British Heritage
Remember, Cherish, Learn.
beta
Prue Leith
Dame Prudence Margaret Leith and her Unparalleled Contribution to British Heritage.
Dame Prudence Margaret Leith, commonly known as Prue Leith, DBE (born 18 February 1940), is an illustrious British-South African figure in the culinary world, known for her various roles as a restaurateur, chef, caterer, television presenter, journalist, cookery writer, and novelist. Her prominent contribution to British heritage lies not only in the culinary sphere but also extends into academia, broadcasting, literature, and public service.
Prue Leith's journey began in Cape Town, South Africa, where she was born into a family led by her father, Sam Leith, a director at African Explosives, and her mother, Margaret 'Peggy' Inglis, an actress. Leith's passion for food was ignited in Paris, during her studies at the Sorbonne. Recognising her calling in the culinary industry, she moved to London in 1960, where she honed her skills at the renowned Cordon Bleu Cookery School.
Leith launched her career with a catering business that specialised in high-quality business lunches, which later expanded into Leith's Good Food, a successful party and event catering service. Her entrepreneurial journey continued with the establishment of a Michelin-starred restaurant, Leith's, in Notting Hill in 1969, and later, the Leith's School of Food and Wine in 1975.
Leith's profound impact on the British culinary scene was marked by a series of successful ventures. She transformed the much-maligned catering services of British Railways as the first woman appointed to its board in 1977. Later, she co-founded the Prue Leith College (now Prue Leith Chef's Academy) in South Africa in 1995, further expanding her educational influence in the culinary realm.
Leith's media presence bolstered her culinary influence as she became a food columnist for various newspapers, including the Daily Mail, Sunday Express, The Guardian, and the Daily Mirror. Her twelve cookery books, particularly the Leith's Cookery Bible, and seven novels, have played a significant role in shaping the narrative of British gastronomy.
Leith's venture into broadcasting made her a household name in Britain. She was a judge on BBC Two's Great British Menu for eleven years before joining The Great British Bake Off in March 2017, replacing Mary Berry.
As an advocate for culinary education, she founded the charity Focus on Food, promoting cooking in the curriculum, and co-initiated the Hoxton Apprentice, a not-for-profit restaurant that trained disadvantaged young people. Furthermore, she was the Chair of the School Food Trust, instrumental in improving school food standards in the wake of Jamie Oliver's exposé.
Leith's philanthropic work extended to various organisations promoting sustainable food practices, food education, and better hospital food. She also held significant positions in education, including the chairmanship of Ashridge Management College and 3E's Enterprises.
Beyond her culinary pursuits, Leith made significant contributions in a variety of areas, including housing, transportation, retail, and finance. She served as a director of numerous organisations such as British Rail, British Transport Hotels, Safeway, and the Halifax. Her influence stretched into the arts as she successfully campaigned to use the vacant Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square to display contemporary art.
In 2017, her influence in academia was recognised when she was installed as the Chancellor of Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.
Leith's personal life has been as rich and diverse as her professional journey. She was married to author Rayne Kruger, with whom she had two children. Their son, Danny Kruger, has been a notable political figure, serving as a Conservative MP for Devizes. In 2016, Leith married John Playfair, a retired clothes designer.
Her significant contributions have not gone unnoticed. She was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1989, Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2010, and elevated to Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2021 for her services to food, broadcasting, and charity.
Prue Leith's indelible mark on British heritage is testament to her unwavering passion, dedication, and versatility. From her distinguished culinary career to her significant contributions in academia, broadcasting, literature, and public service, Leith's legacy is an integral part of the rich tapestry of British society.
Early Life and Culinary Beginnings
Prue Leith's journey began in Cape Town, South Africa, where she was born into a family led by her father, Sam Leith, a director at African Explosives, and her mother, Margaret 'Peggy' Inglis, an actress. Leith's passion for food was ignited in Paris, during her studies at the Sorbonne. Recognising her calling in the culinary industry, she moved to London in 1960, where she honed her skills at the renowned Cordon Bleu Cookery School.
Leith launched her career with a catering business that specialised in high-quality business lunches, which later expanded into Leith's Good Food, a successful party and event catering service. Her entrepreneurial journey continued with the establishment of a Michelin-starred restaurant, Leith's, in Notting Hill in 1969, and later, the Leith's School of Food and Wine in 1975.
An Unwavering Culinary Legacy
Leith's profound impact on the British culinary scene was marked by a series of successful ventures. She transformed the much-maligned catering services of British Railways as the first woman appointed to its board in 1977. Later, she co-founded the Prue Leith College (now Prue Leith Chef's Academy) in South Africa in 1995, further expanding her educational influence in the culinary realm.
Leith's media presence bolstered her culinary influence as she became a food columnist for various newspapers, including the Daily Mail, Sunday Express, The Guardian, and the Daily Mirror. Her twelve cookery books, particularly the Leith's Cookery Bible, and seven novels, have played a significant role in shaping the narrative of British gastronomy.
Broadcasting and Philanthropic Contributions
Leith's venture into broadcasting made her a household name in Britain. She was a judge on BBC Two's Great British Menu for eleven years before joining The Great British Bake Off in March 2017, replacing Mary Berry.
As an advocate for culinary education, she founded the charity Focus on Food, promoting cooking in the curriculum, and co-initiated the Hoxton Apprentice, a not-for-profit restaurant that trained disadvantaged young people. Furthermore, she was the Chair of the School Food Trust, instrumental in improving school food standards in the wake of Jamie Oliver's exposé.
Leith's philanthropic work extended to various organisations promoting sustainable food practices, food education, and better hospital food. She also held significant positions in education, including the chairmanship of Ashridge Management College and 3E's Enterprises.
Versatility Beyond the Culinary World
Beyond her culinary pursuits, Leith made significant contributions in a variety of areas, including housing, transportation, retail, and finance. She served as a director of numerous organisations such as British Rail, British Transport Hotels, Safeway, and the Halifax. Her influence stretched into the arts as she successfully campaigned to use the vacant Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square to display contemporary art.
In 2017, her influence in academia was recognised when she was installed as the Chancellor of Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.
Personal Life and Honours
Leith's personal life has been as rich and diverse as her professional journey. She was married to author Rayne Kruger, with whom she had two children. Their son, Danny Kruger, has been a notable political figure, serving as a Conservative MP for Devizes. In 2016, Leith married John Playfair, a retired clothes designer.
Her significant contributions have not gone unnoticed. She was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1989, Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2010, and elevated to Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2021 for her services to food, broadcasting, and charity.
Prue Leith's indelible mark on British heritage is testament to her unwavering passion, dedication, and versatility. From her distinguished culinary career to her significant contributions in academia, broadcasting, literature, and public service, Leith's legacy is an integral part of the rich tapestry of British society.
- Prue Leithen.wikipedia.org
