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Stirred But Not Shaken: The Autobiography
He was the first celebrity chef, the swashbuckling cook who crossed the high seas, on a BBC budget, communicating his love of food to millions of viewers. Make a wonderful dish and have a bloody good time: that was the criteria of Keith Floyd's mission (a mission that lasted several decades). Along the way he inspired a generation of men to get into the kitchen. After starting out in a hotel kitchen in Bristol, he made and lost fortunes, was married four times, and dealt with a level of fame that bemused him. Now, in his honest and revealing memoir, completed just before he died, Keith reflects on the ups and downs of his career. Above all, the much loved, often copied, Keith Floyd whooshes the reader through his adventures, from the hilarious to the downright lunatic. As irrepressible, funny and charming as Keith himself, Stirred But Not Shaken is a must-read for anyone who loves life, food, women . . . and a quick slurp.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
13 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Keith Floyd
53 books7 followersKeith Floyd was a restaurateur and TV chef who produced many cooking shows, including Floyd on Fish and Floyd on France, for the BBC and Channel 5 and published many books combining cookery and his travels.
Famous for his distinctive bow tie, he talked, drank and cooked whilst imparting his knowledge of classical French cooking to the nation in an unpatronising way.
Famous for his distinctive bow tie, he talked, drank and cooked whilst imparting his knowledge of classical French cooking to the nation in an unpatronising way.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 9, 2017
The sad thing about this book is that came out a week after he died.
He was the first big chief to become famous without Flyod 's glass of wine we not have Rick Stien or Gary Rhone's,Hairy Bikers or Masterchef he started all that cooking shows he put the F into cook shows.
All we had before was Fanny
He was the first big chief to become famous without Flyod 's glass of wine we not have Rick Stien or Gary Rhone's,Hairy Bikers or Masterchef he started all that cooking shows he put the F into cook shows.
All we had before was Fanny
February 24, 2025
I enjoyed this, but the title should have been 'Never Enough'.
It's a story I found fascinating because I watched Floyd on the TV and I liked the way he spoke, dressed, cooked and behaved. He was entertaining and he was different. Ultimately though his autobiography is a sad one because he simply could not or would not live within his means: if he wanted it he went for it and (usually) got it. The problem was that he just couldn't hold on to it.
There is a chapter late on in the book where he talks about having everything - a house in southern Spain, having a long breakfast watching the boats chugging away in the med, sloping off to buy a couple of newspapaers then heading into Puerto Banus for a light bite and some refreshment, then a siesta before heading somewhere else for dinner and reeling back home at midnight drunk and merry. And, yes, it sounds perfect, but it didn't last because he got bored and the marriage (his 3rd I think) wasn't built on anything stronger than lust and ready cash. So another divorce happened, another chunk of his life went in alimony and he was on the rocks again.
Sad, but it seems to be the curse of being such an outgoing, creative person (Hancock had it much the same way): whatever heights you reach it just isn't enough to make you content. We read stories like this and think "I wish!" but maybe there's a lot to be said for living a mediocre life. You may not experience too many highs but equally you don't have to contend with too many lows and on the whole you appreciate what you've got ... and you're level headed enough to keep it.
It's a story I found fascinating because I watched Floyd on the TV and I liked the way he spoke, dressed, cooked and behaved. He was entertaining and he was different. Ultimately though his autobiography is a sad one because he simply could not or would not live within his means: if he wanted it he went for it and (usually) got it. The problem was that he just couldn't hold on to it.
There is a chapter late on in the book where he talks about having everything - a house in southern Spain, having a long breakfast watching the boats chugging away in the med, sloping off to buy a couple of newspapaers then heading into Puerto Banus for a light bite and some refreshment, then a siesta before heading somewhere else for dinner and reeling back home at midnight drunk and merry. And, yes, it sounds perfect, but it didn't last because he got bored and the marriage (his 3rd I think) wasn't built on anything stronger than lust and ready cash. So another divorce happened, another chunk of his life went in alimony and he was on the rocks again.
Sad, but it seems to be the curse of being such an outgoing, creative person (Hancock had it much the same way): whatever heights you reach it just isn't enough to make you content. We read stories like this and think "I wish!" but maybe there's a lot to be said for living a mediocre life. You may not experience too many highs but equally you don't have to contend with too many lows and on the whole you appreciate what you've got ... and you're level headed enough to keep it.
December 22, 2015
did not enjoy this much - he has a victim mentality and the effect of his apparent alcoholism on family and friends is glossed over
June 26, 2020
A poignant and revealing autobiography written in Keith's casual and spontaneous style as he appeared on his cookery programmes that we know and love. Other reviews mentioned there wasn't enough food in this. I wasn't expecting recipes when I read it, for that you buy his cookery books. His love for life and food as an evocative vehicle shone through throughout. Yes, one way to interpret it could be that he erroneously assigns responsibility for the lows in his life to events and causes that were, what he saw as, beyond his control. Or just him living an ultimately irresponsible life. But underneath it all, this is a tale of a desperately lonely man despite being surrounded by people who adored him all his life. When he eventually found contentment in life, the accumulation of an irresponsible lifestyle brought it to a cruel, premature end. But not before he was able to leave the legacy of this great autobiography. He never set out to be the perfect man. And we shouldn't hold him as one. But it doesn't stop us from still feeling endeared to him and his passionate, spontaneous character that continues to bring joy to so many people through their television screens.
