The Duchess of Duke Street, a historical television show dubbed as an 'all time favourite', is available to stream 50 years after its release. The series originally aired on BBC One from September 1976 to December 1977, set in London during the early 1900s and based on the real life of Rosa Lewis, who ran the Cavendish Hotel.
Plot and Main Character
The series chronicles the life of Louisa Leyton, played by Gemma Jones, a beautiful woman with a strong desire to become a great cook. She lands a job as a cook in the household of Lord Henry Norton (Bryan Coleman) and persuades Monsieur Alex, Lord Norton's French chef, to take her on as an apprentice. Edward, the Prince of Wales, notices Louisa when she is unexpectedly asked to prepare a meal alone, impressed by both her appearance and cookery.
The series depicts Louisa's journey as she climbs the ladder of success from domestic help to renowned cook to proprietor of an upper-class hotel in London. It also delves into her numerous relationships.
Cast and Production
The show was created by the same team as Upstairs, Downstairs (1971-1975) and follows a similar format, focusing on Louisa. The main cast includes Gemma Jones as Louisa Leyton Trotter, Victoria Plucknett as Mary, John Welsh as Merriman, Donald Burton as Augustus Trotter, and others. EastEnders icon June Brown, who played Dot Cotton, portrayed Mrs Leyton on the series between 1976 and 1977.
Comparison to Downton Abbey
The series received high praise from viewers and critics, who likened it to Downton Abbey for their similar format. On Reddit, one Downton Abbey fan requested recommendations for similar dramas, with one person recommending: 'The original Upstairs Downstairs and Duchess of Duke Street.' A second chimed in: 'I’ve seen Duchess of Duke Street, loved that one. I even visited her hotel when I went to London.' A third added: 'The Duchess of Duke Street.' Another fan shared: 'The Duchess of Duke Street (it’s giving my fair lady with the cockney accents and class inequality).'
Ratings and Fan Reactions
On IMDb, the drama has been rated 8.3/10. One viewer commented: 'The very best of TV drama.' A second said: 'A favourite, one of my all time favourite Masterpiece Theatre shows. My only complaint is that it didn't last long.' Another added: 'Top drawer as the cockneys might say.'
The Duchess of Duke Street is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
