Seasonal Recipes
by John Gionleka of Peckham Bazaar
John Gionleka, chef-owner of Peckham Bazaar, collaborates with Little Olive Oil to create recipes shaped by his restaurant’s Balkan-influenced cooking, his Albanian roots and a broader, ingredient-led approach. For John, extra virgin olive oil is not added at the end; it's integral to how a dish comes together, used naturally and generously to bring depth, balance and clarity to each plate.
John Gionleka and Little Olive Oil
John works closely with Little Olive Oil as our brand ambassador, bringing his own approach to cooking to the partnership. His style is shaped by his upbringing in Albania and years spent in professional kitchens, resulting in confident, flavourful food made for sharing. When our founder, Herman Ermal Pobrati, first dined at Peckham Bazaar, he recognised an immediate quality in the cooking that felt both familiar and contemporary, laying the foundation for a collaboration rooted in shared values.
Balkan-Inspired Cooking at Peckham Bazaar
Peckham Bazaar opened in 2013, ahead of its time, long before Peckham became known for its food scene. Set in a former Victorian pub with an open kitchen, the restaurant reflects a fire-led approach, with a menu spanning meat, fish and vegetables. John has quietly done his own thing, not driven by trends but focused on good food, great produce and a way of cooking that feels consistent and true to his roots.
Ingredient-Led Recipes by John Gionleka
Throughout the year, we’ll share John’s recipes, guided by the best produce available at the time. Some draw on Balkan influences, while others are shaped simply by what’s available. All recipes reflect John's straightforward, flavour-led way of cooking. Each recipe is paired with the right Little Olive Oil extra virgin olive oil to enhance the produce and bring balance to every plate.
Try John Gionleka’s Spring Recipe Collection
For spring, the focus turns to produce such as Jersey Royals and asparagus, alongside other ingredients that define the season. These recipes are paired with the right extra virgin olive oil to elevate the flavour. We hope you enjoy John’s recipes as much as we did. You're in for a little treat!
