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Food historian & speaker

Annie Gray

Transform culinary conversations with Annie Gray, speaker and food historian. Annie works with hospitality businesses and cultural institutions to reveal historical foundations of modern food trends, delivering acclaimed insights on BBC Radio 4 and through bestselling books.

Trusted by Exeter Phoenix, BBC Radio 4

Dr Annie Gray, Speaker | Food Historian, Author
Annie Gray

Annie Gray

London, United Kingdom

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Annie Gray's biography

At a glance

  • Food historian specializing in British culinary evolution
  • BBC Radio 4 presenter on The Kitchen Cabinet
  • Author of acclaimed books about historical cooking
Annie Gray is a leading British food historian whose expertise spans four centuries of culinary evolution from 1600 to present day. Her work illuminates the intricate relationships between food, society, and cultural identity through a historical lens. As the resident food historian on BBC Radio 4's award-winning "The Kitchen Cabinet" since 2012, Annie has authored numerous acclaimed books including "The Greedy Queen," "The Official Downton Abbey Cookbook," and "Victory in the Kitchen," a biography of Winston Churchill's cook. Her writing regularly appears in The Telegraph, The Guardian, and Delicious Magazine. Annie helps organizations and audiences contextualize modern food trends by revealing their historical foundations. Her research provides valuable insights for hospitality businesses, cultural institutions, and media productions seeking authenticity in historical representation. Through her consulting work with prestigious entities like Historic Royal Palaces and the BBC, she transforms academic knowledge into practical applications. Audiences leave Annie's presentations with a deeper understanding of how food traditions shape cultural identity, practical knowledge about historical cooking techniques that influence modern gastronomy, and entertaining historical anecdotes that enliven contemporary food discussions. Book Annie for your next event to transform ordinary culinary conversations into extraordinary journeys through time that will captivate and educate your audience.

Annie's showreel and videos

Why we recommend booking Annie

Discover the fascinating intersection of food and history with Annie Gray, the renowned British food historian who transforms ordinary culinary conversations into extraordinary journeys through time. Book Annie for your next event to captivate your audience with her unique insights into how our food traditions shape cultural identity and modern gastronomy.

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Trusted by Exeter Phoenix, BBC Radio 4

Testimonials

It was a really rich and interesting conversation and I think the audience really enjoyed it.

Exeter Phoenix Event

It was a wonderful, fascinating and engaging talk spoken with real enthusiasm. Ive learnt so much and look forward to reading the book!

National Archives

Thanks to Annie for giving us such an entertaining, informative talk yesterday at the Hall for Cornwall. Everyone I have spoken to have been keen to tell me how much they enjoyed it and how good she was. It was lovely to meet her and Im so glad I was able to chat with her for a few minutes at the end of the day.

Annual Council Meeting, Cornwall WI Federation

frequently asked questions

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How do I book Annie Gray for my next event?

What is Annie Gray's speaking style like?

Annie Gray draws on four centuries of documented culinary history to contextualise modern food trends, grounding her presentations in archival research and consulting work with institutions such as Historic Royal Palaces and the BBC.

What topics does Annie Gray specialise in?

Annie Gray speaks on British culinary history spanning 1600 to the present day, the relationship between food and cultural identity, and the historical foundations of modern food trends. She has been the resident food historian on BBC Radio 4's "The Kitchen Cabinet" since 2012 and has consulted for Historic Royal Palaces and the BBC, alongside authoring works including "The Greedy Queen" and "Victory in the Kitchen."

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There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

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Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

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Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

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A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

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Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

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