Dame Prue Leith DBE is a renowned British-South African restaurateur, chef, author, and television personality. She has made significant contributions to the culinary industry and is widely recognized for her expertise in food and cooking. Prue Leith was born in South Africa, in the city of Pretoria, during the height of World War II. She grew up in a household that greatly valued good food and shared meals. Her mother, Margaret, was a successful cook and food writer, which influenced Prue’s early interest in cooking. Leith’s culinary career began in the 1960s when she opened her own restaurant called Leith’s in London. The restaurant became highly regarded and won numerous accolades for its innovative menu and high-quality cuisine. Over the years, Prue Leith expanded her culinary empire, establishing several additional restaurants and catering businesses. In addition to her restaurant ventures, Prue Leith became a successful author, writing several cookbooks that showcased her culinary expertise. Her books, such as “Leith’s Cookery Bible” and “Leith’s How to Cook,” have become popular references for aspiring chefs and home cooks.Prue Leith’s television career took off when she became a judge on the popular British cooking competition show, “The Great British Menu,” in 2006. Her warm and engaging personality, combined with her extensive culinary knowledge, made her a fan favorite. In 2017, she joined the judging panel of another widely acclaimed cooking show, “The Great British Bake Off,” replacing Mary Berry. Her role on the show brought her widespread recognition and endeared her to audiences across the UK and beyond.Prue Leith’s contributions to the culinary industry have been recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In 2010, she was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to the food industry. In 2017, she was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her contributions to food, broadcasting, and charity. Furthermore, in 2021, Prue Leith was honored with the prestigious title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her services to food, broadcasting, and charity. Beyond her culinary achievements, Prue Leith is also known for her philanthropy and activism. She has been involved in several charitable endeavors, including work with organizations that tackle poverty and support education and training in the culinary arts.

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From the Sloane Ranger to Bake Off, How Britain’s Culture Has Change: Laugh with Jim Naughtie as he explores changes in British culture over the last 30 years with Chief Sloane Ranger and stylist Peter York and Bake Of fstar Dame Prue Leith. (2023)