About
celia brooks
Celia’s inventive style of vegetarian cooking has made her an established name on the cookery shelf. Born in Colorado, USA, she moved to London after university. She worked for several years as a private chef for the film director Stanley Kubrick and running her own catering business.
She has written nine cookbooks including the international bestseller “New Vegetarian”, and has contributed to many others. Her latest book, “SuperVeg: Over 100 Recipes Celebrating the Joy and Power of the 25 Healthiest Vegetables on the Planet” was published worldwide by Murdoch Books in 2018.
She conveys her passion for food in every way possible, through writing books, journalism, consulting, and live demos. She founded her own business called “Gastrotours” in 2002, designing and conducting tasting tours around London’s foodie hotspots. Her tours embrace all types of food, not just vegetarian. As the founder of the first tasting tour at Borough Market in 2004, she holds an exclusive license granted by the Market to be the only person permitted to run tours there.
Since she was forced to temporarily suspend her tours in March 2020 (we all know what happened then!), she has built a supplementary business conducting online events and experiences. These include group tasting sessions, private and group cooking classes, and consulting sessions.
Celia’s numerous TV appearances include James Martin’s Saturday Morning (ITV), Market Kitchen (UKTV Food), Saturday Kitchen (BBC), and in the USA on PBS and The Food Network.
Celia wrote a weekly column for The Times online called “Urban Farmer” about her allotment in North London, which led to her 2010 book “New Urban Farmer”. She is a regular contributor to print and online publications including BBC Good Food Magazine and the Borough Market website.
For general questions, please contact Celia’s PA (Cecilia Edmunds). If you have questions about private tour bookings, please contact Celia directly.
What’s the minimum number for a private group booking?
Usually 6. A group of fewer than 6 pay the same as 6.
What is the maximum number for a group booking?
Usually 12 people for Borough Market; up to 25 for some other locations. Please contact Celia to discuss.
I want to buy a gift voucher, but I’m not sure which tour the recipient would prefer; what should I do?
I offer a General Voucher which gives a choice of 3 tours (Portobello, Covent Garden, and Borough Market). You pay for the cheapest (£90) and if they choose Borough Market (£110), they make up the difference when they book - or you can pay this, if requested.
Do the gift vouchers have an expiry date?
They are good for 1 year.
Are Gastrotours suitable for people with special diets, ie vegetarians?
I do my best to accommodate any special diet, as long as I am informed in advance.
Are children under 18 allowed on the tours?
Yes, but alcohol will only be served to guests aged 18 and over. Unfortunately, I am not able to offer a discount for those not drinking.
Can I bring my child in a pram?
Yes, with advance notice.
Is it suitable for wheelchair users?
Most tours, yes. I will inform you of any awkward points to be aware of in advance.
If I am sick on the day or unable to come for some reason, can I get a refund?
Unfortunately no. You can, however, send someone in your place.
What if I have to cancel or postpone a private group booking?
For private groups, I request a deposit (usually £250), which is non-refundable due to high demand for dates. If you wish to reschedule, you must give me 3 weeks' notice, and your deposit will be carried over. I will be in touch a week before the booked date to confirm numbers and arrange payment in full.
What is your Covid-19 policy?
If a public or private tour has to be cancelled or postponed due to government-imposed restrictions, I will issue a full refund or offer rescheduling. If someone has to cancel due to Covid-19 related illness, I'll offer an opportunity to reschedule once.
