The Duchess of Duke Street (1976)

Set against the backdrop of Victorian London, The Duchess of Duke Street is a tale of aspiration, ambition, and unconventional success. Our heroine, Louisa, is an ordinary girl with extraordinary dreams. Her journey begins in the kitchen of a Lord's townhouse where she talks her way into a job - a world dominated by the Lord's haughty French chef. Despite the societal constraints forbidding women from becoming chefs, Louisa's determination and burgeoning talent in the culinary arts cannot be tamed. Her relentless pursuit of mastery over the culinary domain wins over the initially dismissive French chef, who becomes her mentor. As her artistry in the kitchen continues to bloom, she catches the attention of three disparate men, each destined to play a significant role in her life, further fuelling her journey to an unprecedented success. Louisa's story is a testament to sheer will and tenacity as she ascends from a humble kitchen hand to the Queen of Cooks, serving up delectable delights for the King himself and becoming the esteemed proprietor of the Bentinck Hotel. This 31-episode saga captures her life, the intriguing stories of the hotel guests, and the fascinating dynamics of the hotel staff, propelling Louisa to become a symbol of success and independence in an era where independent women were a rarity rather than the norm. The Duchess of Duke Street is a captivating tale of triumph against the odds, seasoned with a dash of romance, a sprinkle of intrigue, and a generous helping of gourmet drama.

The Duchess of Duke Street is a drama show featuring Gemma Jones and created by John Hawkesworth.

The Duchess of Duke Street is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video, BritBox, BritBox Amazon Channel, Britbox Apple TV Channel and Hoopla.