In this special live episode from the Cooking Over Fire stage at Abergavenny Food Festival, chef James Golding is joined by writer, BBQ chef and author Melissa Thompson.

As she prepares a Crispy Pork Belly dish from her latest cookbook, Fired Up, Melissa shares her passion for cooking over fire, why barbecue should be enjoyed year-round, and how her love of food, culture and storytelling has shaped her career. The pair discuss the inspiration behind her cookbook, the power of bold flavours, and the role of pure Canadian maple syrup and maple vinegar in balancing sweet, savoury and tart notes.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation celebrating outdoor cooking, flavour and food stories from around the world.

Follow https://www.instagram.com/melissafood/ and Maple from Canada UK www.instagram.com/maplecanadauk/ for more seasonal recipe inspiration.

Melissa's BBQ cookbook 'Fired Up' can be purchased here.

In the first episode of Season 6, James is joined by Thuy Diem Pham, a British-Vietnamese chef, author, and television personality. She is best known as the former restaurateur behind The Little Viet Kitchen in London, and for publishing acclaimed cookbooks including The Little Viet Kitchen and Vietnamese Made Easy. Her latest cookbook, One Pan Vietnam, was released in February 2026.

Thuy shares how her Vietnamese heritage and upbringing have influenced her cooking from childhood to today, and the pivotal role played by the women she grew up around, particularly her mother. Family is a recurring theme throughout the conversation, with Thuy reflecting that she dedicated her second cookbook, Vietnamese Made Easy: Simple, Modern Recipes for Every Day, to her son.

The conversation also explores Thuy's journey of inspiration through the world of food, from the lessons and triumphs of opening her former restaurant, The Little Viet Kitchen, to authoring acclaimed cookbooks and sharing her passion for authentic Vietnamese cooking. Thuy also discusses her exciting ideas on how pure Canadian maple syrup can be incorporated into Vietnamese recipes, future projects, and her desire to see Vietnamese food represented more authentically.

Follow https://www.instagram.com/chef_thuy_pham/ and Maple from Canada UK www.instagram.com/maplecanadauk/ for more seasonal recipe inspiration.

Thuy's latest cookbook 'One Pan Vietnam' can be purchased here.

In this episode, host James Golding sits down with acclaimed Welsh chef Owen Morgan, co-founder of the award-winning 44 Group, for a vibrant, flavour-packed conversation full of passion for Spanish food and culture. From unforgettable childhood food memories in Spain to building a thriving restaurant empire, Owen shares the moments that shaped his journey and the philosophy behind his bold, ingredient-led cooking rooted in seasonality and a true sense of place.

Get ready for lots of inspiration as the conversation explodes with creative flavour combinations, including the unexpected magic of pure Canadian maple syrup in savoury Spanish dishes. Owen reveals how its rich, complex sweetness elevates roasted vegetables, cured meats, and so much more, showing how this iconic ingredient is far more than just a topping for pancakes. Owen also takes listeners behind the scenes of cooking live on television and the real effort it takes to bring a cookbook to life.

With energy, honesty and wisdom, Owen tackles the realities of modern hospitality, from rising costs to leading and inspiring teams in a fast-moving industry. Packed with insight, excitement, and culinary creativity, this episode is a must for anyone who loves food, drink, and the thrill of the restaurant world.

You can find more about 44 Group here https://grupo44.co.uk/bar44/

For more seasonal recipe inspiration using pure Canadian maple syrup, follow Maple from Canada UK: www.instagram.com/maplecanadauk/ or visit the website https://www.maplefromcanada.co.uk/