March 13, 2016
The greatest tv chef of them all, but not the greatest autobiography of all. Too little about food.
April 20, 2019
Keith Floyd was a big hero of mine; I loved his travel/cookery style that was set to influence some of the great modern cookery programs and especially another hero of mine, Rick Stein, who said he wouldn’t be in business if it hadn’t of been for Keith.
I find it quite sad to know that despite his great successes, he was continually taken advantage of and eventually became bankrupt. A month after the book was completed, Keith passed away. What a huge loss to the culinary world. Whenever I travel with my husband and we find ourselves without a plan, we say, What would Keith do? And then we find a locals place to eat and grab a drink. RIP Floydy
I find it quite sad to know that despite his great successes, he was continually taken advantage of and eventually became bankrupt. A month after the book was completed, Keith passed away. What a huge loss to the culinary world. Whenever I travel with my husband and we find ourselves without a plan, we say, What would Keith do? And then we find a locals place to eat and grab a drink. RIP Floydy
June 19, 2023
I guess... sad is the word. Constantly shuttling from boom and bust, Floyd seems oblivious to the frivolous destruction he leaves in his wake. Wives, children and business partners are tossed to the wayside as he moves to the next home / business venture / boat.
Sadder still, the book ends a month before his untimely death.
But Keith's jollity somehow barrels this along and stops it becoming too depressing, mostly through his lack of self awareness.
Sadder still, the book ends a month before his untimely death.
But Keith's jollity somehow barrels this along and stops it becoming too depressing, mostly through his lack of self awareness.
September 25, 2018
Fantastic read, although sad to know that his life's end was just around the corner. Still great to read about his adventures in front of and behind the camera.
August 23, 2020
A good read - enjoyed
September 2, 2021
A very entertaining account of a fascinating life which Keith Floyd certainly lived to its fullest!!
October 21, 2012
I'm so glad I read this, it's amusing, interesting, sad in parts, and all together a far better book than I'd ever imagined. Though I am not a massive fan of Keith I decided to read this autobiography because on the occasions I've watched his program I've enjoyed his rather bumbling outdoor cooking methods and the whole show and thought what the heck I'll give it a go.
Not knowing much of the man's life apart from his TV antics and his reputation for drinking as he cooks I was amazed by so many things that this book told me about his life. Firstly his having so many wives and so few children, secondly his complete lack of financial and business acumen, and thirdly his roundabout way he got involved in cooking in the first place. A little warning though, this comes across as an honest book and quite a few of the stories make you want to cry, but not because they were sad, though a few are, but more because Keith was a man so much taken advantage of in his career that he even tells of the poetry he wrote to reflect this free-loading roundabout as he calls it, it's a shame.
A really good read even if your not a massive fan of his cookery shows
Not knowing much of the man's life apart from his TV antics and his reputation for drinking as he cooks I was amazed by so many things that this book told me about his life. Firstly his having so many wives and so few children, secondly his complete lack of financial and business acumen, and thirdly his roundabout way he got involved in cooking in the first place. A little warning though, this comes across as an honest book and quite a few of the stories make you want to cry, but not because they were sad, though a few are, but more because Keith was a man so much taken advantage of in his career that he even tells of the poetry he wrote to reflect this free-loading roundabout as he calls it, it's a shame.
A really good read even if your not a massive fan of his cookery shows
May 26, 2015
Keith Floyd, I was interested in this book because Floyd grew up in the same part of the country as myself and most of his (earlier) restaurants were in the area, and Floyds Inn (Sometimes) was just down the road from where we lived later in life. I never met him but he did have quite the reputation. It seems from this book that most of it was true.
Floyd was a great celebrity chef, a bit of a lad, a lot of a drinker and and terrible business man. He made lots of money and lost it on a series of restaurants and bad decisions and bad relationships.
The impression is of a man near the end of his life who openly admits he made lots of mistakes and had lived his life his way. His brush with cancer seemed to have brought on this insight. He had some (many) regrets but seemed to finally be at peace with him self and his failings His family and friends were rallying around him and a new chapter was just about to start, a new TV series when sadly Keith passed away. A real character and a one of a kind.
Floyd was a great celebrity chef, a bit of a lad, a lot of a drinker and and terrible business man. He made lots of money and lost it on a series of restaurants and bad decisions and bad relationships.
