Sauté the vegetables: Melt the butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over a medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent and you can smell its sweetness. The celery should soften and look slightly glossy.

Add the garlic and flour: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant — the aroma will become rich and savoury. Sprinkle over the flour and stir constantly for 2 minutes. The mixture will look like a thick paste and should turn a pale golden colour.

Build the broth: Slowly pour in the stock while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. You'll see the mixture smooth out and start to bubble gently. Add the milk, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. The liquid will look creamy and pale, with small bubbles breaking the surface.

Cook the potatoes and corn: Add the diced potatoes and sweetcorn to the pot. Stir in the smoked paprika and dried thyme. Let the chowder simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring now and then, until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. The broth will thicken slightly and smell wonderfully aromatic.

Blend for creaminess (optional): If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to pulse the chowder 3-4 times — you want some chunks remaining for texture. The soup will become thicker and look velvety.

Cook the shrimp: Gently stir in the raw shrimp. Let them cook for 3-4 minutes, just until they turn pink and curl slightly. You'll see them change from greyish to bright coral, and they'll feel firm to the touch. Be careful not to overcook them, or they'll become rubbery.

Finish with cream: Pour in the double cream and stir gently. Let the chowder heat through for another minute. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. The final chowder should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, with a glossy, inviting sheen.

Serve immediately: Ladle the chowder into warm bowls and sprinkle over the fresh chives or parsley. The steam will carry the lovely fragrance, and the colours will look vibrant and appetising.