What do you think?
Rate this book
I'll Try Anything Once
The eye-opening story of one woman's incredible appetite for life: the memoirs of Prue Leith, judge of Netflix's GREAT BRITISH BAKING SHOW and former judge of BBC2's GREAT BRITISH MENU. Now fully revised and updated, including Prue falling in love and marrying again in her 70s.
"What a terrific tale it is - of a South African girl who could stand the heat and made the kitchen into a remarkable career" Telegraph
Prue Leith describes herself as greedy in all senses of the word. Cook, caterer, restaurateur, food writer, journalist, novelist, businesswoman, teacher, television presenter, charity worker, lover, wife and mother, she has certainly been greedy for life. Prue came to London in the early 1960s and, not long afterwards, opened Leith's Restaurant. By the mid-seventies she was a food columnist on the Daily Mail, had published several cookbooks and opened Leith's School of Food and Wine.
But it wasn't all work. Prue writes with honesty of her love life, her longing for children, the birth of her son, the adoption of her daughter and much else besides. In this fully revised and updated edition she tells of how she met, fell in love with and married John Playfair as well as her exciting role as a judge on The Great British Baking Show. Prue's down-to-earth attitude to life and her remarkable energy are an inspiration to anyone.
"What a terrific tale it is - of a South African girl who could stand the heat and made the kitchen into a remarkable career" Telegraph
Prue Leith describes herself as greedy in all senses of the word. Cook, caterer, restaurateur, food writer, journalist, novelist, businesswoman, teacher, television presenter, charity worker, lover, wife and mother, she has certainly been greedy for life. Prue came to London in the early 1960s and, not long afterwards, opened Leith's Restaurant. By the mid-seventies she was a food columnist on the Daily Mail, had published several cookbooks and opened Leith's School of Food and Wine.
But it wasn't all work. Prue writes with honesty of her love life, her longing for children, the birth of her son, the adoption of her daughter and much else besides. In this fully revised and updated edition she tells of how she met, fell in love with and married John Playfair as well as her exciting role as a judge on The Great British Baking Show. Prue's down-to-earth attitude to life and her remarkable energy are an inspiration to anyone.
560 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2022
18 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 11, 2023
Sometimes it is best to enjoy a person on TV and not learn their back story. I enjoy Prue Leith on the British Baking Show and knew she had an amazing collection of necklaces but had no idea about her life. She grew up in South Africa which was very interesting but her teen years and early twenties were a bit promiscuous including an involvement in a 13 year affair with a married man. But I am so glad I continued reading as she matured her accomplishments became innumerable. She opened restaurants, a cooking school, sat on many boards, advocated for improvements in school lunches, adopted a child, served many a royal and countless celebrities. She includes many a mishap making her very relatable. Finally, in the last section, she shares a bit about the British Baking Show. It was so interesting learning of the behind the scenes goings on of a favorite show. She admits she has enjoyed an amazing life!
October 12, 2025
I feel her joy for life is graspable in all those pages and that makes the book a joy to read.
August 25, 2025
I had no idea all the things Prue did in her life- starting businesses as a single young woman in the 60s and 70s when some could barely get bank accounts. Truly amazing.
January 4, 2024
Completely honest about herself and her life.
January 7, 2023
I’ll try Anything Once – memoir - published by Quercus
Bliss on Toast – published by Bloomsbury
By Prue Leith
What a delight to read Prue Leith's updated memoir ‘I'll try Anything Once' and latest cookbook 'Bliss on Toast'. Icon of the food world, Dame Prue has most definitely been the changemaker in how we eat, view and tackle food. South African born (and we do love to own her) over a 60 - year career she has opened restaurants, cookery schools, catering organisations, written 15 cookbooks and 8 novels, numerous articles for various publications and shows no sign of slowing down - and why would she? Age is simply a number and she is that inspiration that underlines 'nothing is impossible - with the right attitude you can do anything you set your mind to'.
Her memoir (and she says it is a memoir as it is her memory) is searingly honest, racy and humorous - in fact it reads a bit like a Jilly Cooper novel as one races through the pages. She is the first to acknowledge that she lived a privileged early life in Joburg - her mother was actress Margaret Inglis (a career Prue once pursued) her father a successful business man and this combination allowed the very confident Prue to pursue a number of stop-start careers until she finally landed in France and found her calling. As an au pair she was fascinated by the French style and preparation of food and realised that this is what she wanted to pursue.
The rest is history and, settling in the UK in the early 60s, Prue was swinging along with the rest of the generation but swinging towards making a huge difference in how the Brits prepare and enjoy food. Her success brought requests for her to be director of traditional British institutions such as British Rail - you can credit her with making the BR sandwich excitingly edible, and upping the game for school lunches - if ever there was a gamechanger it is Prue Leith. She has been a judge on the Great British Menu and the Great British Bake Off, her catering events are legendary and her energy is sparkling. The anecdotes in the memoir are hilarious and she is not afraid to admit defeat, only to get back on the 'horse' and ride again - in fact as a child she was so horse mad she wanted to marry a horse!
