Prue Leith-Trained Chef, Cookery Author, Jewish Cuisine Specialist, Broadcaster, Columnist, School Founder & Culinary Speaker

Denise Phillips is a chef trained by Prue Leith. During the 1990s, she ran a successful catering company; since 2000, she has focused on cookery writing and running a well-regarded cookery school. Her approach combines strong classical foundations with an accessible, modern style that appeals to home cooks and food enthusiasts alike.

She is widely recognised as a leading authority on Jewish cuisine, known for refreshing traditional recipes with contemporary twists while respecting their origins. Denise writes weekly columns for both secular and Jewish publications in the UK and the US. Her work appears in the Jewish Press, one of the largest Jewish newspapers in the United States, as well as the Jewish Chronicle and Jewish News in the UK. She also contributes to the Jewish Vegetarian Society, more than 50 synagogue magazines, and produces content for brands including Ocado, Rakusen’s and Great Food. Her work is supported by Neff.

Denise Phillips’ books include The Book of Jewish Cooking (2002), Modern Jewish Cooking with Style (2003), New Flavours of the Jewish Table (2008, published by Ebury Press), and Jewish Mama’s Kitchen (2009, published by Octopus). Her writing extends beyond Jewish cookery; she has been published in Ms London, Cosmopolitan and through the Vegetarian Society. She regularly develops recipes and food advice for Ocado, Great Food and Rakusen’s, reflecting a broad and adaptable culinary range.

Alongside her writing, Denise is an experienced broadcaster and speaker. She has appeared on BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio London and LBC, and has hosted her own programmes on Shalom FM and JCom Radio. She also featured on ITV’s This Morning, delivering a live cookery demonstration and interview. A member of the Food Writers’ Guild, she has judged both the Cookery Writing Awards and the Classic FM Recipe Competition. She runs a popular cookery school from her purpose-built kitchen, offering hands-on classes covering everything from elegant desserts to healthy everyday meals; one recent class focused on quick, seasonal dishes using supermarket ingredients.

On Sunday evenings, Denise hosts “Date on a Plate”, a sociable cooking experience where six single participants prepare and share a three-course meal together. The format has proved highly successful and even led to Denise meeting her own husband. She also runs “Hen on a Plate”, designed for pre-wedding celebrations, combining cooking, learning and dining in a relaxed setting. Her website attracts over 10,000 visits each month, offering recipes, practical advice and a wide range of food content.

Why Hire Denise Phillips?