Get to know Nigel Barden from the Simon Mayo Drivetime Show
Here are some things you might not know!
Hosted by Simon Mayo, The Simon Mayo Drivetime Show includes Confessions, Drivetime Drama, and the 6.24 Dancefloor with producer Suzi, Matt Williams and Nigel Barden joining in the Drivetime fun. Nigel is on kitchen duties every Thursday, where he serves up a different dish for the others to try.
From seasonal meals to sweet treats, Nigel cooks up a new recipe every week, and you can follow along with all the Kitchen Greatest Hits recipes at home!
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about Nigel Barden and what you can expect from him on the Drivetime Show.
Who is Nigel Barden?
Nigel is a food and drink broadcaster who has over 30 years experience in the industry. Although Nigel isn't a professional chef, he is a massive foodie, a down-to-earth cook and accomplished food pundit.
Where is he from?
Nigel Barden was born in Lancashire to Yorkshire parents. Although his parents weren’t famers, he grew up on a farm before working in a variety of jobs including on a dairy farm, as a tree surgeon, a wine merchant and land agent.
Who is the chef on Simon Mayo's show?
Nigel prepares a delicious dish every Thursday on the Simon Mayo Drivetime show.
How can I listen to Nigel Barden on Simon Mayo's Drivetime show?
You can listen to Nigel on the Simon Mayo Drivetime show on Greatest Hits Radio every Thursday from 4pm.
What else has Nigel been on?
In 1991, Nigel attended drama school in London, which was when he began working in radio. Since then, he has worked at a number of stations including our sister station Scala. He is now back with Simon on Greatest Hits Radio!
We caught up with Nigel to find out a bit more about him...
What was the first gig Nigel went to?
"I went to see Eric Clapton, King’s Hall, Belle Vue, Manchester - Friday 6th August 1976. Van Morrison joined Eric on stage for 3 songs, including Van’s ‘Into the Mystic’ and yes Eric did play 'Layla' as an encore!" Nigel told us.
What is the one album he could play on repeat?
According to Nige, it's 'Born to Run' by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.
What is Nigel perfect song for singing along or driving to?
He revealed that for him it's 'Bat Out of Hell' by Meat Loaf.
How did Nigel Barden get into cooking?
We asked Nigel if there was a particular recipe that made him want a career in cooking and he said: "There wasn’t a eureka dish, but I do remember as an 8-year-old my special meal the night before the new school term began, was cod in butter sauce with new potatoes and peas, followed by ice-cream and Mars Bar sauce.
"Yes it was fish in a bag from Birds Eye! As I got a bit older the dish I loved mum to cook was Lancashire Hotpot, an all in one dish made with lamb cutlets, carrots and onions topped with crispy sliced potatoes. Mum said I couldn’t tell anyone as she was from Yorkshire!"
Nigel tells us why good music and great food go so well together
He commented: "I’d really worry if someone said they only regard food as fuel. Similarly, if a person has no interest in music, I’m pretty certain we’re going to struggle to find any common ground.
"My wife thinks I might have become totally obsessed as I really must have music on all the time! A meal without an accompanying playlist just doesn’t feel complete to me."
What would Nigel Barden serve on Come Dine with Me?
Nigel revealed he would make: "Spaghetti Vongole, a fabulous pasta dish with clams, chilli, garlic and white wine followed by Mole Poblano, pretty much the national dish of Mexico (pronounced Moh-lay) – turkey (which I love, particularly a Kelly Bronze or a Copas) in a slow cooked rich sauce made with dark chocolate and chipotle chillies.
"Followed by a Great British Cheeseboard to ideally include Cornish Nanny (blue goat’s cheese), St James Cumbrian sheep’s cheese, a Harrogate Buffalo Blue from Shepherd’s Purse, Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire and a top class Cheddar, like Montgomery, Quicke, Trethowan or Barber’s.
"To finish, a Sussex Pond Pudding, which has a whole lemon steamed until soft inside a suet and butter pastry. Served hot with chilled double cream.
"As I love both beer and wine, I would alternate between the two and serve a chilled white with the vongole (Albariño, Picpoul de Pinet, or Grüner Veltliner), a hearty ale with the Mole, an IPA with the cheese and a chilled ice-wine to cut through the richness of the pudding."
What can we expect from Nigel Barden on the Drivetime Show?
Every week, Nigel prepares a delicious dish, and he said: "I’m looking for recipes that are big on flavour, but don’t require a huge amount of preparation, what Simon calls the 'faff factor', which suits me as I’m more of a ‘One Pot Supper’ type cook.
