‘Rustle Up’ with recipes from Walthamstow resident Laura Rowe

Walthamstow resident Laura Rowe releases her latest recipe book alongside co-author Rhiannon Batten, with healthy and easy to prepare meals that will make the most reluctant cook feel like a master chef.

Laura Rowe kindly gave WoW an insight into her background in food publication and life in Walthamstow.

Laura Rowe grew up in the Cotswolds, and has lived in Walthamstow for 4 years. She has been a journalist for 15 years, and has edited award-winning food magazines for 10 years, including Crumbs and olive Magazine. Her first book ‘Taste: The infographic book of food’ was published in 2015, across 13 countries and multiple languages. Laura is also Content Marketing Lead at Ocado, and looks after their award-winning monthly magazine, social media and of course – recipes.

WoW: What inspired you to write Rustle Up?

LR: My travel editor at olive magazine, Rhiannon, and I both got made redundant in the pandemic. Rhiannon had a brilliant idea after her husband went camping with her two young boys. She had condensed some recipes down to a paragraph for him to follow easily while he was away. She asked me to join her in writing the book and it’s been a joy!

WoW: Where are your favourite places to go in Walthamstow?

LR: – I love God’s Own Junkyard and the breweries surrounding it. There’s such a great sense of community round there and I love trying the latest brews, sitting on a step chasing the sun. I’m obviously a bit obsessed with food and so I’m spoilt with the shops and restaurants in the area. I love Eat17 for trying new, small and independent (often local) brands. Akdeniz Supermarket on Hoe Street is wonderful for big bunches of herbs, feta cheese, thick Greek yogurt and every kind of pulse, beans, seeds, pasta, rice and spice. I’m obsessed with the Yard Sale Pizza collabs – such interesting flavour combos, perfectly chewy crusts. Love the classic tonkotsu ramen at Tonkotsu and adore the hand-pulled Uyghur noodles at Etles. Then for wine, you’ll find me exploring the natural and biodynamic wines at Forest Wines and Gnarly Vines. My favourite pubs are the Nags Head – love the atmosphere, the music and landlady are great, and the food is lovely too. Last year I had a membership at Orford House Social Club. The members are so welcoming and cheery – they have brilliant karaoke and disco nights, and we’ve always had such fun there.

WoW: What advice would you give to other Walthamstow residents who are thinking about pursuing an entrepreneurial passion?

LR: I’d lean into the incredibly creative and supportive local community! There are so many people doing wonderful things in Waltham Forest – ask for advice, help or support, and they will come!