How Tolkien's love for hearty food influenced his writing

Tolkien is best known for his Lord of the Rings trilogy and the classic novel The Hobbit, but how much do you know about his passion for wholesome food and how it shows through his writing?

BBC Radio 4’s The Kitchen Cabinet programme (download the weekly podcast) this week was held in Bournemouth where J.R.R. Tolkien would frequently holiday with his family. Dr Una McCormack, Tolkien expert and food lover, spoke with the hosts, Jay Rayner and Sophie Wright, about the author and discussed favourite foodie scenes from The Hobbit.

After Tolkien became quite famous post-US release of Lord of the Rings, he and his wife retired to Bournemouth to escape the fuss and bother that fame brings.

“I am in fact a Hobbit in all but size. I like gardens, trees, and unmechanised farmlands. I smoke a pipe, and I like good, plain food- unrefrigerated. I detest French cooking.” he is reported to have said.

Dr Annie Gray picked her favourite foodie-quote from The Hobbit:

““Quite a merry gathering! I hope there is something left for the late-comers to eat and drink! What’s that? Tea! No thank you! A little red wine, I think for me.” “And for me,” said Thorin. “And raspberry jam and apple-tart,” said Bifur. “And mince-pies and cheese,” said Bofur. “And pork-pie and salad,” said Bombur. “And more cakes—and ale—and coffee, if you don’t mind,” called the other dwarves through the door. “Put on a few eggs, there’s a good fellow!” Gandalf called after him, as the hobbit stumped off to the pantries. “And just bring out the cold chicken and pickles!” “Seems to know as much about the inside of my larders as I do myself!” thought Mr. Baggins, who was feeling positively flummoxed, and was beginning to wonder whether a most wretched adventure had not come right into his house.”