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Cooking and the Crown: Royal Recipes from Queen Victoria to King Charles III [A Cookbook]
An upcoming book to be published by Penguin Random House.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published October 22, 2024
63 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 3, 2025
Anglophiles, royalists and those interested in food history will likely enjoy this offering most. The dishes contained within span the spectrum of what is considered typically British fare, from simple oatmeal to beef wellington, along with a good number dishes that originated in France. The recipes, updated to make them easier to prepare by home cooks, represent dishes served and eaten by members of the British royal family dating from Queen Victoria to present day. There are photos for many but not all dishes and this may be due to the inclusion of the charmingly whimsical illustrations sprinkled throughout.
Headnotes tend to contain interesting anecdotes about the particular royals who enjoyed the recipe that follows. Interspersed among the recipes are stories that provide glimpses of how the royals lived and what they ate. My favourite was the one describing the special relationship between FDR and King George VI that led to "the picnic that won the war" (and why there is a recipe for FDR's Hot Dogs included in the book). My least favourite detailed King Edward VII's mass murder of 1,300 game birds in a single hunt. Rate this 3.5 stars but rounded down because half stars aren't an option on GRs.
Headnotes tend to contain interesting anecdotes about the particular royals who enjoyed the recipe that follows. Interspersed among the recipes are stories that provide glimpses of how the royals lived and what they ate. My favourite was the one describing the special relationship between FDR and King George VI that led to "the picnic that won the war" (and why there is a recipe for FDR's Hot Dogs included in the book). My least favourite detailed King Edward VII's mass murder of 1,300 game birds in a single hunt. Rate this 3.5 stars but rounded down because half stars aren't an option on GRs.
February 12, 2025
"In winter, my mother, Queen Camilla, eats porridge every day—plain, aside from a little of her own honey. The hives sit at the back of a field at Raymill, the house in which my sister and I spent the latter part of our youth. During winter, all is quiet. But come the summer, we tend to give those hives a wide berth. My mother gives most of her honey to Fortnum & Mason, where it is sold in special jars, with all proceeds going to one of her charities. It’s delicate and mild, as fine stirred into a good Darjeeling tea as it is mixed with porridge or yogurt.
— Serves 1 —
½ cup/50g Scottish oatmeal or old-fashioned rolled oats
1½ cups/360ml whole milk
Pinch of salt
1 tsp honey
Put the oatmeal in a saucepan, add the milk and salt, and bring to a boil, then decrease the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, until thick and creamy. Add the honey and serve."
The above quote should make it easy to determine whether you need to add this cookbook to your collection. Some recipes are as simple as this one. Others are much more complex (e.g., "Bombe Glacée") but may have an interesting anecdote attached.
2.5
— Serves 1 —
½ cup/50g Scottish oatmeal or old-fashioned rolled oats
1½ cups/360ml whole milk
Pinch of salt
1 tsp honey
Put the oatmeal in a saucepan, add the milk and salt, and bring to a boil, then decrease the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, until thick and creamy. Add the honey and serve."
The above quote should make it easy to determine whether you need to add this cookbook to your collection. Some recipes are as simple as this one. Others are much more complex (e.g., "Bombe Glacée") but may have an interesting anecdote attached.
2.5
June 4, 2024
What a splendid cookbook from award-winning food writer Tom Parker Bowles, son of Queen Camilla, with 100 delish recipes from 200 years of the Crown's fare, plus intriguing history and anecdotes. God save British Royal repasts!
October 19, 2024
Book Review: Cooking and the Crown by Tom Parker Bowles
Rating: 5 Stars
As someone who loves both cooking and history, I was absolutely thrilled to dive into Cooking and the Crown by Tom Parker Bowles. This delightful cookbook invites readers into the fascinating world of British royal cuisine, spanning a remarkable 200 years of recipes, traditions, and anecdotes. With over 100 recipes, Parker Bowles combines his expertise as a food writer with intriguing glimpses into the lives of the royals—from Queen Victoria to King Charles III.
The book opens with a charming introduction to British royal food, setting the stage for what’s to come. As I flipped through the pages, I was greeted by an array of recipes organized into sections for breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner, and dessert. Each recipe is prefaced with a brief introduction, followed by a comprehensive ingredient list and clear directions. I especially appreciated that most recipes are accompanied by mouth watering photographs. And the beautiful illustrations throughout the book add a whimsical touch that complements Parker Bowles' companionable writing style. It feels like having a chat with a knowledgeable friend over a cup of tea—informative yet casual.
