Dame Prue Leith CBE

Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

Dame Prue Leith CBE

A Lifetime of Culinary Excellence, Public Service & Cultural Impact

Dame Prue Leith CBE was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 72nd Women of the Year Lunch and Awards in recognition of an extraordinary career spanning over seven decades and her profound contribution to British society. Known to millions as a judge on Channel 4’s The Great British Bake Off, Prue is one of Britain’s most trusted and influential voices on food and nutrition, as well as an accomplished author of novels, memoirs, and cookbooks. Adored for her honesty, warmth, and humour, her influence extends far beyond broadcasting to shape how the nation approaches food, education, and social opportunity.

Seven Decades of Inspiration & Advocacy

Throughout her distinguished career, Prue has consistently used her platform to open doors for others and champion transformative causes:

  • Culinary & Literary Career: Established herself as a leading voice on food and nutrition, authoring numerous cookbooks, memoirs, and novels, alongside her iconic television role on The Great British Bake Off.
  • Social Enterprise: Co-founded the pioneering Hoxton Apprentice, which helped long-term unemployed young people gain essential skills and sustainable employment.
  • Public Health & Education: Led national efforts to transform and elevate school food standards.
  • Arts & Culture: Played a key role in bringing contemporary sculpture to Trafalgar Square’s Fourth Plinth.

In the Winner’s Words:

“Looking back, I have been extraordinarily lucky to spend my life doing things I love, whether that’s cooking, writing, teaching or campaigning for causes close to my heart. Any success I’ve had has been thanks to the remarkable people who’ve worked alongside me, championed me, challenged me and inspired me over the years. I am touched to have received this award from Women of the Year, and to be recognised in a room full of truly phenomenal women. Receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award sounds as though my work is done, and I can simply put my feet up and relax, but that has never been my strong suit! I will continue to fight for causes I believe in because if there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s that talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t – and I’ve always felt strongly about helping to open doors for others. To be recognised in this way is such an honour, and one I will treasure.” — Dame Prue Leith CBE

Chair’s Tribute:

“Few women have made such a significant contribution in as many fields and areas of society as Prue. For more than 70 years, she has combined extraordinary professional achievement with a deep commitment to public service, using her influence to improve lives, create opportunities and inspire positive change. It is an honour and real privilege to recognise her groundbreaking efforts.” — Diane Kenwood, Chair, Women of the Year