Rowley Leigh, English chef and journalist

Rowley Leigh, born on April 23, 1950, in Manchester, stands as a distinguished figure in the British culinary landscape, known for his prowess as a chef, restaurateur, and insightful food journalist. He currently resides in Shepherd's Bush, London, a vibrant part of the city. His journey into the world of gastronomy was, by his own admission, somewhat serendipitous, following a diverse and intellectually rich formative period.

Leigh's early education took him to Rushmoor School in Bedford before he attended the prestigious Clifton College. In 1968, he furthered his academic pursuits at Christ's College, Cambridge, an institution renowned for fostering critical thinking and diverse talents. After completing his studies at Cambridge, Leigh explored avenues far removed from the kitchen, trying his hand at farming and even novel writing. It was in 1977 that he found himself drawn into the culinary profession, a path he describes as having stumbled upon "almost by accident," marking the beginning of a remarkable career.

The Formative Years in Professional Kitchens

His initial foray into the restaurant scene saw him spending a couple of years at Joe Allen, a well-regarded London establishment known for its informal yet quality dining, particularly popular within the theatre community. This experience provided a solid grounding before a pivotal move in 1979. Leigh joined the legendary Roux brothers, Albert and Michel, at Le Gavroche, a restaurant that had already established itself as a cornerstone of modern British fine dining. Working under such esteemed culinary pioneers offered invaluable training in classical French techniques and the exacting standards of haute cuisine.

During his time with the Roux empire, Leigh's responsibilities expanded significantly. Beyond his stints in Le Gavroche's main kitchen, he also honed his skills in the brothers' meticulous pastry laboratory, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the culinary arts. His talents were further recognized when he was appointed as a buyer for the entire Roux group, a role that demanded an intimate knowledge of ingredients and a keen business sense. This diverse experience culminated in 1984 when Rowley Leigh was entrusted with the position of head chef at Le Poulbot, another esteemed restaurant under the Roux banner. His leadership there quickly garnered critical acclaim, culminating in Le Poulbot receiving The Times "Restaurant of the Year" award in 1986, a significant achievement that firmly established his reputation as a leading chef.

A New Chapter: Kensington Place and Culinary Acclaim

Building on his growing success, Rowley Leigh embarked on a new venture in 1987, co-founding Kensington Place restaurant alongside Nick Smallwood and Simon Slater. This establishment quickly became a landmark in London's dining scene, celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and a menu that championed modern British cooking with elegance and accessibility. Its innovative approach was soon recognized, earning the title of "Bargain Restaurant of the Year" from The Times in 1988, a testament to its exceptional quality offered at accessible prices, a revolutionary concept for its time.

Concurrent with his burgeoning success as a restaurateur, the 1980s also saw Leigh launch a distinguished career as a cookery writer. His insightful and engaging prose quickly made him a respected voice in food journalism. He achieved the remarkable feat of winning the prestigious Glenfiddich award three times, a highly coveted accolade in food writing, for his contributions to The Guardian, The Sunday Telegraph, and the Financial Times. This period showcased his unique ability to translate culinary expertise into compelling narratives for a wider audience.

Further Endeavors and Enduring Influence

After nearly two decades at the helm of Kensington Place, Rowley Leigh departed the restaurant in December 2006, ready for a fresh challenge. The following year, 2007, saw him open Le Café Anglais, an establishment that continued his tradition of delivering high-quality, refined British and European cuisine. Throughout these transitions, his role as the cookery correspondent for the Financial Times remained constant, allowing him to maintain a powerful voice in food discourse. In 2001, he also shared his culinary wisdom and insights through his book, No Place Like Home, which was beautifully illustrated by Lucinda Rogers and published by Fourth Estate.

Today, Rowley Leigh continues to shape the culinary landscape, albeit in a different capacity. He currently serves as a consultant chef for Odeon Cinemas' flagship Lounge cinema, located within Whiteley's. This role reflects his versatile approach to food, demonstrating his ability to apply his considerable talent and experience to diverse dining environments, maintaining his influence across various facets of the food industry.

FAQs About Rowley Leigh

Who is Rowley Leigh?
Rowley Leigh is a renowned British chef, restaurateur, and food journalist, celebrated for his significant contributions to modern British dining and his insightful writing.
Where and when was Rowley Leigh born?
He was born in Manchester on April 23, 1950.
What are some of Rowley Leigh's most famous restaurants?
He is particularly known for his time as head chef at Le Poulbot, and for co-founding and leading Kensington Place. He later opened Le Café Anglais.
When did Rowley Leigh begin his career in cooking?
He began cooking professionally in 1977, having previously explored farming and novel writing.
Has Rowley Leigh received any awards?
Yes, Le Poulbot won The Times "Restaurant of the Year" award in 1986, and Kensington Place was named "Bargain Restaurant of the Year" by The Times in 1988. He also won the prestigious Glenfiddich award for his cookery writing three times.
What is the name of Rowley Leigh's book?
His book is titled No Place Like Home, published in 2001 and illustrated by Lucinda Rogers.
What is Rowley Leigh's current role?
He currently works as a consultant chef for Odeon Cinemas' flagship Lounge cinema in Whiteley's.
What notable institutions did Rowley Leigh study at?
He attended Clifton College and Christ's College, Cambridge.