What truly adds to this book are the historical tidbits sprinkled throughout. Parker Bowles delves into various aspects of royal food history, including rationing during tough times, picnic traditions, and the grandeur of coronation feasts. These insights not only enrich the cooking experience but also provide a deeper understanding of the cultural context behind each dish.
Now, let's talk about some of the standout recipes! The Fried Sole with shrimp sauce immediately caught my attention, and I can’t wait to try making George V’s Curry. The Quiche de Lorraine sounds divine, while the Welsh Teabread and Lemon Meringue Tartlet recipes has me daydreaming about their flavors.
Overall, Cooking and the Crown is not just a cookbook; it’s a sensory feast that captures the essence of British royal dining. I am completely besotted with it! Whether you're a history buff, a passionate cook, or simply curious about royal life, this book promises inspiration and delight in every page. I’m giving it a solid 4 stars and highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore the intersection of gastronomy and royalty. Happy cooking!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 5 Stars
As someone who loves both cooking and history, I was absolutely thrilled to dive into Cooking and the Crown by Tom Parker Bowles. This delightful cookbook invites readers into the fascinating world of British royal cuisine, spanning a remarkable 200 years of recipes, traditions, and anecdotes. With over 100 recipes, Parker Bowles combines his expertise as a food writer with intriguing glimpses into the lives of the royals—from Queen Victoria to King Charles III.
The book opens with a charming introduction to British royal food, setting the stage for what’s to come. As I flipped through the pages, I was greeted by an array of recipes organized into sections for breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner, and dessert. Each recipe is prefaced with a brief introduction, followed by a comprehensive ingredient list and clear directions. I especially appreciated that most recipes are accompanied by mouth watering photographs. And the beautiful illustrations throughout the book add a whimsical touch that complements Parker Bowles' companionable writing style. It feels like having a chat with a knowledgeable friend over a cup of tea—informative yet casual.
What truly adds to this book are the historical tidbits sprinkled throughout. Parker Bowles delves into various aspects of royal food history, including rationing during tough times, picnic traditions, and the grandeur of coronation feasts. These insights not only enrich the cooking experience but also provide a deeper understanding of the cultural context behind each dish.
Now, let's talk about some of the standout recipes! The Fried Sole with shrimp sauce immediately caught my attention, and I can’t wait to try making George V’s Curry. The Quiche de Lorraine sounds divine, while the Welsh Teabread and Lemon Meringue Tartlet recipes has me daydreaming about their flavors.
Overall, Cooking and the Crown is not just a cookbook; it’s a sensory feast that captures the essence of British royal dining. I am completely besotted with it! Whether you're a history buff, a passionate cook, or simply curious about royal life, this book promises inspiration and delight in every page. I’m giving it a solid 4 stars and highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore the intersection of gastronomy and royalty. Happy cooking!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
August 8, 2025
Tom Parker Bowles, son of Queen Camilla, might be said to have extraordinary access to the preferences of the current king and queen, the chefs in the royal kitchens, and to records of their predecessors, back to Victoria. Add to that his credentials of food critic and cookbook writer, and this book has the potential to be a charming and useful read.
And so it is. Sprinkled with anecdotes and interesting facts, such as who had a sweet tooth and who preferred savories, this book is appropriately organized by meal, with plenty of recipes that are mercifully written for both British and American cooking styles. That is, the ingredients are measured by both weight and volume, with American substitutions suggested for those items that are more common in the UK. I have not tried any of the recipes, but they sound delightful, and the read was pleasant. I am especially tempted to try Birkhall Scones and Coronation Chicken Sandwiches.
Furthermore, the book is lovely, with a gorgeous blue cover, heavy glossy pages, plenty of beautifully photographed food (so necessary for dishes that you have never actually seen before), and a suitable number of charming illustrations. If you have an interest in cooking, the Royal Family, and Britishness in general, this just might be the book for you.
And so it is. Sprinkled with anecdotes and interesting facts, such as who had a sweet tooth and who preferred savories, this book is appropriately organized by meal, with plenty of recipes that are mercifully written for both British and American cooking styles. That is, the ingredients are measured by both weight and volume, with American substitutions suggested for those items that are more common in the UK. I have not tried any of the recipes, but they sound delightful, and the read was pleasant. I am especially tempted to try Birkhall Scones and Coronation Chicken Sandwiches.
