Delia Smith
No surname is needed to introduce Britain's first lady of cooking -the one and only Delia
A legend in British cooking, Delia became an icon of cookery in the 1990s and continues to be a popular cook for people of all ages.
Delia grew up in Kent and left school at 16 with no qualifications. After trying her hand at hairdressing, being a shop assistant and working in a travel agent she got a job in a restaurant washing up and waitressing and eventually helping with the cooking. This spurred her interest in food and she began reading books on English cookery and experimenting with recipes.
In 1969 Delia got a job as cookery writer for the Daily Mirror's new magazine. Michael Wynn Jones, then Deputy Editor, later became her husband and two years later she had published her first cookery book and was writing a column for the Evening Standard, which continued for 12 years.
Educating the masses
Delia hit our screens in 1973 presenting Family Fare for BBC 1, which ran for two years. During this time she wrote more books and realised that she loved to educate people in the basics of cooking. This passion led to her approaching BBC with the idea of a televised cookery course. The concept became a reality and the rest has become part of cooking history.
After her initial cookery courses Delia returned due to popular demand. She carried on the simple theme of teaching step-by-step basics covering everything from meals for one to how to cook Christmas dinner. In 1998 Delia returned to our screens to help a new generation of lost cooks learn the basics in Delia's How to Cook series.
Aside from cookery Delia is a football fanatic and a Director of Norwich City FC. Her work at the club has included vastly improving the catering and her food is now served throughout the clubs five restaurants, bars, lounges, conference centres and, of course, to the fans.
The outstanding contribution Delia has made to cookery was recognised in 1995 in the Queen's New Year's Honours when she was awarded an OBE.
Buy online
A range of cookware recomended by Delia
buy from deliaonline
Restaurants
Delia's Restaurant & Bar
Situated in the grounds of her beloved Norwich Football Club Delia's recipes are served to high standard in a relaxed atmosphere with friendly service
Website
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