Five minutes with… Lyndon Gee

How long have you been a member of the Guild, and why did you join?

I joined the Guild around 10 years ago. Publishing, and particularly magazines and newspapers were changing dramatically with the rise of blogging and more writers chasing work. Being a Guild member adds weight to pitches and a professional edge.

 

What is your special field in food writing, and what piece of work are you most proud of?

Specialising in healthy food, I often work with dietitians, and with charities such as British Heart Foundation, Stroke Association and Diabetes UK. I’m proud of my work helping people eat more healthily. One epic 22-day shoot for the Diabetes UK website I cooked and styled over 200 recipes with the photographer Gareth Sambidge – we listened to a lot of music and drank lots of beer!

 

How has lockdown affected your work and life? Did you keep your appetite (I didn't!)

My appetite is still healthy, and I enjoy cooking, so I’ve eaten very well over lockdown. Living on the Kent coast I get great fish, fabulous local produce, and excellent game.

 

What are your hopes for the food world and your work in 2021?

2021 has got to be better than last year! Covid made us more agile and creative, we need to keep adapting. I’m working more globally, with Zoom meetings helping to break down borders. There is a lot to look forward to.

 

With my food futurist corporate consultancy I look 4-7 years ahead. Lockdown wasn’t great for business as many brands held back launching new products. Now it’s picking up again as vaccination kicks in. There are exciting projects on the horizon!