University role for new Bake Off judge and ‘culinary legend’
THE NEW judge of The Great British Bake Off has been officially installed as the chancellor of Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh.
Prue Leith CBE was given the title at a graduation ceremony in the Usher Hall in the city which was attended by 800 students and their families.
She takes over the role from entrepreneur Sir Tom Farmer, who served as founding chancellor of Queen Margaret University from 2007 to 2016.
Ms Leith has a track record as an entrepreneur after building a business from scratch in the 1960s which grew to become party and event caterer Leith’s Good Food.
In 1969 she opened Leith’s, her famous Michelin-starred restaurant, and in 1975 founded Leith’s School of Food and Wine which trains professional chefs and amateur cooks.
Now working mainly as a writer and TV presenter, she spent 11 years as a judge for BBC Two’s Great British Menu programme until 2016.
This autumn, Ms Leith, who has received 11 honorary degrees or fellowships from UK universities including QMU in 1997, will join Paul Hollywood as the new judge on The Great British Bake Off.
Professor Petra Wend, principal of Queen Margaret University, said: “Prue Leith is a highly-respected public figure who has strong beliefs about the importance of education and in its transformational impact on society.
“She has contributed significantly to the food and hospitality landscape of the UK, having worked successfully as a food entrepreneur, as well as highlighting the UK’s culinary talent and promoting good food health for all. She has become concerned about the care and rights of people who are elderly or dying and is involved with the ‘Dignity in Dying’ campaign and the Campaign for Better Hospital Food.
“She is also active in tackling inequalities, promoting entrepreneurship and supporting and nurturing young talent.”
Ms Leith is replacing longstanding host Mary Berry. Speaking of her appointment, Mr Hollywood said: “Prue is a hugely respected culinary legend.”