Pavilion to publish first cookbook by chef and YouTuber Big Has

Pavilion Books has acquired Home, the first cookbook from chef Hasan Semay, better known on social media as Big Has. 

Commissioning editor Cara Armstrong bought world rights from Grace O’Leary at Independent Talent Group 360. Publication is slated for 2nd June 2022. 

The book will showcase Semay's signature style of "robust, accessible and beautiful" cooking, with influences from his North Cypriot heritage and inspiration from his time spent in professional kitchens.

Semay, who has more than 40,000 Instagram followers and 28,000 YouTube subscribers, is a graduate of Jamie Oliver’s "15" programme and has spent the last 10 years in and out of restaurant kitchens. He believes that "food is for everyone, no matter where you come from", and his cookbook will focus on the sense of community that cooking and sharing food creates. 

Pavilion commented: "We are so proud to be publishing Has at Pavilion. He is a hugely talented chef and writer, the way he speaks about food and teaches you to engage with ingredients and the cooking process is totally unique and his recipes speak for themselves in their flavour and personality."

Has sad: "This book is just about food. Nothing flashy, no expensive equipment and gizmo’s. It’s entirely about flavours and understanding. Everything I learnt in kitchens or dishes I really enjoyed eating I’d always perfect at home or make for the family. Food in its entirety is more about filling your stomach, it’s about stories, history, those shared moments."