Starting again at 40, with Eleanor Cording-Booth

My travel, food and interiors inspirations, why I moved from Italy to London, and my experience with late pregnancy loss: I chat about it all on Maria Le Mesurier Podcast. Plus, a little life update._Follow Maria on @marialemesurierMaria Le Mesurier Podcast is both on Spotify and Apple PodcastFollow me on @thevenetianpantryFollow the show @spillingtea_podcast to see snippets of the conversations and related contentShop my homeware range on thevenetianpantry.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thevenetianpantry.substack.com/subscribe

Beth is the creative force behind Imperfect Interiors. With a background in fashion and no formal training in interior design, she's built one of the UK's most admired design studios, earning a place in The Expert's Top 40 International Interior Designers for the past three years, as well as featuring in countless publications. Many of you may also recognise her from the much-loved Grand Designs episode documenting the renovation of her own East Dulwich home.In this episode, we talk about imposter syndrome, why growing bigger isn't always the same as growing better, and what it means to define success on your own terms. We also explore Beth's collaboration with furniture maker Pilgrim, which led to a collection of beautifully crafted, semi-customisable furniture, as well as a range of nine timeless paint colours inspired by Petworth House.Follow Beth on:Instagram @imperfectinteriorsWebsite imperfectinteriors.co.uk_Behind the scenes and recipes on my SubstackFollow me on @thevenetianpantryFollow the show @spillingtea_podcast to see snippets of the conversations and related contentShop my homeware range on thevenetianpantry.com_On this episode, we drink Avantcha's Green Earl Grey_This episode is generously sponsored by Avantcha.If you’ve been listening for a while, you’ll know I’m a little evangelical about their teas. Avantcha’s collection spans almost 170 varieties — from elevated classics like Majestic Earl Grey (my absolute favourite) to rare small-batch leaves sourced directly from producers around the world. And if you don't know where to start, may I suggest their Silk Teabag Explorer box, a selection of 16 of their best-selling flavours.You can explore the full range on Avantcha's website and get 15% off your order with the code SPILLINGTEA15.Find out more at Avantcha.co.uk This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thevenetianpantry.substack.com/subscribe

Emily is the founder of Den and the face behind the Instagram account @doingupden. An interior architect by training, she is on a mission to make home renovation feel less intimidating, helping people make better decisions, avoid costly mistakes and create homes that truly reflect the people living in them. We also chat about building a business from scratch, community, and the surprising skills she is learning in preparation for the apocalypse.Follow Emily on:Instagram @doingupdenWebsite yourden.com_Behind the scenes and recipes on my SubstackFollow me on @thevenetianpantryFollow the show @spillingtea_podcast to see snippets of the conversations and related contentShop my homeware range on thevenetianpantry.com_On this episode, we drink Avantcha's Cinnamon Pu Ehr_This episode is generously sponsored by Avantcha.If you’ve been listening for a while, you’ll know I’m a little evangelical about their teas. Avantcha’s collection spans almost 170 varieties — from elevated classics like Majestic Earl Grey (my absolute favourite) to rare small-batch leaves sourced directly from producers around the world. And if you don't know where to start, may I suggest their Silk Teabag Explorer box, a selection of 16 of their best-selling flavours.You can explore the full range on Avantcha's website and get 15% off your order with the code SPILLINGTEA15.Find out more at Avantcha.co.uk This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thevenetianpantry.substack.com/subscribe

Eleanor Cording-Booth is an interiors writer and creative consultant whose work has appeared in House & Garden, British Vogue, Cabana Magazine and the Evening Standard. Shortly after turning forty and getting engaged, Eleanor found herself unexpectedly single, navigating the end of her eleven-year relationship. In this episode, we talk about heartbreak, starting over, and how losing the life you thought you'd have can sometimes be the beginning of something even better.Follow Eleanor on:Instagram @aconsideredspaceSubstack @eleanorcordingbooth_Behind the scenes and recipes on my SubstackFollow me on @thevenetianpantryFollow the show @spillingtea_podcast to see snippets of the conversations and related contentShop my homeware range on thevenetianpantry.com_On this episode, we drink Avantcha's Jasmine Phoenix Pearls_This episode is generously sponsored by Avantcha.If you’ve been listening for a while, you’ll know I’m a little evangelical about their teas. Avantcha’s collection spans almost 170 varieties — from elevated classics like Majestic Earl Grey (my absolute favourite) to rare small-batch leaves sourced directly from producers around the world. And if you don't know where to start, may I suggest their Silk Teabag Explorer box, a selection of 16 of their best-selling flavours.You can explore the full range on Avantcha's website and get 15% off your order with the code SPILLINGTEA15.Find out more at Avantcha.co.uk This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thevenetianpantry.substack.com/subscribe

