37 Comments
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Betty Williams's avatar

Excited for the year ahead! And for more of your lovely bakes and photos. I won't stop trying to convince you to enter GBBO - because I think you would absolutely SLAY!

Mark Thomas's avatar

Hahaha well firstly, thanks so much lovely. You’re making me blush.

And secondly - I’m very much looking forward making the time, not just for creating but for getting stuck in with the community, too. Constantly in awe at what you and our Substack fam are achieving - need to surround myself with more of that x

Betty Williams's avatar

Love what you share in your newsletter, Mark! And you know I’m just giving you a hard time about GBBO (not really, you should absolutely do it, but no pressure, but yes do it). And so glad our Hiro is looking well! 💗

Gareth's avatar

What a wonderful read Mark ✨❤️ Wishing you a wonderful 2026 and I hope you continue to go from strength to strength. I, for one, cannot wait to follow along and continue to get inspiration from everything you do ☺️

Mark Thomas's avatar

Ahhh thank you, Gareth! And the same to you (and the boys), too 🫶 That’s made me gush a little bit, as I could say the same about you! Here’s to an awesome 2026 for us both 😊 x

Mark Diacono's avatar

Great to hear Hiro is in a good way - I have a feeling 2026 will be excellent for you both

Mark Thomas's avatar

Thank you, Mr D! I’ve got a good feeling about this one 😊🙌

Mira Dessy's avatar

Fabulous food photography! And I'm looking forward to reading your Cook the Books series. You've inspired me to modify one of my culinary goals of the year to make 5 recipes out of a cookbook instead of simply a menu.

Mark Thomas's avatar

Thank you lovely Mira - and I’m chuffed to hear that I’ve inspired you! And now I need to know which cookbook you’re going to dive into first? 😊

Mira Dessy's avatar

I'm going back to basics -- The 150 Best Slow Cooker Recipes by Judith Finlayson.

This week turns out to have lots of evening obligations. It reminds me of when I was juggling a very full life with three children in the house. My crockpot was my best friend. So it's time to revisit the idea of slow cooking.

JoJo Thomson's avatar

What a lovely positive joyful post, thank you Mark. Looking forward to more beautiful writing, baking and photography!!

Mark Thomas's avatar

Ahh thank you JoJo - I’m glad you found it joyful 😊 Very much looking forward to embracing authenticity and cringe this year - dont want anything to hold me back x

JoJo Thomson's avatar

Just go for it Mark!! X

Vanilla Black's avatar

Nice one old chap. Onwards and upwards.

Mark Thomas's avatar

Thank you, good sir! Absolutely - might get round to trying spherification this year, too 😉

Vanilla Black's avatar

Oh no. It’s a bloody pain.

Hazel Pinto Rodrigues's avatar

I have enjoyed reading Taisty Bytes and also finding more about the wonderful cookbooks you picked. I really loved seeing your food writing blossom this year and the pleasure is entirely mine. Some lovely intentions and I hope you get to do everything you desire and more

Mark Thomas's avatar

This is so lovely, thank you so much Hazel 🥹 Truly glad you’ve enjoyed reading, as much as I’ve enjoyed your company. Here’s to a great year ahead x

Jack McNulty's avatar

The writing seminar was a highlight of mine, as well...plus, I had the privilege of meeting you! Best of luck on the Newcomer Award...

Mark Thomas's avatar

Thank you kindly, Jack 😊 And likewise! Still hoping for a Cadhay sequel… we’ll have to try and convince Mark.

Sheryl O'Connell's avatar

Looking forward to seeing and reading more from you Mark!

Mark Thomas's avatar

Thank you lovely! And ditto 😊 looking forward to having the time to try some of your amazing recipes, too!

Lisa McLean's avatar

I do remember the Bean dog, so I’ve been here from the beginning. I wish you and Hiro a healthy and joyful year doing exactly what you dream of.

Mark Thomas's avatar

Thank you, friend 🥰 And same to you c

It’s funny how plans change, isn’t it - for the better in most part 😊

Alex Keerie's avatar

Looking forward to your posts Mark. I find your photographs very inspiring and can so relate to using the books rather than collecting them. Happy New Year

Mark Thomas's avatar

Alex!! It’s good to see you 😊 And thank you! It seems I missed your return to Substack, looking forward to having a catch up on your latest posts. I hop you’re been keeping well. Happy New Year, wishing you a great 2026 🙌

Shell Plant's avatar

A super piece Mark! So proud of you!! Lovely to see your key moments from 2025 again. And very excited for your year ahead, and looking forward to seeing all your wonderful bakes, writing and stunning photography. 😍 Sending love to Hiro too.

Mark Thomas's avatar

Ahh thank you so much, lovely one - it honestly means the world 😊 And likewise - I’ve got a feeling it’s going to be a *very* exciting year for us both! X

Shell Plant's avatar

Well, you have inspired me. I haven't felt comfortable calling myself a photographer yet. And then I read your post and thought, I absolutely need to take a leaf out of Mark’s book here, and start calling myself one!

Mark Thomas's avatar

You ARE a photographer - a bloody good one, too! I’m glad you’re owning it 😊

Shell Plant's avatar

🥰

User's avatar
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Jan 13
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Mark Thomas's avatar

Yes, friend! 🙌 Here’s hoping for a great one for us both. I mean, you’re already smashing it anyway 🤣 And thank you - he’s currently sprawled over me, so have given him some scratches

Mark Thomas's avatar

Oh no, Aki! I’ve just deleted your comment rather than my own mis-typed one 🙃 Sorry!

User's avatar
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Jan 13
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Mark Thomas's avatar

Thank you, friend! I’m glad it resonated with you 😊 Aha, well, I hope some of my CTB posts might inspire you to venture into your own collection. Any if you have any recommendations, please fire them may way!