William Sitwell

One of Britain’s leading food writers William Sitwell explains how the Minister for Food Lord Woolton really did feed Britain to keep spirits up during the darkest days of World War II.

Woolton promised Churchill and Britain that he would have food on the shelves despite the country’s supply routes being under constant attack. Sitwell explains why the grammar-school educated Woolton was an unlikely hero and how he used every entrepreneurial trick in the book to secure food. He outwitted the black marketeers working across the Empire and persuaded customs officials to turn a blind eye to his schemes.

Sitwell has edited the award-winning Waitrose Kitchen magazine for more than ten years. He is a regular on television, appearing on shows such as Masterchef and Food & Drink and has presented a number of documentaries including Michelin Stars: the Madness of Perfection. He also interviews US chef Jeremiah Tower at another event today.