Franky is the founder and CEO of Jolie Studio – an international interior design practice focusing on creating immersive spaces that appeal to all five senses.Follow Franky on:Instagram @frankyrousell or @joliestudioltdwww.wearejolie.com_Behind the scenes and recipes on my SubstackFollow me on @thevenetianpantryFollow the show @spillingtea_podcast to see snippets of the conversations and related contentShop my homeware range on thevenetianpantry.com_On this episode, we drink Avantcha’s Milk Oolong_This episode is generously sponsored by Avantcha.If you’ve been listening for a while, you’ll know I’m a little evangelical about their teas. Avantcha’s collection spans almost 170 varieties — from elevated classics like Majestic Earl Grey (my absolute favourite) to rare small-batch leaves sourced directly from producers around the world. And if you don't know where to start, may I suggest their Silk Teabag Explorer box, a selection of 16 of their best-selling flavours.You can explore the full range on Avantcha's website and get 15% off your order with the code SPILLINGTEA15.Find out more at Avantcha.co.uk This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thevenetianpantry.substack.com/subscribe

Sally Gurteen is a tea expert, writer, cook extraordinaire, and Avantcha's marketing manager. She is also my foodiest friend. The first half of the conversation is a true tea masterclass: from how tea is classified and where it comes from, to practical tips for storage, favourite blends from the Avantcha collection, and how Sally brings tea into the kitchen through both sweet and savoury recipes.The second half explores Sally’s personal relationship with food and tea, deeply influenced by her grandmother Celia and reflected in her Substack publication. The conversation ranges joyfully from dating stories and “millennial men-oirs” to Jungian archetypes, a 92-year-old neighbour, and even the mitochondrial Eve.A lively, generous, endlessly curious exchange — and a celebration of Sally’s humour, warmth, and zest for life._Follow Sally on:Instagram @sally_gurteenSubstack Celia by Sally Gurteen_Behind the scenes and recipes on my SubstackFollow me on @thevenetianpantryFollow the show @spillingtea_podcast to see snippets of the conversations and related contentShop my homeware range on thevenetianpantry.com_This episode is generously sponsored by Avantcha.If you’ve been listening for a while, you’ll know I’m a little evangelical about their teas. Avantcha’s collection spans almost 170 varieties — from elevated classics like Majestic Earl Grey (my absolute favourite) to rare small-batch leaves sourced directly from producers around the world. And if you don't know where to start, may I suggest their Silk Teabag Explorer box, a selection of 16 of their best-selling flavours.You can explore the full range on Avantcha's website and get 15% off your order with the code SPILLINGTEA15.Find out more at Avantcha.co.uk.On this episode, we drink Avantcha’s Jasmin Silver NeedleOther teas we mention:Majestic Earl Grey — Bergamot-perfumed classic, perfect brewed or folded into desserts.Da Xue Shan Wild Tree Black Tea — Ancient wild-tree black tea from Yunnan, rich, wild and heroic — the one we poured during the show.Noël — A festive, spiced, comfort-cup for winter nights.Honeybush Chocolate — Cozy, pastry-like, soft chocolate + almond notes.Organic Lapsang Bai Mu Dan — Smoked white tea: pine-smoke, honeyed depth, brilliant in cooking.Matcha — Bright, green, classic morning ritual.Organic Hojicha — Roasted, nutty comfortable-evening tea. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thevenetianpantry.substack.com/subscribe

Travel journalist and author Gina Jackson shares her journey into the industry, her top three UK boutique hotels, the story behind her book deals, and her approach to honest reviewing.About the guest:Gina Jackson is a London-based journalist, photographer and editor specialising in travel, hotels and destination storytelling. Known for her honest, design-led approach, Gina contributes regularly to Condé Nast Traveller UK, The Times, The Telegraph, House & Garden, and other international titles. She is the author of two acclaimed books—British Boutique Hotels and London Hotels—both published by Hoxton Mini Press. Through her newsletter Gina’s Journal and social platform @ginagoesto, she shares expertly curated hotel reviews, interior inspirations and travel adventures.In our conversation, we talked about Gina’s journey, from studying classics at Cambridge to becoming one of the UK’s most trusted voices in boutique travel.She shares her top three hotels in the UK, how she maintains transparency and honesty with her audience whilst writing her reviews, the process behind pitching and publishing her first book, and her experience growing her platform through Substack._Follow Gina on:Instagram @ginagoestoSubstack Gina's JournalBuy Gina’s first book, British Boutique Hotels, published by Hoxton Mini Press (aff link)Gina’s second book: London Hotels (aff link)_Behind the scenes and recipes on my SubstackFollow me on @thevenetianpantryFollow the show @spillingtea_podcast to see snippets of the conversations and related contentShop my homeware range on thevenetianpantry.com_This episode is generously sponsored by Avantcha.If you’ve been listening for a while, you’ll know I’m a little evangelical about their teas. Avantcha’s collection spans over a hundred varieties — from elevated classics like Majestic Earl Grey (my absolute favourite) to rare small-batch leaves sourced directly from producers around the world. And if you don't know where to start, may I suggest their Silk Teabag Explorer box, a selection of 16 of their best-selling flavours.You can explore the full range on Avantcha's website and get 15% off your order with the code SPILLINGTEA15.Find out more at Avantcha.co.ukOn this episode, we drink Avantcha’s Da Xue Shan Wild Tree Black Tea This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thevenetianpantry.substack.com/subscribe

