Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster

Ian Smith

Oct 22, 2025
Ian Smith, an Edinburgh Comedy Award-nominated comedian and host of the Northern News podcast, shares his unique comedic perspective and tour insights. He dives into his love for Scottish butteries and discusses nostalgia with potato waffles as comfort food. Smith also hilariously navigates a hypothetical vampire scenario, recounts memorable meals like slow-cooked lamb, and creatively proposes a risotto that fuses haggis, salmon, and saffron. The conversation culminates in sentimental dessert choices, revealing a charming mix of humor and heartfelt memories.
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ANECDOTE

Northern News Origins

  • Ian Smith records Northern News in the same room and often overlaps with Off Menu episodes.
  • He and Amy Gledhill collect bizarre local stories from the north for the show.
ANECDOTE

Colour-Coded Paper Diary

  • Ian keeps a colour-coded paper diary and treats it as his primary planner.
  • He highlights gigs, personal time and reminders and even stores stickers in a pocket.
ANECDOTE

Buttery And Potato Damper Memories

  • Ian describes Scottish buttery (rowie) as a flaky, very fatty roll invented for fishermen.
  • He also recalls a potato damper finished on hot coals at a pretentious Adelaide restaurant.
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