Born into the servant class, Louisa Leyton rises from the scullery to become the best chef in Edwardian London and manager of the most elegant—and discreet—hotel in town. She learns the rules of high society from powerful men captivated by her beauty but never sheds her Cockney accent or attitude. Even in the throes of World War I, Louisa proves she can take whatever life dishes out while remaining in a class all her own.
Based on the true story of Rosa Lewis, a culinary genius and owner of London’s venerable Cavendish Hotel, this acclaimed BBC series dramatizes the life of an indomitable woman in entertaining stories full of humor and heart. Created by John Hawkesworth (Upstairs, Downstairs) and starring Gemma Jones (Bridget Jones’s Diary, Sense and Sensibility) as Louisa and Christopher Cazenove (A Knight’s Tale, Dynasty) as Charlie, the dashing love of her life. An inspiring story of triumph and loss, love and laughter in 31 episodes.
Shown on PBS Masterpiece Theatre.
Note: Set in London between 1900 and 1925, the story is loosely based on the real-life career of Rosa Lewis (née Ovenden), the “Duchess of Jermyn Street”, who ran the Cavendish Hotel in London. When the show first aired, there were many people who still remembered her, as she lived until 1952. According to census returns, she was born in Leyton, Essex, to a watchmaker. In the series, Louisa’s family name is Leyton, and her father is a clock-maker. The Duchess of Duke Street was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Limited Series in 1980.