After half a decade shooting cooking content at home, a Sunday Times Bestseller and 98,000 Substack subscribers later, Ben Lippett decided it was time for a new space. Earlier last week we visited him at his new studio in South London where he showed us around the location for his next 10 years of shooting.

You’ve been shooting content at home for a long time, when did you decide it was time to move into a studio?

When your commute is from your bed to your kitchen table, things can start to get a little claustrophobic. 

I also felt myself getting a little stifled, creatively. 

A new space can really open you up again. I'd been working at home for years and wanted to grow into a new space, and at the same time, the team is getting bigger so naturally, we need more room and somewhere to meet and work. A space in Peckham came up, and we jumped on it!

Where does an idea for a new book start, can one recipe spark an entire book?

Well, I've only had two so far, but in my experience it's about problem solving. What is this book offering the reader? Is it useful? When would a reader pick it up and how long would they spend with it? You can have a million wild ideas, but ultimately, picking up a book and cooking from it should be nourishing for the reader, in more ways than one. Whether it's knowledge gained, skills mastered, reading beautiful writing or turning out a very delicious plate of food, I think you've got to hit at least two of these for the book to be worth it. 

Your new series “Stage” brings you back into working in professional kitchens with chefs like Elliot Hashtroudi, do you miss the rush of kitchen service?

God, yes, I really miss it! I have been thinking about returning to the industry an awful lot, lately. Stage is a great way for me to get back on the line but also to show off some of the best food in the city and meet the people behind it. 

What makes a good pot, pan or knife - do you often find yourself reaching for the same tools?

Longevity and quality are paramount. I like kitchen equipment to have some heft to it and I only want to buy it once. Good stuff costs money, but if you play your cards right, they'll last you an awfully long time.