Prue Leith's bold call to Michelin Guide editor

Dame Prue Leith recounted her assertive call to the editor of the Michelin Guide, questioning why her restaurant had not yet received a star. Speaking at Hay Festival, the renowned restaurateur expressed surprise at her past boldness, a stark contrast to her current perspective.

Leith's restaurant, Leith's, opened in 1969, took 25 years to achieve a Michelin star. The editor's subsequent visit provided detailed feedback, including subtle improvements for salad dressings and consistency in bread offerings, which, upon implementation, led to the star's award the following year.

Beyond culinary accolades, Leith discussed how Anthony Bourdain's 'Kitchen Confidential' highlighted issues of misogyny she hadn't personally experienced in her early career. She was horrified by accounts of bullying and sexual harassment, which spurred her to advocate for cultural change in kitchens.

Leith shared personal experiences of sexism, including a 1990 incident at The Savoy where a boss attributed cooking issues to women's menstrual cycles. As head of the Restaurant Association of Great Britain, she faced unpopularity for challenging inappropriate behavior, though many supported her privately.

Her literary inspirations also included Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice,' discovered during a childhood voyage to South Africa, and Paul Gallico's 'The Snow Goose,' a poignant childhood favorite.