Chef, food stylist and author Olivia Cavalli joins me for tea to talk about her Italian roots, her grandparents’ love story that began in Wales, and the winding path that took her from The Telegraph to restaurant kitchens — and eventually, to writing her beautiful debut cookbook Stagioni.Follow Olivia on:Instagram: @olivia_cavalliWebsite: Olivia CavalliBook: Stagioni: Contemporary Italian Cooking to Enjoy Every Season (HarperCollins, 2022)_Behind the scenes and recipes on my SubstackFollow me on @thevenetianpantryShop my homeware range on thevenetianpantry.com_This episode is generously sponsored by Avantcha.If you’ve been listening for a while, you’ll know I’m a little evangelical about their teas. Avantcha’s collection spans over a hundred varieties — from elevated classics like Majestic Earl Grey (my absolute favourite) to rare small-batch leaves sourced directly from producers around the world. And if you don't know where to start, may I suggest their Silk Teabag Explorer box, a selection of 16 of their best-selling flavours.You can explore the full range on Avantcha's website and get 15% off your order with the code SPILLINGTEA15.Find out more at Avantcha.co.ukOn this episode, we drink Avanctha's Superior Qian Tang Long Jing_Mentioned in this episode:Pasta Grannies: YouTube ChannelCarousel LondonAdriano Celentano's Prisencolinensinainciusol songFollow Spilling Tea:Instagram — @spillingtea_podcastListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsListen on SubstackSupport the show:If you love what I do, please show your support by following the show, leaving a rating and a review. To go deeper into the conversations and to access Bonus content, consider becoming a paid subscriber — it helps me keep brewing stories and homemade treats for every episode. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thevenetianpantry.substack.com/subscribe

Cate St Hill has been an interior writer for over a decade. We discuss her recently published book on Japandi, the psychology of interiors, and our common ADHD tendencies_Follow Cate on:Instagram @catesthillcatesthill.comBuy Cate's book "The Japandi Home: Nordic Minimalism Meets Japanese Zen"_Behind the scenes and recipes on my SubstackFollow me on @thevenetianpantryShop my homeware range on thevenetianpantry.com_This episode is generously sponsored by Avantcha.If you’ve been listening for a while, you’ll know I’m a little evangelical about their teas. Avantcha’s collection spans over a hundred varieties — from elevated classics like Majestic Earl Grey (my absolute favourite) to rare small-batch leaves sourced directly from producers around the world. And if you don't know where to start, may I suggest their Silk Teabag Explorer box, a selection of 16 of their best-selling flavours.You can explore the full range on Avantcha's website and get 15% off your order with the code SPILLINGTEA15.Find out more at Avantcha.co.ukOn this episode, we drink Avanctha's Organic Hojicha powder. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thevenetianpantry.substack.com/subscribe

🎙️ Spilling Tea — Season 2 TeaserThe kettle’s on again! Spilling Tea is coming back for Season 2 — the first full episode drops Monday, 20 October.In this short teaser, I share a few behind-the-scenes updates and what’s new this season:– A simpler, snack-based format (goodbye, three-course meals 👋)– The return of our lovely sponsor Avantcha Tea — with a brand-new discount code: SPILLINGTEA15 for 15% off their teas– A new rhythm: bi-weekly episodes, with little in-between bonuses called Sips on Substack for my paying subscribersPlus, an Instagram giveaway celebrating both the launch of Season 2 and my new homeware line, La Collezione — designed in collaboration with makers from Italy and the UKThe giveaway includes:🫖 Six of my favourite Avantcha teas (Majestic Earl Grey, Midnight Chocolate Mint, After Lunch Herbal Blend and more)🍵 Teaware and a Silk Teabag Explorer Box🏺 A few pieces from La Collezione — now available on thevenetianpantry.comTo enter: head to @thevenetianpantry, find the giveaway post, and follow the instructions there.Entries close Sunday, 19 October, and the winner will be announced on Monday, 20 October, when the new season officially begins.Links mentioned:💻 The Venetian Pantry — Shop La Collezione🫖 Avantcha Tea — use code SPILLINGTEA15 for 15% off🗞️ Subscribe to Spilling Tea on Substack📸 Join the Giveaway on Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thevenetianpantry.substack.com/subscribe