The impression is of a man near the end of his life who openly admits he made lots of mistakes and had lived his life his way. His brush with cancer seemed to have brought on this insight. He had some (many) regrets but seemed to finally be at peace with him self and his failings His family and friends were rallying around him and a new chapter was just about to start, a new TV series when sadly Keith passed away. A real character and a one of a kind.
August 22, 2012
As we are wont to remind ourselves when someone passes, 'we will always have what they gave us'. In Floyd's case, what he gave us was much indeed. Essentially it was the passion - for food, for life and even for love, although at his own admission he never seemed to be able to make it last (the love that is). This testament to a touching, hilarious, witty, sometimes vexing but always authentic human being was completely un-put-downable. Luckily I got it as a Mother's Day gift so was able to guiltlessly lie around all day and read the best part of it, finishing off in stints standing at the cooker later in the week. If you want a book that makes you laugh, cry and go 'aw' all at once, this is it - he was a legend and must have been tremendous fun to have as a friend. I thoroughly recommend it!
March 6, 2014
with James Steen.
Keith Floyd was one of the first chefs to become a celebrity and led the way in filming cookery programmes on location. With trademark bow tie and glass of wine in hand, he inspired a generation to cook.
Read by Michael Cochrane.
Abridged by Libby Spurrier.
Broadcast on:
BBC Radio 4, 9:45am Monday 16th November 2009
Duration:
15 minutes
Available until:
10:02am Monday 23rd November 2009
Categories:
Factual, Life Stories, Food & Drink, Drama
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4. Broadcast on:
BBC Radio 4, 9:45am Monday 16th November 2009
Keith Floyd was one of the first chefs to become a celebrity and led the way in filming cookery programmes on location. With trademark bow tie and glass of wine in hand, he inspired a generation to cook.
Read by Michael Cochrane.
Abridged by Libby Spurrier.
Broadcast on:
BBC Radio 4, 9:45am Monday 16th November 2009
Duration:
15 minutes
Available until:
10:02am Monday 23rd November 2009
Categories:
Factual, Life Stories, Food & Drink, Drama
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4. Broadcast on:
BBC Radio 4, 9:45am Monday 16th November 2009
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2014
You have to understand one thing, its vital, Keith Floyd was my first tv HERO!
The whole family would sit and watch TV together; Dallas, Dynasty, Benny Hill and Keith Floyd.
This autobiography made me realise that he refused to be culpable for any of his actions and mostly blamed all and sundry.
Poorly written, alas; The only real element of this was when he considers his failings as a father and reaches out in particular to his son Patrick.
At least he still brings joy to most of his viewers as his shows will be eternal.
The whole family would sit and watch TV together; Dallas, Dynasty, Benny Hill and Keith Floyd.
This autobiography made me realise that he refused to be culpable for any of his actions and mostly blamed all and sundry.
Poorly written, alas; The only real element of this was when he considers his failings as a father and reaches out in particular to his son Patrick.
At least he still brings joy to most of his viewers as his shows will be eternal.
April 30, 2015
I approached this book with no preconceptions as I have never seen any of Keith Floyd's television programmes. I was absolutely delighted! I rarely read autobiographies and was surprised to discover that I could not put it down. I opened a bottle of champagne and sat in the sun, absorbed - I think that Floydy would have approved!
There was a self-effacing honesty which I found very endearing. Floyd took responsibility for his life; for his triumphs and disasters. I found him very likeable. I think it's time I checked out some of those cookery programmes now!
There was a self-effacing honesty which I found very endearing. Floyd took responsibility for his life; for his triumphs and disasters. I found him very likeable. I think it's time I checked out some of those cookery programmes now!
March 15, 2011
Keith is on his deathbed and he is bitter. He resents food, he resents his ex-wives, his children, the BBC... he resents pretty much anyone he has ever worked with or even met. He is depressed and openly wishes he will soon die.
This was a surprisingly bleak read. Especially as I was expecting a few fun and light-hearted tales of drunken merriment. I thought you might cheer me up Kieth!
This was a surprisingly bleak read. Especially as I was expecting a few fun and light-hearted tales of drunken merriment. I thought you might cheer me up Kieth!
May 1, 2013
A cracking read about the original TV chef, a genuine character and bon viveur, but also shot through with much sadness. Four times married and several times bankrupt he rarely allowed life to keep him down for long, but you can't help thinking that if only he'd learned a few lessons along the way things might have turned out so much better.
October 29, 2012
A good read, although it will make you want a nice glass of red or a G&T whilst reading it. Some might find it slightly scatter-brained with random flashbacks, but that adds to it's genuineness as Floyd's autobiography.
August 11, 2011
Really good book about a fantastic (but sadly very lonely) man - Keith, you were a legend !
September 19, 2015
An older, ailing, Floyd looks back, somewhat wistfully, on his life and times. Fascinating, irreverent and touching.
May 10, 2013
It was OK, not riveting, not unputdownable, just OK
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews