Prue Leith Isn't Just A GBBO Judge, She's Also A Michelin-Starred Chef (2024)

Prue Leith is widely known as the colorful, quick-witted judge of the hit show "The Great British Bake Off." Leith stepped into the role in 2017to replace the beloved Mary Berry and has since become a subject of the internet's ire. The author, restaurateur, and T.V. personality is often reduced to a poorly dressed, slightly out-of-touch octogenarian by media outlets. In 2023, Leith also received criticism for one of her signature expressions— "worth the calories" — as some said it promoted disordered eating. Even so, Leith's career is impressive and filled with accomplishments, perhaps most notablyearning a Michelin Star.

Leith received her formal training from London's renowned Cordon Bleu Cookery School starting in 1960. She later founded Leith's Good Food, an event catering business that helped her make a name for herself amongst London's elite. By 1969, Leith was ready to put down some roots. She opened Leith's, an upscale Notting Hill eatery which quickly became the talk of the town — and eventually earned her a Michelin Star. "When I opened [Leith's] I got a lot of publicity because I was a woman," the GBBO judge said in a 2022 interview with The Splendid Table, adding, "There weren't a lot of women who had smart restaurants." Leith recalls that even before earning her star there, the late-night spot was flooded with high-profile clientele, like members of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

Read more: What The Cameras Don't Show You On MasterChef

The Celeb Chef Is Self-Deprecating But Self-Sufficient

Prue Leith Isn't Just A GBBO Judge, She's Also A Michelin-Starred Chef (1)

Although it's unclear when exactly Prue Leith's restaurant received a Michelin Star, she told The Splendid Table that it "took a very long time to get." For many chefs, receiving the prestigious accolade — awarded for excellence in food, service, and value — is their crowning achievement, but that didn't stop Leith from bashing her former menu. "When I see the food I was serving 30 years ago, it is so lumpy and clumsy and ugly and looks horrible. I can't believe it," she told My London in 2023. Now, she much prefers the streamlined flavors and presentation of modern cuisine. "I'm very pleased that 'posh' food has gotten simpler," Leith added.

The former restaurateur — now agreat GBBO judge— decided to sell her Michelin-starred establishment in 1995.Despite the awards and praise the restaurant received, Leith told The Splendid Table, "We weren't that good." She does believe, however, that working for herself granted her the freedom to succeed. "Women suffer when they've got a boss who is institutionally anti-women," she said, adding, "But if you're your own boss, it's much easier."

Read the original article on Mashed.

Prue Leith Isn't Just A GBBO Judge, She's Also A Michelin-Starred Chef (2024)

FAQs

Prue Leith Isn't Just A GBBO Judge, She's Also A Michelin-Starred Chef? ›

Prue Leith Isn't Just A GBBO Judge, She's Also A Michelin-Starred Chef. Prue Leith is widely known as the colorful, quick-witted judge of the hit show "The Great British Bake Off." Leith stepped into the role in 2017 to replace the beloved Mary Berry and has since become a subject of the internet's ire.

Does Prue Leith have a Michelin star? ›

Even so, Leith's career is impressive and filled with accomplishments, perhaps most notably earning a Michelin Star. Leith received her formal training from London's renowned Cordon Bleu Cookery School starting in 1960.

Has Prue Leith got a restaurant? ›

So whether you want to cook up a storm or enjoy an evening of epicurean elegance, Prue Leith Restaurant offers a taste of perfection and a bite at the future.

Why did Prue leave the Great British baking Show? ›

Channel 4 confirmed that Prue would be stepping back from Celebrity Bake Off in a statement provided to The Independent which read: “Prue will be joining Paul as usual to judge The Great British Bake Off but will be stepping back from The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer.” Celebrity chef Nigella Lawson ...

Is Prue Leith leaving Bake Off? ›

In a comment made to The Independent on Thursday (14 March), Leith said: “I absolutely love working on Bake Off and am looking forward to filming the next series and meeting our new bakers, I am only stepping back from the Celebrity series, which is just a question of the filming commitment involved as we make these ...

Who has 32 Michelin Stars? ›

Late French chef and restaurateur Joël Robuchon was the chef with the most Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide as of April 2023. His restaurants were awarded a total of 31 stars across his career.

Which chefs have 21 Michelin Stars? ›

The winner must be thanking his lucky stars — all 21 of them. That's right. Alain Ducasse, the Monégasque master who has been helming esteemed eateries for nearly 40 years, is the proud recipient of more than a score of Michelin stars.

Why is Prue in a wheelchair? ›

I leap out, roaring. And as I leap, I feel a hammer blow to my ankle, and end up whimpering like the Cowardly Lion I'm portraying. I have snapped my Achilles tendon.

Why was Prue replaced with Paige? ›

Producers then decided to kill off Prue and replace her with a long-lost younger half-sister named Paige Matthews (played by Rose McGowan), in favor of having "a fresh face" join the series. The producers had to re-cut the season three cliffhanger to explain Prue's sudden disappearance.

Is Prue Leith a baker? ›

Prue is a (literal) dame, a Cordon Bleu-trained chef, a Michelin-starred restaurateur. She's ghost-written recipes for royals, improved the catering on British railways, and has 12 books under her belt. She's arguably overqualified to judge amateur bakers, even if they are the best in Britain.

Who is replacing Prue Leith? ›

The Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith is temporarily stepping back from the celebrity version of the show due to her other work commitments. Nigella Lawson is reportedly the favourite to replace Prue Leith on The Great British Bake Off Stand Up To Cancer when filming for the show commences again this summer.

Who are the new judges on Bake Off 2024? ›

Bake Off: The Professionals 2024 judges

Chef Pâtissier at Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, Benoit Blin and former Executive Pastry Chef of the Pan Pacific London Hotel Cherish Finden will be back once more as judges of Bake Off: The Professionals.

Who is the new judge on the Bake Off? ›

Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding were joined in the iconic tent by 12 of Britain's best amateur bakers – all united in their aim to impress Paul Hollywood and new judge Prue Leith. Paul and Prue set 30 brand new baking challenges.

Who has 31 Michelin Stars? ›

Joël Robuchon, 31 Michelin Stars

He holds number one spot among the world's top 10 chefs, making him the world's best chef according to the Michelin star rating.

Who is the highest Michelin star chef today? ›

Top 10 Chefs with the Most Michelin Stars
  1. Joël Robuchon: 31 Michelin Stars. ...
  2. Alain Ducasse: 21 Michelin Stars. ...
  3. Gordon Ramsay: 17 Michelin Stars. ...
  4. Yannick Alléno: 15 Michelin Stars. ...
  5. Pierre Gagnaire: 14 Michelin Stars. ...
  6. Martin Berasategui: 12 Michelin Stars. ...
  7. Enrico Bartolini: 12 Michelin Stars. ...
  8. Anne-Sophie Pic: 10 Michelin Stars.
Aug 8, 2022

Which French chef lost a Michelin star? ›

The Michelin Guide announced on Monday, February 27, the shock decision to knock a star off the Paris restaurant of Guy Savoy, frequently named the best chef in the world.

Who has 20 Michelin Stars? ›

Alain Ducasse - 21 Michelin stars

Alain Ducasse has the most Michelin stars. Widely recognised as one of the world's most successful chefs, this French-born chef has a decorated career of almost 50 years, and holds a roster of incredible achievements to his name.

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