"For every carnivorous dish there will be a veggie or vegan alternative and an alcoholic bevvie and soft drink to accompany them."
Have a look through some of Nigel's tasty recipes here.
What does Nigel love about Simon Mayo's Confessions?
"Well, Confessions always keeps me rapt, as I can’t believe what listeners are prepared to ‘fess up to!" Nigel explained.
He continued: "Like the man who confessed to surreptitiously taking festive food items out of an elderly lady’s trolley, as she made her final choices from a stripped bare supermarket late on Christmas Eve.
"He’d stayed too long in the pub at lunchtime and was mortified how little food there was left and felt guilty about his family losing out. The killer revelation was that at the time he was a serving policeman!"
What would Nigel make Simon Mayo as a meal?
If he was trying to really wow Simon, Nigel explained what would be on the menu, saying: "I know Simon loves aubergines and eats meat only occasionally, so I’d cook up Stuffed Aubergines Provençal (Aubergine Farcie Provençal), alongside a Pistou, the French equivalent of pesto but without pine nuts or Parmesan.
"The ingredients include aubergines, red, yellow and green peppers, garlic, fennel seeds and fresh thyme and in true fiery Mayo style, fresh red chillies. There’s a great recipe in Michel Roux Jr’s ‘The French Revolution’ from Orion Books.
"As a starter I’d make a cheddar cheese souffle, as it looks spectacular and is really tasty and as Simon doesn’t have a particularly sweet tooth, I’d wheel out my British cheese trolley again, or bake a lockdown special; Chocolate, Olive Oil and Rosemary Loaf by Anna Jones, as he could also have it in the afternoon as a pre-Drivetime pick-me-up."
WATCH: Get to know more about Simon Mayo:
Nigel Barden at the World Cheese Awards
Nigel brought his love of food to the annual World Cheese Awards in 2021 which was hosted in Oviedo in the North of Spain in November 2021. Nigel introduced the members of the Super Jury, which was made up of judges from across the world, as they took their place at the panel in front of a live audience.
He also got the chance to speak to the judges as they tasted the cheeses throughout the event and narrowed them down to find this year's World Champion Cheese.
He also returned for the event in 2022, which took place in Wales.
How can I listen to Greatest Hits Radio?
Greatest Hits Radio is on DAB and on FM in lots of places across the UK, so you can find us on your traditional radio. You can also listen on our app, our website and on your smart speakers.
You can find out all the ways to listen to Greatest Hits Radio in our handy guide.
Is the Greatest Hits Radio app free?
It sure is, and you can download it to your Android or Apple device.
Download the Greatest Hits Radio app for Android
Download the Greatest Hits Radio app for iPhone
How do I play Greatest Hits Radio on my smart speaker?
To get Greatest Hits Radio on your smart speaker, simply tell your device: "Play Greatest Hits Radio."
Get some cooking inspiration from Nigel's recipes:
Turkey Curry Pie
Try this Turkey Curry Pie to make the most of your Christmas dinner leftovers. The recipe includes instructions for how to make your own curry paste, shortcrust pastry and chicken stock. The recipe comes from the cookbook River Cottage Love your Leftovers (Bloomsbury) by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.
Click more to read the full Turkey Curry Pie Recipe.
Coronation Chicken
Nigel Barden chose this fantastic Coronation Chicken recipe from The Hairy Bikers' Complete Mums Know Best, as he loves the combination of flavours which really sets this dish apart.
Scallop, ‘Nduja & Sweetcorn Salad
Nigel Barden has made a delicious Scallop, 'Nduja & Sweetcorn Salad from Salads Are More Than Leaves (Hamlyn Books) by chef and food writer Elena Silcock.
Click more to read the full Scallop, 'Nduja & Sweetcorn Salad recipe.
Golden Lamb Cutlets with Lemon Courgette Salad
Nigel Barden shares a brilliant recipe for Golden Lamb Cutlets paired with a Lemon Courgette Salad. The amazing dish comes from The Spanish Home Kitchen (Hardie Grant) by José Pizarro.
Click more to read the full Golden Lamb Cutlets with Lemon Courgette Salad recipe.
Stuffed Peppers with Breadcrumbs, Anchovies, Olives and Capers
Nigel Barden has shared a quick and easy recipe for Stuffed Peppers with Breadcrumbs, Anchovies, Olives and Capers. This tasty dish comes from Med: A Cookbook (Ebury) by Claudia Roden.
