Nicola Lamb
1. When you were at Brighton & Hove High School, and what is your fondest memory of school?
I was a student at BHHS between 1996 and 2010.
I have some incredible friendships from my time at BHHS – so many memories and moments that still make us hurt with laughter 20 years later. From questionable assembly performances to graceless dance moves to the songs from ‘Cats’ in choir, every day had at least a glimmer of fun and joy, even during exams..
2. Who was your favourite teacher and why?
My best memories in class come from Mr Sherwood and Mrs Ashdown who really expanded the worlds of the texts we’d study in History and English respectively. And to the music department – Mr Jameson, Mrs Fairhurst and Mrs Cowell, thanks for putting up with us.
3. What were the benefits of being in an all-girls school?
This is a biased view since I never experienced anything else, it’s hard for me to fairly evaluate the differences, but I felt incredibly free around all of my friends to lean into our weirdest and quirkiest sides.
4. What did you want to be when you ‘grew-up’?
There was a time that I really wanted to work with animals, but I’ve long given that up and am now fully satisfied with being a professional cat owner.
5. What do you do now, and what are the most rewarding and challenging parts of your job?
I am a pastry chef, cookbook author, writer and recipe developer. I am lucky enough to have complete independence in my career and I structure my own days, led by my own creativity. That’s also what makes my job challenging – sometimes self-motivation isn’t easy.
6. What are you most proud of so far?
I am really proud of my newsletter ‘Kitchen Projects’ on substack which is all about baking and recipe development, getting into the ‘why’ and nerdier side of baking. I started publishing independently on the platform without much of a plan or idea of how it would go. I now have 57,000 weekly readers and it led directly to my book deal. ‘SIFT: The Elements of Great Baking’ is a direct result of me taking that chance and being consistent.
7. What was the best piece of advice you were given whilst at Brighton?
Treat others with compassion and an open mind.
8. What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?
You never know when you’ve had a good day. And, rest is important (I’m still trying to learn that one).
9. What book, film or piece of music would you recommend to your younger self and to your fellow alumnae?
The Beatles: In My Life, The Planets suite by Gustav Holst
10. How would you like to be remembered?
For taking care of those closest to me and living an interesting life full of curiosity and optimism.
Brighton Girls is very much a family affair, and as part of our Family Alumnae of the Month we have Nicola’s mum Elizabeth as our Alumna of the Month July 2024 and sister Pippa in August. Links are here!
