When Ms A invited us into her flat, we were directed into her sitting room covered with naval paintings and prints. We asked if this was her passion and were told that it was her dad who joined the navy during World War 2. The flat had been inherited from Ms A's parents and had retained their decor.

Ms A offered us some tea, then started telling us about her own adventures. She had worked in Geneva and the South of France as an au pair in the 60's where on her days off, she travelled to St Tropez. We imagined her rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous on the French Riviera having a wonderful time.

Returning to the present day, Ms A told us that apart from these two spells abroad she had lived in Bermondsey all of her life. She described the huge changes that she'd seen in the area, starting from her childhood where the shipyards were in action and all of the sounds and smells that the ships brought with them.

Ms A was interested in us too, asking about our lives and in particular and simple recipe recommendations that we could offer to vary her routines. We did what we could to help, but we were honestly a little unprepared for this question.

At the end of our visit, we said goodbye to Ms A and made a mental note to bring some cookbooks next time around.