Mary Berry

Dame Mary Berry DBE
Berry at the Chelsea Flower Show in May 2017
Born	Mary Rosa Alleyne Berry (1935-03-24) 24 March 1935 Bath, Somerset, England
Other names	Mary, Queen of Cakes
Education	* Bath College of Domestic Science * Le Cordon Bleu
Occupations	Food writer * chef * baker * television presenter * author
Spouse	Paul Hunnings ​ (m. 1966)​
Children	3
Website	maryberry.co.uk

Biography

Mary Berry, born Mary Rosa Alleyne Hunnings on March 24, 1935, in Bath, England, is a beloved British food writer, television presenter, and baking expert. With a career spanning over six decades, she has become one of the most trusted and recognizable figures in British culinary culture.

Berry’s interest in cooking began early, encouraged by a supportive family and a home economics teacher who inspired her to pursue the craft professionally. She studied at Bath College of Domestic Science before furthering her education at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and the Dutch Dairy Bureau in the Netherlands — experiences that laid the foundation for her lifelong career in food.

In the 1960s, Mary began working as a food editor for Housewife and later Ideal Home magazines, while also starting her publishing career. She has written more than 70 cookbooks, including the bestselling Mary Berry’s Complete Cookbook and Baking Bible, both celebrated for their clear instructions and practical recipes.

Mary Berry became a household name in the 2010s as a judge on the BBC’s The Great British Bake Off. Her warm, encouraging manner and deep expertise endeared her to viewers of all ages. Alongside fellow judge Paul Hollywood, she helped make the show a cultural phenomenon, reviving interest in home baking across the UK.

In 2017, Berry launched her own BBC cooking series, continuing to share her passion for traditional British cuisine with a modern twist. Her television work and contributions to food education earned her a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2020.

Known for her poise, charm, and no-nonsense approach to baking, Mary Berry remains an iconic figure who has inspired generations to find joy and confidence in the kitchen.

Music (likes)

BBC's Desert Island Discs (2012)

• Wish Me Luck (As You Wave Me Goodbye) - Gracie Fields
• Spring (Allegro) - Israel Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Zubin Mehta
• Summer Holiday - Cliff Richard & The Shadows
• How Great Thou Art - Susan Boyle
• Onward Christian Soldiers - Salvation Army New York Staff Band
• Sailing - Rod Stewart
• Lord of the Dance - Bach Choir
• Mamma Mia - ABBA'

Literature (likes)

Miscellaneous

• RHS A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants