FOODIES in Hampstead now have the chance to get their chops around the dishes enjoyed by some of the world s greatest rock stars. Sarah Moore, who previously ran the restaurants at Air Studios and Abbey Road, has opened a stall in Hampstead

Marc Mullen

FOODIES in Hampstead now have the chance to get their chops around the dishes enjoyed by some of the world's greatest rock stars.

Sarah Moore, who previously ran the restaurants at Air Studios and Abbey Road, has opened a stall in Hampstead Community Market selling her home-made organic food.

With one hob and a small oven at her tiny 2x2m hut, she makes chocolate cakes, carrot cakes, beetroot sweets, fresh soups and salads.

Ms Moore said: "I hate to overuse the phrase 'passionate about food' - but I am. I think good organic food is the link between the land and us and you cannot break that connection.

"I source all of my food from as near as possible with the occasional exception, for instance, at the moment, fennel and tomatoes.

"I have met most of the farmers who produce the food. I get my beef from a co-operative in the Lake District. I buy from pig farmers in Cumbria.

"After I left Abbey Road, I decided there was no compromise. I am probably considered militant by some standards."

Ms Moore also does private catering. In 2000, she laid on a spread for 4,000 people at the US Embassy's July 4 celebration.

The cook has many tales of the sometimes artisan tastes in food among rock stars.

She remembers when Wet Wet Wet were recording at Air Studios they wanted chicken for lunch and dinner every day for three weeks.

She has fed the Gallagher brothers from Oasis many a time and says they rather unsurprisingly love plain English food.

Ms Moore said: "They didn't have massive appetites when I last fed them. But they have both got good women now who I am sure make them eat their veg.

"Patti LaBelle was brilliant to feed. She loved spicy prawns. I couldn't bring them fast enough, while Joss Stone, who was with her, just wanted macaroni cheese.

"I had to put on a huge Caribbean spread including curried goat and an Italian spread for the Fugees at three in the morning. It was for 40 people. I guess that was just the timescale they were working on."

Her own recipe for carrot cake has been honed over the years working at Air Studios.

It is a particular favourite of Placido Domingo, who once had it sent to him by FedEx when he was working in a studio abroad.

There are also many new dishes at her Source stall - for example, stichelton, fig and walnut muffins, cardamom and rose chocolate brownies as well as beetroot, dates, cashews and almonds.

As well as an incredible fish soup, there are also her 'superfoods' - Bolivian quinoa, barberry and almond salad.

Ms Moore said: "I think people who work in music are so lucky because they are doing what they love - and it is the exact same for me. I am so lucky because I am doing what I love."

marc.mullen@hamhigh.co.uk