One such experience made me laugh out loud when she used cat food tins to prepare a pink and white fish terrine for Orient Express lunches.The laughs are endless as Prue looks back on her life, not without its tragedies, making her more determined to fight for change. The list of her achievements is dizzying and yet she has remained unpretentious and totally down to earth - in fact she says it like it is.
This latest cookbook 'Bliss on Toast' emerged almost accidentally, as a result of lockdown, when cooking for two could become a bore, but ever creative our Prue used store-cupboard, store bought favourites and left overs to conjure up delicious meals on toast. There is something so comforting about food on toast - a go-to in most households and with portions for two it is the ideal singles, empty-nesters or busy business couple recipe book. As she says it is to inspire and relook at what you might put on toast – even the humble anchovy toast gets a twist. Make it your own and make a hearty, satisfying meal which isn't just baked beans!! Delicious summer reading!
The memoir is published by Quercus and the cookbook by Bloomsbury available at all good book stores.
Bliss on Toast – published by Bloomsbury
By Prue Leith
What a delight to read Prue Leith's updated memoir ‘I'll try Anything Once' and latest cookbook 'Bliss on Toast'. Icon of the food world, Dame Prue has most definitely been the changemaker in how we eat, view and tackle food. South African born (and we do love to own her) over a 60 - year career she has opened restaurants, cookery schools, catering organisations, written 15 cookbooks and 8 novels, numerous articles for various publications and shows no sign of slowing down - and why would she? Age is simply a number and she is that inspiration that underlines 'nothing is impossible - with the right attitude you can do anything you set your mind to'.
Her memoir (and she says it is a memoir as it is her memory) is searingly honest, racy and humorous - in fact it reads a bit like a Jilly Cooper novel as one races through the pages. She is the first to acknowledge that she lived a privileged early life in Joburg - her mother was actress Margaret Inglis (a career Prue once pursued) her father a successful business man and this combination allowed the very confident Prue to pursue a number of stop-start careers until she finally landed in France and found her calling. As an au pair she was fascinated by the French style and preparation of food and realised that this is what she wanted to pursue.
The rest is history and, settling in the UK in the early 60s, Prue was swinging along with the rest of the generation but swinging towards making a huge difference in how the Brits prepare and enjoy food. Her success brought requests for her to be director of traditional British institutions such as British Rail - you can credit her with making the BR sandwich excitingly edible, and upping the game for school lunches - if ever there was a gamechanger it is Prue Leith. She has been a judge on the Great British Menu and the Great British Bake Off, her catering events are legendary and her energy is sparkling. The anecdotes in the memoir are hilarious and she is not afraid to admit defeat, only to get back on the 'horse' and ride again - in fact as a child she was so horse mad she wanted to marry a horse!
One such experience made me laugh out loud when she used cat food tins to prepare a pink and white fish terrine for Orient Express lunches.The laughs are endless as Prue looks back on her life, not without its tragedies, making her more determined to fight for change. The list of her achievements is dizzying and yet she has remained unpretentious and totally down to earth - in fact she says it like it is.
This latest cookbook 'Bliss on Toast' emerged almost accidentally, as a result of lockdown, when cooking for two could become a bore, but ever creative our Prue used store-cupboard, store bought favourites and left overs to conjure up delicious meals on toast. There is something so comforting about food on toast - a go-to in most households and with portions for two it is the ideal singles, empty-nesters or busy business couple recipe book. As she says it is to inspire and relook at what you might put on toast – even the humble anchovy toast gets a twist. Make it your own and make a hearty, satisfying meal which isn't just baked beans!! Delicious summer reading!
The memoir is published by Quercus and the cookbook by Bloomsbury available at all good book stores.
October 21, 2023
Fascinating memoir of a full and varied life
This wonderful memoir covers Prue Leith’s life from her childhood in South Africa, through her wide ranging, numerous and fascinating careers in the worlds of cookery, journalism, business and television plus so much more– all told in her inimitable straight forward style.
I hadn’t know much about Prue Leith outside of what I have seen of her on TV, so this book turned out to be surprising and interesting. I had no idea how many organisations Prue has been influential in, though had heard hints about some aspects of her colourful life. This memoir goes up to her joining the The Great British Bake Off TV programme, so there is not much about that, but plenty about everything else!
I found the anecdotal style of this memoir off putting to begin with as I felt it lacked personal depth. Indeed there was a point, early on, where I wondered whether to continue reading it. However I did and got used to the writing style and came to love the book. I was a fan of Prue Leith when I bought the book and now that I have finished it I am also a admirer of her great achievements. I had no idea how much she has done in her life, and how much change she has brought about.