Click more to read the full Stuffed Peppers with Breadcrumbs, Anchovies, Olives and Capers recipe.
Beef Satay with Peanut Dipping Sauce
Nigel Barden has shared a great Beef Satay with Peanut Dipping Sauce recipe from MEAT London (Cloake Press) by chef and butcher Paul Grout.
Click more to read the full Beef Satay with Peanut Dipping Sauce recipe.
Roasted Spiced Cauliflower
Nigel Barden has shared a great Roasted Spiced Cauliflower recipe from No Fuss Suppers by Caroline Marson of Wild Ivy Retreats.
Click more to read the full Roasted Spiced Cauliflower recipe.
Rhubarb & Lemon Thyme Custard Trifle
This tasty dessert is perfect for warm summer evenings, and uses fresh custard, rhubarb jelly, and Swiss roll sponge. Nigel has shared this Rhubarb & Lemon Thyme Custard Trifle from Happy Cooking (Ebury Press) by Great British Bake Off winner Candice Brown.
Click more to read the full Rhubarb & Lemon Thyme Custard Trifle recipe.
Lasagne all’Emiliana
Nigel Barden has shared a great recipe for a hearty Lasagne all'Emiliana dish. This simple yet tasty meal comes from 'My Italian Family Cookbook: Recipes from three generations' (Simon & Schuster) by Lawrence Dallaglio.
Click more to read the full Lasagne all'Emiliana recipe
Goan Pork Vindaloo with Potatoes
Nigel Barden has shared a brilliant recipe for Goan Pork Vindaloo with Potatoes. This spicy curry comes from Madhur Jaffrey's Curry Nation (Ebury/Random House) by Madhur Jaffrey.
Click more to read the full Goan Pork Vindaloo with Potatoes recipe.
Pollo Alla Cacciatora
Nigel chose this tasty Pollo Alla Cacciatora dish from chef Gennaro Contaldo's book Slow Cook Italian (Pavilion/Harper Collins) as it is simple yet full of flavour.
Click more to read the full Pollo Alla Cacciatora recipe
Chocolate Mousse
Nigel thinks this tasty Chocolate Mousse is a real winner! This great recipe comes from The Go-To Cookbook (Austin Macauley) by Helen Hume.
Click more to read the full Chocoalte Mousse recipe.
Nut Roast with Squash, Quinoa, Chestnuts & Spiced Tomato Sauce
Nigel Barden has shared his favourite Nut Roast recipe. This recipe comes from Jamie Oliver's Christmas Cookbook (Penguin Books), and comes with a Spicy Tomato Sauce for a bit of a kick.
Click more to read the full Nut Roast with Squash, Quinoa, Chestnuts & Spiced Tomato Sauce
Ricotta Meatballs with Polenta
Nigel Barden has shared a brilliant recipe for Ricotta Meatballs with Polenta. This traditional Sicilian recipe comes from Clodagh's Weeknight Kitchen (Kyle Books) by chef Clodagh McKenna.
Click more to read the full Ricotta Meatballs with Polenta recipe.
Turmeric ‘Mamak Style’ Fried Chicken
Nigel shares his favourite recipe for tasty Mamak Style Chicken by Ping Coombes from 'Malaysia' (Seven Dials).
Click more to read the recipe.
Fishcakes with Parsley Sauce
Nigel shares his favourite fishcakes recipe! This fantastic Fishcakes with Parsley Sauce dish comes from The Hairy Bikers: British Classics (Weidenfeld & Nicolson).
Click more to read the full Fishcakes and Parsley Sauce recipe.
Coq au Vin
Nigel Barden shares the Coq au Vin recipe he always comes back to! This recipe comes from Tamasin's Kitchen Bible (Weidenfeld & Nicolson) by Tamasin Day-Lewis.
Click more to read the full Coq au Vin recipe.
Beer/Stout Fondue
Nigel Barden made an indulgent Beer/Stout Fondue - the perfect dish for dipping chopped vegetables and crusty bread! This recipe comes from Guilty Pleasures: Your Favourite Sweet and Savoury Indulgences in 130 Easy Recipes by chef Matt Tebbutt (Quercus).
Click more to read the full Beer/Stout Fondue recipe.
Sharrow Bay Sticky Toffee Pudding
Nigel Barden made a mouth-watering Sharrow Bay Sticky Toffee Pudding from Bilton Basics (RMC Books) by chef Tim Bilton. This dessert is easy to make and gives great results!
