Prue Leith is synonymous with British culinary excellence and importantly, charm, as her extensive career narrates a lifelong dedication to the transformative powers and pleasure of good food.
Best known to many as a judge on The Great British Bake Off, Leith’s influence extends far beyond television. Over the course of her remarkable career, she has worn many hats – chef, restaurateur, writer, businesswoman, and advocate for education and food sustainability. From founding one of London’s most celebrated cookery schools to inspiring home bakers around the world, and most recently, opening up Fortnum & Mason’s brand new store in Bicester Village, Dame Prue Leith has helped shape modern British food culture with her distinctive wit and approachable creativity.
Including Harley-Davidson adventures to the local pubs (yes, really) and the best farm shop in the area, read on for Prue Leith’s foodie favourites across the Cotswolds.
The Fox, Oddington
Hi Prue, tell us about your relationship with the Cotswolds – when did you move here?
I have lived in the Cotswolds for 52 years. My children were two when we came, mainly because I realised that two toddlers in a London flat without access to green space was not a recipe for happy families.
What do you love most about the Cotswolds? What makes it feel like home?
You’d be hard-pressed to find an ugly town or village in the Cotswolds, and contrary to popular belief it’s not full of celebrities. There are lots of lovely, ordinary people, small farms and businesses, and plenty of great shops.
How has living in the Cotswolds influenced your lifestyle or daily routine?
Well we have a small farm now, so I take much more interest in our hedges, the stream, our bees, the birds (we have bird boxes full of owls – tawny, little, and barn) and kestrels. John (my husband) recently bought me a Polaris (a cross between a golf buggy and a tractor) to whizz around the fields.
Tell us about Prue Leith’s Cotswold Kitchen – how did your series come about?
I was offered my own show by ITV and jumped at it. It’s lovely because it is real. We never cook anything twice. If I mess up in the kitchen, I just say something like “oh, that doesn’t look so good. Never mind, here’s how to fix it, and it will taste great,” which is what matters. Everything for Cotswold Kitchen (and my book Life’s Too Short to Stuff a Mushroom) is cooked, photographed and eaten in my kitchen. It’s also fun having John, my husband, on the programme. He’s very funny. We never have guests just because they are famous, the most important thing is they have to be interesting. And I like to champion small Cotswold businesses run by enterprising individuals.
F&M Bicester
The new Fortnum & Mason store has just opened in Bicester Village marking the first outpost outside of London – how exciting! What do you love about Fortnum & Mason?
I’ve always admired Fortnum & Mason’s quality ingredients and inventive products. Everything they do, from the teas to the condiments, is done with such attention to detail. All their products make such great presents; I’ve never chucked a Fortnum & Mason’s biscuit tin away. I just line the empty biscuit tins up on a shelf and they look great.
What products can we shop? Any favourites?
Fortnum & Mason’s Royal Blend Tea, chocolossus biscuits, all the preserves, and of course, their hampers. There is also a Fortnum’s x Bicester Village gift box exclusive to the Village, which includes chocolate pearl shortbread rounds, Fortnum’s Royal Blend Tea and a Fortnum’s mug to drink it from, as well as local honey made from Banbury’s beautiful lime trees’ blossom.
Daylesford Farm Shop
The best spot in the Cotswolds for breakfast or brunch?
Daylesford Farm Shop for people watching, and for great food. They also have such lovely staff. My only pointer, don’t go in your scruffiest jeans and grubby T-shirt, because everyone looks amazingly cool.
The best pub lunch in the Cotswolds is…
The Double Red Duke in Clanfield is great. Good food, a nice atmosphere and a brilliant building. They will also be opening a new site at Bicester Village next month and have an excellent Chef Series programme with the likes of Margot Henderson and Niklas Ekstedt on the line-up.
The Bull Charlbury
Two of your favourite restaurants in the Cotswolds and the dish to order at each?
Ham, egg and chips at The Fox Inn, Broadwell, and confit of duck at The Red Lion in Long Compton.
Where should we go for an evening drink?
John and I often go pub crawling on his Harley-Davidson Trike. I drink and he drives. And we might visit the two pubs mentioned above (The Fox Inn and The Red Lion), or visit the Bamford pubs: The Wild Rabbit in Kingham; The Fox at Oddington; or The Bull, Charlbury.
The Bull, Charlbury
The best towns or villages for farmers’ markets in the Cotswolds?
I would say Chipping Norton, Charlbury, and Woodstock.
What makes a good farmers’ market?
It must have stalls manned by the producers who can chat to the punters. And it must have a good coffee stall!
Your favourite farm shop in the Cotswolds?
Vegetable Matters in Ebrington. It’s run by a dedicated farmer, Peter Drinkwater, and a couple of very jolly assistants. It has a good café and sells locally made bread and cakes.
F&M Bicester
With Christmas just around the corner, where will you be doing your Christmas shopping?
I do think the new F&M store at Bicester Village will be great for presents – everyone is flattered to get a present from Fortnum’s. Also, if you are visiting the Village, there are plenty of irresistible things to buy. You could tick off your whole Christmas list there. Just beware, the temptation to get stuff for yourself will be strong!
Lead image credit: Photo by Dave Benett
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Any Questions or Tips to add?