Foreword by Ned Halley

I was hoping he would be an actor. The Halley dynasty, allegedly descended from the 17th Century astronomer, could do with a less-distant star. The boy Max looked a likely prospect. Extrovert from infancy, he excelled on stage at school, and had a larky time at university in London. His degree was history rather than drama, but he emerged a fully-fledged show-off just the same.

He also acquired an avid interest in food. Millennial London was already turning into today’s gastronomic capital and Max was a dedicated carouser. He had discovered his spookily adept sense of taste as well as his appetite. His path was clear. He found casual work in delis and restaurants, did some courses, got a job at the Spanish-food importer Brindisa. He made friends in the business. He has a particular gift for friendship.