Click more to read the full Sharrow Bay Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe.
Butternut Squash & Coconut Curry
Nigel shares his favourite recipe for Butternut Squash & Coconut Curry! Click more to read the recipe.
Mum’s Toad in the Hole
Nigel's going back to his childhood with a five ingredient Toad in the Hole by James Tanner.
Click more to read the recipe.
Crispy Pork Belly Bacon, Egg Fried Rice and Burnt Chilli Sauce
Nigel shares his favourite recipe for Crispy Pork Belly Bacon, Egg Fried Rice and Burnt Chilli Sauce! This recipe is taken from Sebby Holmes' 'Cook Thai' (Kyle Books).
Click more to read the recipe.
Barbecued Corn on the Cob, 2 ways
Nigel shares his favourite recipe for Barbecued Corn on the Cob... 2 ways!
Click more to read the recipe!
Coffee and Walnut Cake
This fantastic recipe from 'Oats in the North, Wheat from the South' (Murdoch Books) by Regula Ysewijn is a favourite of Nigel's.
Click more to read the recipe.
Red and Green Chilli Curry
Nigel shares this great recipe for Red and Green Chilli Curry!
Click more to read the recipe.
Korean Barbecue Beef
Nigel shares his favourite recipe for Korean Barbecued Beef!
Click more to read the recipe.
Fried Mackerel in Oatmeal with Bacon
Nigel shares his favourite recipe for Fried Mackerel in Oatmeal with Bacon by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Nick Fisher from The River Cottage Fish Book (Bloomsbury).
Click more to read the recipe.
Slow-Roasted Shoulder of Lamb, with Harissa & Chickpeas
Nigel shares his favourite recipe for Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder from Raymond Blanc's Simply Raymond: Recipes from Home (Headline Home).
Click more to read the recipe.
Caramelised Onion and Shallot Tart
Nigel shares his favourite recipe for Caramelised Onion and Shallot Tart by Rob Howell from Root (Bloomsbury Absolute).
Click more to read the recipe.
Lemon Meringue Pie
Nigel shares his favourite recipe for Lemon Meringue Pie by Mary Berry. This sweet treat is quick and easy!
Click more to read the recipe.
Pad Thai with Prawns
Nigel's favourite recipe for Pad Thai with Prawns! This tasty dish is from the School of Wok.
Click more to read the recipe.
Caesar Salad
Nigel shares his favourite recipe for Caesar Salad from Raymond Blanc from Simply Raymond: Recipes from Home.
Click more to read the recipe.
Beer-braised Smoky Pork Ribs
Nigel shares this recipe from 'Chasing Smoke: Cooking over fire around the Levant' for Beer-braised Smoky Pork Ribs.
Click more to read the recipe.
Cajun Chicken and Fries
This week, Nigel prepares tasty Cajun Chicken and Fries! This brilliant recipe is by Sunil Vijayakar via BBC Food.
Click more to read the recipe.
Leek & Cheese Pudding with Pan Fried Beetroot
Nigel shares his tasty recipe for Leek & Cheese Pudding with Pan Fried Beetroot from Great British Grub!
Click more to read the recipe.
Baked Alaska
Nigel shares his recipe for Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Caramel Baked Alaska from delicious magazine.
Click more to read the recipe.
Goan Fish Curry
Nigel shares his favourite recipe for Goan Fish Curry. This tasty curry is from Pushpesh Pant from India Cookbook (Phaidon).
Click more to read the recipe.
Asparagus and Sugar Snap Pea Risotto
Nigel shares his favourite recipe for risotto! This tasty dish includes asparagus and sugar snap peas. This recipe is taken from Theo Randall from The Italian Deli Cookbook (Quadrille).
Click more to read the recipe.
Bubble and Squeak
Nigel shares his recipe for Bubble and Squeak! This great recipe is taken from Melissa Hemsley's book Eat Green.
Click more to read the recipe.
Banana Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
Nigel shares his recipe for delicious Banana Cake with Peanut Butter frosting! This beautiful recipe is taken from Stirring Slowly: Recipes to Restore and Revive by Georgina Hayden.
Click more to read the recipe.
Thai Green Curry
Nigel's recipe for the greatest Thai Green Curry! This warming curry is by Jean-Pierre Gabriel from his book Thailand: The Cookbook (Phaidon).
Click more to read the recipe.