Perfect for reading in small chunks (or devouring in a few sittings!). 5*s from me, by the end of the book.
This wonderful memoir covers Prue Leith’s life from her childhood in South Africa, through her wide ranging, numerous and fascinating careers in the worlds of cookery, journalism, business and television plus so much more– all told in her inimitable straight forward style.
I hadn’t know much about Prue Leith outside of what I have seen of her on TV, so this book turned out to be surprising and interesting. I had no idea how many organisations Prue has been influential in, though had heard hints about some aspects of her colourful life. This memoir goes up to her joining the The Great British Bake Off TV programme, so there is not much about that, but plenty about everything else!
I found the anecdotal style of this memoir off putting to begin with as I felt it lacked personal depth. Indeed there was a point, early on, where I wondered whether to continue reading it. However I did and got used to the writing style and came to love the book. I was a fan of Prue Leith when I bought the book and now that I have finished it I am also a admirer of her great achievements. I had no idea how much she has done in her life, and how much change she has brought about.
Perfect for reading in small chunks (or devouring in a few sittings!). 5*s from me, by the end of the book.
December 6, 2022
The book is the entire auto biography from birth to 2022 of Prue Leith. It is over 500 pages long and if you are a GBBO fan, that doesn't appear until after page 500 in case you are wondering. If you are not from the UK, a lot of the companies or sites will not mean anything to you. It was meant for the UK audience. It is surprisingly honest and open from her perspective and she has done so much in her 80+ years. However, I wish it was 2 books, 1 about her personal life and 1 about her professional life. She is an extremely smart business woman and I would have liked to heard more about that side than her personal life.
January 12, 2023
Enjoyed the book but is a bit long so I breezed thru some sections. Easy to read. Some was difficult to put into context as I am an American, but it is easily to get the gist of her life. I enjoyed the portions of the book about her first husband, Rayne, their relationship, and his subsequent death. I never realized she was such an accomplished Businesswoman. I am big fan of the British Baking Show which is why I read the book. It is an insightful read though I wish there was more insight into the British Baking show as I enjoy listening to her reactions and critiques. It is at the end of the book, seeming like an after thought. Fascinating life for sure.
January 24, 2023
This was enjoyable, though VERY detailed-oriented into the world of catering, hospital contracts, government agency behind-the-scenes etc. I would have enjoyed more stories from her time on GBBO, but it was clear that was only added recently and was saved for just one chapter at the end. Overall a very full and inspiring life!
May 28, 2023
Hmmm, Leith is definitely honest in her memoir. Careful before choosing to read this one: you might end up viewing her in a less favorable light. Thankfully, the last couple chapters kind of bring you back to a positive perspective. On the other hand, if we truly were writing honestly about ourselves, people might not like us as much either.
September 24, 2023
I purchased this book after reading a short biography of Prue Leith in a magazine. I only knew of her through “The Great British Bake Off” . She is a fascinating person with a unique background and history. Prue is a talented and successful business woman, and doesn’t let much slow her down. She is truthful and sincere and I enjoyed this more than I anticipated.
January 15, 2025
Oh I would love to grab a coffee with Prue. Genuinely couldn’t believe so many of her stories and I was blown away by her MEMORY of so many things/dates/details. I was hoping for more surrounding GBB, but this was a great Christmas gift from Matt, and again, finished with a sleeping Andrew on my chest!
December 26, 2022
Love Prue but not this book
February 16, 2023
Delightful. determined and daring Dame.
February 22, 2023
Enjoyable book. Prue Leith has lead a very interesting life. Really enjoyed reading it.
February 18, 2024
Prutally honest and refreshing. Whizzes by.
Read
April 7, 2024entertaining - totally - memoir of a robust life - done
September 29, 2024
An original glass breaker deserves 4 stars. Some parts of the writing were choppy & abrupt.
December 18, 2024
A great memoir on the life of Prue Leith! An absolute legend in the cooking world. It was great getting to hear the details of her life and how she rose in her career.
December 31, 2024
Definitely more detailed than I expected, but that’s not a bad thing! Just wish there had been more Bake-off content, but overall enjoyed learning more about Dame Prue!
March 8, 2025
Lots of details and very honest by this saucy lady. Written in the early days of her being on GBBO so not much for fans of that. Still a great memoir of a fascinating life.
May 31, 2025
Truly delightful! It’s long but doesn’t feel like it. Like listening for hours to your favourite great aunt telling you stories after too many sherries. What a life!
April 23, 2023
First thought given my previous impression of Prue (after having become enamored with her and her style on The Great British Baking Show) -- TMI! Second thought -- OMG, her background story and life! Third thought -- Good for Prue for openness and transparency! What a life! But as Prue herself cautions (Page 1), "So first a warning: I've taken the view that a memoir consists of events as the author remembers them: true, half-true or corrupted by years of retelling." :~)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews