Joanna Lumley Visits Emerson Zanzibar Hotel
Joanna Lumley’s 2023 4-part TV series on the Spice Trail
Buy an atlas and keep it by the bed – remember you can go anywhere.
British Actress Dame Joanna Lumley
Joanna Lumley Comes to Zanzibar
Joanna Lumley set off on her most epic voyage yet, a journey through the world’s greatest spice continents.
Embarking on a 10,000-mile trek through Indonesia, Zanzibar, India and Madagascar, Joanna explores the centuries-old spice trade, discovering the rich tapestry of flavors and cultures which have shaped our world.
The last leg of Joanna Lumley’s journey takes her by dhow to Zanzibar, the spice island of Africa where merchants from around the world have left their mark on the architecture, religion and music.
Joanna visited Emerson Spice Hotel, one of the most iconic Zanzibar Hotels in Stone Town to talk to legendary designer and cultural expert Farouque Abdela
As most of us are unlikely to be invited on holiday with Joanna Lumley any time soon, let us enjoy the next best thing,” – Anita Singh (UK Daily Telegraph)
Nothing pleases Dame Joanna Lumley quite like exploring the world. The Bafta-winning actress, 77, has spent the last decade documenting her love of travel on the small screen, from Trans-Siberian railway tours to journeys across Japan and India.
Even the architecture is Spicy” – Farouque Abdela
Joanna Lumley in her new ITV series filmed here in Stone Town at the magical Emerson Spice Hotel, talks about Zanzibar spices to legendary designer and cultural personality Farouque Abdela, friend of Emerson (Babu) Skeens.
Zanzibar Spice Island
Zanzibar, known as the Spice Island, is home to some of the world’s finest spices. The island has a rich history of spice trading, and its economy has been heavily reliant on these fragrant exports for centuries. The spice trade began in the 16th century when Portuguese traders introduced cinnamon, black pepper, and cloves to the island, which quickly became a hub for spice cultivation and trade.
One of the most famous spices grown on Zanzibar is cloves. These buds are harvested by hand and have a warm, sweet flavor, which is great for adding to teas, desserts, and curries. Cinnamon is widely cultivated here too and has a sweet, fragrant aroma that brings warmth and comfort to dishes. The spice is often used in sweet dishes, but it also pairs well with savory dishes like lamb and chicken.
Another famous Zanzibar spice is nutmeg, which is derived from the fruit of a tree. It has an earthy aroma and a slightly sweet, nutty flavor. It is also known to have medicinal properties, including the ability to relieve pain and promote good digestion. Finally, there is cardamom, which is particularly popular in East African cuisine. It has a sweet, spicy, and floral flavor and is used in everything from soups and stews to sweets and coffee.
To see the Spice Trail series in full:
Check out a local BBC, TV or ITV Channel near you that is airing the series Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail
or check out ITVX
Dame Joanna Lumley - WikiPedia
Dame Joanna Lamond Lumley DBE FRGS (born 1 May 1946) is a British actress, presenter, former model, author, television producer, and activist. She has won two BAFTA TV Awards for her role as Patsy Stone in the BBC sitcom Absolutely Fabulous (1992–2012), and was nominated for the 2011 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for the Broadway revival of La Bête. In 2013, she received the Special Recognition Award at the National Television Awards, and in 2017 she was honoured with the BAFTA Fellowship award.
Lumley's other television credits include The New Avengers (1976–1977), Sapphire & Steel (1979–1982), Sensitive Skin (2005–2007), Jam & Jerusalem (2006–2008) and Finding Alice (2021–present) as well as playing Elaine Perkins in Coronation Street in 1973. Her film appearances include On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969), Trail of the Pink Panther (1982), Shirley Valentine (1989), James and the Giant Peach (1996), Ella Enchanted (2004), Corpse Bride (2005), The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), and Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie (2016). She had roles in two episodes of Are You Being Served? written by Jeremy Lloyd, whom she had married and divorced three years previously.
Lumley is an advocate and human rights activist for Survival International and the Gurkha Justice Campaign. She supports charities and animal welfare groups, such as Compassion in World Farming and Vegetarians' International Voice for Animals. Lumley was made a Dame (DBE) in the 2022 New Year Honours for services to drama, entertainment and charity.
