity and feeling and because there is much to be learned from it about simplifying and refining great food but, unlike Simon Hopkinson and Raymond Blanc (two of my favourite self taught chefs who write brilliantly for the home cook) I don't see this making it from the shelf into my kitchen. But so long as you are aware of what you are getting I would recommend it.

On first reading this book looks at least as good as anticipated; and it has been long anticipated. Well worthy of Stephen Harris, this is a beautifully put together, considered approach to his own story, that of The Sportsman, his cooking philosophy, and some fabulous recipes. Stephen Harris is unquestionably the best food writer in the U.K. and the Sportsman itself deserves every accolade it gets.

Unusually autobiographical cookbook. Very well thought out and put together. The life of a man completely at one with his own surroundings. The use of the local terroir verges on a holistic religion. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Great book, great restaurant...Not really to used as a recipe book...it is very advanced.Big on inspiration though...

Excellent book, very casual no pretentious cooking, looking forward to visiting the restaurant.

Beautifully written and illustrated. Much much more than a recipe book. We visited the Sportsman and it did not disappoint!

Great book. Been to the sportsman a few times. Good to read how he started out and all the old pictures. Recipes are quite easy to follow, I like the home cured bacon. A nice down to earth fella and an ex punk. What’s not to like

Fantastic book well worth getting.

Lovely book, great recipes, good writing and not just a cook book but a well written history of a great chef and restaurant.

very good and interesting

Superb book, insightful, creative & stunning food.

Excellent book.

Fabulous book and my favourite restaurant!!

Some great recipes with an almost travelogue of Whitstable/Seasalter! Loved it

Beautiful book from an excellent restaurant