Steak and Ale Pie
Nigel shares his recipe for the greatest Steak and Ale Pie! This tasty pie is from Jon Finch's book Beer Craft (Sphere Books).
Click more to read the recipe.
Tiramisù
Nigel shares his recipe for Tiramisu by Rachel Roddy from Five Quarters: Recipes and Notes from a Kitchen in Rome!
Click more to read the recipe.
Roast Chicken
Nigel Barden shares a great Roast Chicken recipe from Roast chicken and Other Stories by Simon Hopkinson with Lindsey Bareham (Ebury Press).
Click more to read the recipe.
Apple Crumble
Nigel Barden shares a brilliant Apple Crumble recipe from The Flexible Family Cookbook by Jo Pratt.
Click more to read the recipe.
Fish Pie
Nigel makes his favourite Fish Pie recipe from The River Cottage Fish Book (Bloomsbury) by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Nick Fisher.
Click more to read the recipe.
Cauliflower Cheese
Nigel shares his favourite recipe for Cauliflower Cheese from Clarissa's Comfort Food (Kyle Books) by Clarissa Dickson Wright. The recipe is simple to follow and the final dish is tasty and comforting.
Click more to read the recipe.
Giant Yorkshire Pudding with Onion Gravy
Nigel shares this wonderful recipe for Giant Yorkshire Pudding with Onion Gravy, adapted by Elaine Lemm from The Great Book of Yorkshire Pudding (Great Northern Books).
Click more to read the recipe.
Aubergines Baked with Tomatoes & Cheese (Parmigiana di Melanzane)
Nigel Barden shares his favourite recipe for Aubergines Baked with Tomatoes & Cheese (also known as Parmigiana di Melanzane). The delicious recipe comes from The Food of Italy (Square Peg) by Claudia Roden.
Click more to read the recipe.
Glazed Ham with Clementines, Cloves and Parsley Sauce
Nigel shares a festive recipe for Glazed Ham with Clementines, Cloves and Parsley Sauce from Sea & Shore: Recipes and stories from a kitchen in Cornwall published by Hardie Grant book, with photography by Kim Lightbody and written by chef Emily Scott.
Click more to read the recipe.
Stuffed Squash with Vegan Gravy
Nigel Barden makes a deliciously festive Stuffed Squash with Vegan Gravy. This great dish is suitable for everyone, and comes from Christmas at River Cottage written by Lucy Brazier, with notes and recipes from Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall (Bloomsbury).
Click more to read the recipe.
New Year's Day Turkey Curry
Nigel Barden got in the Christmas spirit with this delicious New Year's Eve Turkey Curry from Christmas at River Cottage by Lucy Brazier, with notes and recipes from Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall (Bloomsbury).
Click more to read the recipe.
Roast Rib of Beef with Yorkshire Pudding
Nigel Barden makes a festive Roast Rib of Beef with Yorkshire Pudding with Red Wine Gravy, served with Brussel Sprouts in Nut Brown Butter. The delicious recipe comes from Lidgate's 'The Meat Cookbook', written by butcher, Danny Lidgate and food writer Hattie Ellis (Mitchell Beazley).
Click more to read the recipe.
Cavolo Nero and Split Pea Biryani
Nigel shares how to make a healthy Cavolo Nero and Split Pea Biryani from the book 'Planted' (Kyle Books) written by chef Chantelle Nicholson.
Click more to read the recipe.
Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks with Tamarind and Dates
Nigel Barden has cooked up a warming dish of Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks with Tamarind and Dates from Ali Bilton Cooks by chef Ali Bilton.
Click more to read the recipe.
Spiced Shepherd’s Pie (Kheema Purr Batata)
Nigel made a flavourful Spiced Shepherd's Pie (Kheema Purr Batata) from the book Simple Spice: 120 easy Indian recipes with just 10 spices, written by chef Cyrus Todiwala and published by Mitchell Beazley.
Click more to read the recipe.
Five-spiced Pork Belly with Spring Onions & Sweet Soy
To celebrate Chinese New Year on 1st February, Nigel made a tasty Five-spiced Pork Belly with Spring Onions & Sweet Soy from The Dumpling Sisters Cookbook: 100 Favourite Recipes from a Chinese Family Kitchen. The cookbook is written by sisters Amy and Julie Zhang, and published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson.
Click more to read the recipe.
Who are the presenters on Greatest Hits Radio?
There are lots of amazing presenters on Greatest Hits Radio, including Simon Mayo and the Drivetime team, as well as Jackie Brambles, Kate Thornton and many more!
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