Food & Diet
Dig into objects, stories and blogs that shine a light on food and diet through London’s history.
Blogs-And-Stories
Ramadan in London: In search of ingredients from home
Ramadan intensifies the longing for familiar home-cooked meals for many migrant Muslims in London
‘We Are What We Eat’: An exploration of food in prison
Members of the Prison Art Group at HMP Pentonville present an honest account of prison food and call for change
Baby bottles from Roman London
These tiny baby bottles provide a rare insight into the culinary world of Roman infants and toddlers
In search of East End food on Roman Road
Where pie and mash meets biryani and dal puri
Steeped in history: Tea drinking in Britain
The history of tea in Britain is deeply entwined with colonial histories of sugar and the East India Co.
Syrian booza in London: A Damascene ice cream made with soul
Levant café brings the traditional Syrian ice cream to London, creating a space that gives one a sense of home and identity
Pleasure gardens: London’s early restaurants?
London’s thriving restaurant scene has roots in these hedonistic spaces of music and entertainment
Food rationing & wartime trading at Sainsbury’s
From food rationing to setting up emergency shops, here’s how Sainsbury’s operated during First & Second World Wars
Chicken Curries & Johnny Cakes: The diversity of Caribbean food
Two Londoners of Caribbean heritage share their culinary perspectives
Stanley Green: The protein man of Oxford Street
Protein was the problem for this solo campaigner – a regular London sight for 25 years
19-century bake-off! A 'ginger cake’ recipe with a twist
We made some amazing muffins based on a 19th-century recipe in our collection. Why not give it a go yourself?
A history of Londoners’ relationship with food & drink
Look through our collections to explore the stories they tell, and what’s their relevance to Londoners today
How Sainsbury's packaging evolved over 150 years
From paper bags to pop art, what influenced design changes at Sainsbury’s
The first British wine was made in north London
Roman vino from the border of Barnet and Harrow
Fast food & feasts: Where did Tudor Londoners eat out?
Meat pies, alehouse snacks and boiled sheep’s feet sold on the streets
