Prue Leith to launch fundraising literary lunches for Hospitality Action

Great British Bake-Off judge Prue Leith is to launch the first in a series of literary lunches in aid of Hospitality Action.

Leith, who became a novelist after a successful career as a chef, restaurateur and cookery school founder, will talk about her new book, Prue, My All-Time Favourite Recipes, before a three-course lunch in the Barn at Calcot in Tetbury, Gloucestershire.

She will also share her extensive experience in the hospitality industry, journalism and television, including a 11-year stint as judge of BBC TV's Great British Menu.

Speaking of her involvement as the first author to host HA's literary lunch, Leith said: "Young people working their way up in what can be a hugely satisfying but also an extremely tough industry, often need a bit of help. Personally, I've been really lucky and the industry has been very kind to me, so I'm glad to be able to do my bit to support those who are struggling with physical or mental illness, addiction or other hardship."

Mark Lewis, chief executive of Hospitality Action, added that the new literary lunch programme was "a fantastic way to harness the enthusiasm the UK public has for the latest cookery books" and at the same time support the hospitality industry's benevolent charity.

"We're delighted to have such a luminary as Prue, who has a huge fan base, as our launch author in what we hope to be an exciting series of events for the charity," he added.

Future chefs to appear at HA's literary lunches will be announced in the coming months.

Tickets for the Prue Leith lunch at £75 include a copy of Prue, My All-Time Favourite Recipes, which contains 100 recipes. To obtain tickets, visit the HA website at: www.hospitalityaction.org.uk

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