A WINCHESTER writer has celebrated the success of her newest cookbook at a launch surrounded by some of the district’s most renowned foodies.

Penny Ericson and her husband, Simon Hawkins, hosted an evening of Danebury Vineyard fizz and locally-sourced canapés, at Lainston House in Sparsholt, to launch her latest endeavour – Meets, Eats, Drinks and Leaves.

The book has been described as a celebration of Hampshire produce containing dishes from some of the region’s most revered chefs including James Durrant of The Plough in Longparish, Damien Brown from the Chesil Rectory, as well as Olly Rouse – Lainston’s own head chef.

Though originally from Alberta in Canada, Mrs Ericson said she considers Hampshire her home since having been exposed to so many local suppliers and producers.

“There are so many local producers and fabulous chefs involved in this project,” she said. “I have wanted to write this book for over a decade. As my adopted home I think Hampshire is one of the most bountiful and diverse regions for food and produce. As a result, we also have an equally vibrant farming and food production region.

“The result is that the best chefs are drawn here and have either settled or returned to their native roots.”

Mrs Ericson lives in Streatham Park in Micheldever with her husband and their two cats – Ava and Zsa Zsa Gabor.

Since its launch on Wednesday she says she already has plans for the second edition, which will be yet another book published by her own company, Repertoire Food and Design.

She said: “Someone was bound to write this book and I wanted it to be a celebration of the excellence of the farmers, producers, artisans, hospitality professionals and chefs that provide us with a thriving industry and delight us the very best.”

Mr Hawkins said: “A huge thanks to all the chefs, producers and friends that came to celebrate the launch of Penny's new book and a very special thanks to Antonio Lopez-Bustos and Justine Raynor for their gracious hospitality at Lainston House.

“My wife Penny and I are so grateful to everyone that has joined our campaign to raise awareness and funds for the Pelican Cancer Foundation. Projects like this show what's possible when you work together as a community.”