The editor of Waitrose Kitchen has defended his hiring of Pippa Middleton, describing his latest employee as "tremendous" and comparing her talents to those of top Cordon Bleu-chefs. William Sitwell recently commissioned Pippa's Friday Night Feasts, a feature whose "casual dining ideas and recipes" replaced those of cookery queen Delia Smith. The change of personnel raised a few eyebrows, but William is completely convinced of his choice. "She's on tremendous form," he told local radio station Siren FM on Thursday. "The first column comes out next week so we can expect the usual flurry of abuse from newspapers and food bloggers who are jealous that they haven't got columns.
"In the mix of the magazine, her stuff is fantastic. She's there alongside (Cordon Bleu-chef) Yotam Ottolenghi and some other up-and-coming chefs like Ben Tish from Salt Yard. "You'll still see an array of talent that we use. She's done her very first series as an Asian-themed Friday night feast and I think people will enjoy it. When people see the work that she's doing, they'll calm down." The vote of confidence will be a boost for Kate Middleton's sister, who recently parted ways with her literary agent. Pippa's entertaining guide Celebrate: A Year of British Festivities For Families and Friends was released amid great expectations in October last year, with the debutante reportedly receiving a £400,000 advance from publisher Michael Joseph.
But it seems fans will have to wait for Pippa's sophomore effort. Her agent David Godwin last week confirmed they will no longer be working together, saying: "I am very sorry it has happened, but yes, it is true: I no longer represent Pippa and I wish her good luck." Parting with David Godwin will give Pippa time to focus on her other interests. As well as writing her column for supermarket chain Waitrose, the brunette also runs her own online magazine called The Party Times, inspired by the Middleton family business, Party Pieces. Pippa's love life is also going well. She and financier beau Nico Jackson, 35, are going from strength to strength and were recently spotted enjoying a romantic stroll in the Swiss Alps.