Furthermore, the book is lovely, with a gorgeous blue cover, heavy glossy pages, plenty of beautifully photographed food (so necessary for dishes that you have never actually seen before), and a suitable number of charming illustrations. If you have an interest in cooking, the Royal Family, and Britishness in general, this just might be the book for you.
May 24, 2024
A big thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to review Cooking and the Crown before its publication.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a fly on the wall inside the British Royal residences? Well, Tom Parker Bowles, the son of Queen Camilla, has written a cookbook/semi-history book to do exactly that.
As the Queen's son, Tom has a close connection to his stepfather, the King, who is also his godfather. He is a foodie and has a massive reputation within the British hospitality industry.
Tom, within the book, does refer to The Queen as his mother, but he doesn't go overboard, as the book is supposed to be about royal food favourites, not about his royal connection.
This book is a ton of fun. The reason for my three stars is because the text is very small, though it might be small as I'm reading it through the Netgalley app on my phone as there wasn't an option to read it on my Kindle. I don't have an iPad at the moment, so if I had one, I would be reading through the app on there.
Also, the section descriptors are very wordy, but it is written in a way where you don't need to understand what the fancy words say. The pictures are so pretty!
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a fly on the wall inside the British Royal residences? Well, Tom Parker Bowles, the son of Queen Camilla, has written a cookbook/semi-history book to do exactly that.
As the Queen's son, Tom has a close connection to his stepfather, the King, who is also his godfather. He is a foodie and has a massive reputation within the British hospitality industry.
Tom, within the book, does refer to The Queen as his mother, but he doesn't go overboard, as the book is supposed to be about royal food favourites, not about his royal connection.
This book is a ton of fun. The reason for my three stars is because the text is very small, though it might be small as I'm reading it through the Netgalley app on my phone as there wasn't an option to read it on my Kindle. I don't have an iPad at the moment, so if I had one, I would be reading through the app on there.
Also, the section descriptors are very wordy, but it is written in a way where you don't need to understand what the fancy words say. The pictures are so pretty!
May 24, 2024
The cookbook begins with an introduction to British royal food and the royal family. The cookbook then includes recipes for breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner, and desserts. Every recipe includes an introduction, an ingredient list, and directions. Most of the recipes include a photo, which I appreciate. I would have liked it if every recipe included a photo though especially for those not familiar with British food. Throughout the chapters, there are sections on food history including rationing, shooting, picnics, coronation food, and more. These additions are nice for those interested in the history side of British royal food. That said, I would have liked it if the directions were numbered because it is easier to remember what step you are on especially when there is a page full of just directions. Also, I would have liked it if the recipes included the prep and cook times because you would have to read the directions to see if it takes 10 minutes to make or more than an hour. It is a fine cookbook for those interested in British royal food.
Thank you NetGalley for sending this book for review.
Thank you NetGalley for sending this book for review.
December 29, 2024
This book was fabulous. I didn’t buy the paper version as I wasn’t sure how many of the recipes I would make (I’m a strict vegetarian) so I read the kindle version like a book, cover to cover. This book had beautiful illustrations throughout, related to the royal crest, and great photography. Each recipe had an intro about why it was associated with the Royal Family and it was fun to learn snippets of history and insight from someone who has the inside track. I did wonder whether Tom P-B was cashing in on his relationship with the royals but it didn’t come across like that at all. There was humour throughout and he had adapted many of the recipes for modern tastes. I would consider making some of the (veggie) recipes and buying more of his books.
October 21, 2024
The cookbook is a joy to peruse - the snippets of history that introduce each section and precede each recipe, the illustrations are gorgeous and wonderfully whimsical and the well shot photos that accompany most recipes.
I loved this for the history and the artwork but must add that reading this made me so strongly aware of my own inability to eat dairy - this isn’t a cookbook for the lactose intolerant, or vegans (as most of the recipes feature dairy, fish, fowl, or meat).
Recommended, but I would suggest that dairy-free and vegetarians/vegans borrow a copy from the library first.
Thank you to Ten Speed Press and NetGalley for the PDF
I loved this for the history and the artwork but must add that reading this made me so strongly aware of my own inability to eat dairy - this isn’t a cookbook for the lactose intolerant, or vegans (as most of the recipes feature dairy, fish, fowl, or meat).
