Conran Octopus to publish 'Leon Happy Salads'

Conran Octopus, part of the Octopus Publishing Group, has acquired the latest book from "healthy fast food" brand, Leon.

Alison Starling, publisher at Octopus, acquired world rights from Antony Topping at Greene & Heaton. it will publish in hardback on 2nd June 2016, priced £15.99.

Leon Happy Salads, the first in a new Leon series, is the latest title from the brand. It will put spotlight on dishes that "all too often become a side to the main event" with "salads for all tastes".

Pitched as a "must-have kitchen staple", the book is divided into chapters entitled Classics, Naturally Fast, Food for Family, Food for Friends and Lunchbox. Recipe examples include veggy-friendly dishes "Pink Quinoa Salad" and "Get Figgy With It" and the meatier "Grilled Lamb & Goat’s Cheese" and "Very Peri-Peri Chicken".

The recipes are accompanied by photography from "rising star" Tamin Jones.

The book is authored by caterer and Guardian food columnist Jane Baxter, the co-author of Leon Fast Vegetarian with Henry Dimbleby, and Leon’s co-founder, John Vincent. Leon now has 33 restaurants serving 120,000 customers a week.

Alison Starling said: “Working with John, Jane and Leon’s creative team is always a hugely enjoyable experience and deliciously robust salads are at the heart of Leon’s menu so it was a great fit for the new series. 2016 looks set to be Leon’s year as they open more UK restaurants outside London and take Leon into Europe for the first time.”

Jane Baxter and John Vincent commented: “Why ‘Happy Salads’? Happy because these salads just look happy. Happy because they signify happy occasions. Happy because you will love eating them. Happy because you will feel good afterwards. Happy because if you make them a big part of your diet, you will feel well and energized. They put us in a good mood, and we think they will do the same for you.”