The Romesh Ranganathan Show Tom Allen: Gardening With Celebs, Fashion Pet Peeves & The 'Mandem'
Mar 23, 2026
Tom Allen, British comedian and presenter known for stand-up, Extra Slice and the gardening podcast Pottering. He riffs on fashion pet peeves and suit etiquette. He talks about discovering gardening and the Chelsea Flower Show. He also chats about his debut novel about suburban life and shares anecdotes on comedy, football and youthful 'mandem' memories.
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Trowel Holster Gift Sparks Immediate Prune
- Romesh gifts Tom a personalised gardening set including a trowel holster and trowel, which Tom delights in and immediately uses to prune a plant on set.
- The moment underscores Tom's gardening enthusiasm and delight in thoughtful niche gifts.
Garden Setting Changes Conversation Tone
- Recording in a garden intentionally creates calm and a different vibe for guests and listeners.
- Tom Allen launched Pottering to transfer garden serenity into conversations and morning commutes.
An Enthusiastic Novice Who Loves Dahlias
- Tom describes himself as an 'enthusiastic novice' gardener who moved into gardening after buying a house five years ago.
- He finds dahlias a triumph and admits he lives 'the life of an 85' enjoying slow, domestic pleasures.
