BIOGRAPHY

Known to millions as fifty percent of BBC television's Two Fat Ladies, Clarissa is a cook, writer, broadcaster and grower of cardoons*.

The proud possessor of eleven forenames, Clarissa trained as a barrister and, at twenty-one was the youngest woman ever to qualify. She spent her early career at the bar, before moving into the kitchen. She cooked for society dinners and country house parties and ran the kitchens of a St James's club.

It was while running a cookery bookshop in Edinburgh that Clarissa was approached by a BBC producer to team up with Jennifer Paterson to present Two Fat Ladies. The eccentric format had Clarissa and Jennifer touring the country on a motorbike and sidecar, preparing regional dishes.

Clarissa has since made many television and radio appearances. She presented Clarissa And The Countryman with Johnny Scott, with whom she has also written two books connected with the series. Among her numerous other publications are A Greener Life, The Game Cookbook and Sunday Roast (all with Johnny Scott) and her autobiography, Spilling The Beans.

Clarissa is Lord Rector of the University of Aberdeen (the first woman to hold the post), Patron of the Farmers' Markets Association, Freeman of the City of London and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Butchers.

Clarissa spills the beans on life below stairs and beneath tables and is outspoken on her passion for fieldsports and the countryside. Her other interests include rugby, football, men and, of course, food.

*World's largest edible thistle.

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