Recommended, but I would suggest that dairy-free and vegetarians/vegans borrow a copy from the library first.
Thank you to Ten Speed Press and NetGalley for the PDF
October 13, 2024
Beautifully presented book detailing royal food and meals from Queen Victoria to the present day. As well as the recipes (which are delightfully easy to follow), there are introductory chapters, detailing the history and sources for the recipes and the details of historic banquets, anecdotes and royal favourities across time. We see how the sumptuous meals of Edward VII have given way to Queen Camilla's simple recipe for scrambled eggs, but we also get instructions on how to mix a good gin and dubonnet and make a good beef wellington.
This could make an excellent christmas present.
This could make an excellent christmas present.
November 27, 2024
When I borrowed this from the library I didn't realise that it also contained recipes. I thought it was a book with written stories of the Royal family and the foods they eat/ate and those who cooked for them. As I'm not skilled in the cooking department I simply enjoyed the history and lovely illustrations and photographs that were included. Having said that I did appreciate that had I have chosen to try cooking some of the dishes included that the recipes were simple and easy to follow.
January 16, 2025
What a fun read!
This is a fun book and practical for the everyday cook. Whether they want to cook up a basic meal or a lavish feast, this books recipes will cover the need. Also, the information about the royals and their eating habits, the cooks and their abilities, and the tidbits of information about the guests is incredibly entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
This is a fun book and practical for the everyday cook. Whether they want to cook up a basic meal or a lavish feast, this books recipes will cover the need. Also, the information about the royals and their eating habits, the cooks and their abilities, and the tidbits of information about the guests is incredibly entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
July 11, 2024
Cooking and the Crown by Tom Parker Bowles is a fascinating glimpse into the culinary lives of the British Royals from Queen Victoria to King Charles and Queen Camilla. As the son of Queen Camilla, the author gives great personal insight into cooking and those who enjoy(ed) it which makes me feel privy to delicious royalty secrets. Chapters include Breakfast, Lunch, Tea, Dinner and Desserts with an emphasis on regional seasonality (not aleays the case in the past). Up to fourteen courses could be served at meals in generous portions.
What intrigues me most about this book are the historical snippets about daily life including war rationing, both elaborate and plain tastes and personal predilections of family members, Queen Victoria's outdoors breakfast rituals, royal kitchens and coronation dishes. I was not aware that King Charles and Queen Camilla forage for mushrooms, one of my most beloved pastimes. What surprised me most is the simple tastes of some of the family, especially with access to excellent chefs and beautiful produce tended by knowledgeable gardeners. However, the simplest dishes can be aa exquisite as Carême or Escoffier creations were. How exciting that Carême was chef to the Prince Regent!
Recipes include mouthwatering dishes such as Baked Eggs, Herrings Fried in Oatmeal, Portage Parmentier (potato leek soup is my all-time favourite soup to make), Crab Mousse which Deborah Mitford loved, Duck with Stewed Peas (sounds sublime to me), Partridge Hotpot, Potted Sheimp (reminds me of Agatha Christie books, very nostalgic), Spring Vegetable Risotto (I make similar with wild asparagus), Crepes au Naturel and Lemon Meringue Tartlets. So much inspiration and scope for adapting to one's taste. I've had many of the dishes (or similar) in this book and really enjoy most British fare.
Written in a companionable tone with quirky and lovely illustrations, this book is an all-sensory feast. I am besotted with it!
My sincere thank you to Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this stellar book.
What intrigues me most about this book are the historical snippets about daily life including war rationing, both elaborate and plain tastes and personal predilections of family members, Queen Victoria's outdoors breakfast rituals, royal kitchens and coronation dishes. I was not aware that King Charles and Queen Camilla forage for mushrooms, one of my most beloved pastimes. What surprised me most is the simple tastes of some of the family, especially with access to excellent chefs and beautiful produce tended by knowledgeable gardeners. However, the simplest dishes can be aa exquisite as Carême or Escoffier creations were. How exciting that Carême was chef to the Prince Regent!
Recipes include mouthwatering dishes such as Baked Eggs, Herrings Fried in Oatmeal, Portage Parmentier (potato leek soup is my all-time favourite soup to make), Crab Mousse which Deborah Mitford loved, Duck with Stewed Peas (sounds sublime to me), Partridge Hotpot, Potted Sheimp (reminds me of Agatha Christie books, very nostalgic), Spring Vegetable Risotto (I make similar with wild asparagus), Crepes au Naturel and Lemon Meringue Tartlets. So much inspiration and scope for adapting to one's taste. I've had many of the dishes (or similar) in this book and really enjoy most British fare.
