James Bond is very particular about his salad dressings. In Moonraker (1955), after a long briefing in M’s office, he pops down to the near-deserted officers’ canteen and mixes a dressing of his own concoction to go with the salad he’s ordered (which accompanies a grilled sole). We are not given the full recipe, but it includes mustard.

James Bond does much the same thing in John Gardner’s No Deals, Mr Bond (1987), though this time he’s in the more luxurious surroundings of Blades, M’s London club. Bond again orders a grilled sole and large salad and, true to form, obtains the ingredients to mix his own dressing. This time, we get the recipe, which is essentially a variation of the classic vinaigrette.

Having tried it, I’d reduce the salt and pepper (perhaps to a generous pinch each), but the mustard powder, though it seems more than ample, is not overpowering once combined with all the ingredients. Quite what the staff of Blades thinks about Bond’s fastidious behaviour is anyone’s guess.

Serves 1-2

• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp sugar
• 2½ tsp powdered mustard
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 1 tsp water

Put the pepper, salt, sugar and mustard in a small bowl and mix together. Add the oil, vinegar and water and stir well until a smooth liquid is formed. Pour over your salad and toss.