Written in a companionable tone with quirky and lovely illustrations, this book is an all-sensory feast. I am besotted with it!
My sincere thank you to Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this stellar book.
November 11, 2024
History and recipes....
This was a very informative mix of both history, royal history and recipes.
Since I enjoy both history and recipes, this was a double treat.
Tom Parker Bowles did a great job, he knows food and the royal history.
Recommend.
This was a very informative mix of both history, royal history and recipes.
Since I enjoy both history and recipes, this was a double treat.
Tom Parker Bowles did a great job, he knows food and the royal history.
Recommend.
November 23, 2024
This was just fun to read. I will probably never eat 99% of the things that royalty eats but it was fun to read about and learn about. The recipes actually looked pretty easy which he said was his aim.
November 27, 2024
Cooking and the Crown is an interesting collection of recipes associated with or preferred by the British royal family. From classics served at state banquets or coronation feasts to simple ones served at breakfast, this book details the recipes and the history behind the recipes.
December 1, 2024
Very interesting. Most of the recipes are beyond my cooking abilities, but I think I can manage the Baked Eggs, the Macaroni au Gratin and possibly the Bananes au Caramel. And I might have to try The Queen Mother's Dubonnet and Gin for Christmas.
December 24, 2024
The pictures are gorgeous. The recipes sound divine. My New Year resolution is to try at least one a week.
January 27, 2025
It was fun to read the little stories & the recipes look super yummy
February 7, 2025
I loved this book.
March 9, 2025
Very interesting but I'm not eating most of this food. I liked the historical perspective and recognized Mr. Francatelli from the TV Show, Victoria.
March 27, 2025
Interesting...by the son of Queen Camilla.
December 29, 2024
I first got to know the author and his work through The Queen’s Reading Room. At this time, I was curious to see how he would describe royal culinary history.
He did a wonderful job. The book's style reminds me of "How to Cook the Victorian Way" or the official cookbooks for the "Downton Abbey" series. Every page exudes British charm and the author's personality. The recipes are described in a way that immediately makes you want to try them. However, some recipes are too simple - Coupes Montreuil, a favorite of Queen Mary, is just vanilla ice cream with a peach. The inclusion of a hotdog is surprising.
Apart from that, the book's recipes are organized traditionally, from breakfast to lunch to dinner, with a dessert section included. Each section is introduced with a general discussion about which monarch loved breakfast or which king didn't have lunch at all. Additionally, each recipe mentions who liked it or where it was served (e.g., the wedding breakfast of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip).
Since the author is his mother's son, there are also memories of how Queen Camilla cooked. She always knew how to prepare a feast out of nothing. The author also revealed what the queen has for breakfast. In winter, it couldn't be more British – it's porridge.
I highly recommend "Cooking and the Crown." You'll either find new possibilities for your favorite recipes or fall in love with the stories about what each monarch liked to eat.
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Thank you to NetGalley and Ten Speed Press for a free digital review copy. This is my honest review.
He did a wonderful job. The book's style reminds me of "How to Cook the Victorian Way" or the official cookbooks for the "Downton Abbey" series. Every page exudes British charm and the author's personality. The recipes are described in a way that immediately makes you want to try them. However, some recipes are too simple - Coupes Montreuil, a favorite of Queen Mary, is just vanilla ice cream with a peach. The inclusion of a hotdog is surprising.
Apart from that, the book's recipes are organized traditionally, from breakfast to lunch to dinner, with a dessert section included. Each section is introduced with a general discussion about which monarch loved breakfast or which king didn't have lunch at all. Additionally, each recipe mentions who liked it or where it was served (e.g., the wedding breakfast of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip).
Since the author is his mother's son, there are also memories of how Queen Camilla cooked. She always knew how to prepare a feast out of nothing. The author also revealed what the queen has for breakfast. In winter, it couldn't be more British – it's porridge.
I highly recommend "Cooking and the Crown." You'll either find new possibilities for your favorite recipes or fall in love with the stories about what each monarch liked to eat.
---
Thank you to NetGalley and Ten Speed Press for a free digital review copy. This is my honest review.
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