Beverley Knight: The Teetotal Singer and Actor on Food, Family, and Prince’s Hosting Skills

Beverley Knight, the renowned singer and actor, recently opened up about her teetotal lifestyle and her love for food.

At the age of 50, Beverley Knight acknowledges the privilege of reaching her half century, a feat that many in the music industry don’t achieve or struggle with. This realization has made her more conscious about her eating habits and the impact of food on her body. While she enjoys food as a comfort and treat, she also recognizes its healing properties.

Growing up with Jamaican heritage, Beverley Knight had the opportunity to experience a unique blend of Jamaican and British cuisine. Inspired by her mother’s cooking, she developed a love for flavorful dishes like the Jamaican-style shepherd’s pie, which added a lively twist to the traditional recipe. She also praises dishes like welsh rarebit for their fantastic taste.

Beverley Knight has been teetotal her entire life. The decision was solidified at the age of 14 when she accidentally consumed vodka-laced orange juice, resulting in a severe allergic reaction. Ever since that incident, she has avoided alcohol completely and has been a devoted tea drinker. Whether it’s black tea in the morning or various herbal teas throughout the day, she finds comfort in a warm cup of tea.

Being teetotal was not fashionable when Beverley Knight first started her career, but she remained steadfast in her choice. She recalls going to clubs and asking for hot drinks after performing, which was met with curiosity and sometimes judgment. However, she now finds joy in being seen as a fun and quirky person for not drinking.

Moving to London in 1995 opened up new culinary experiences for Beverley Knight. She discovered Spanish, Italian, and Indian cuisine for the first time, expanding her culinary horizons. Her husband, an ex-chef, has further enriched her food journey by mastering West Indian and Jamaican dishes. Although she’s slightly annoyed that he can prepare them better than her, she appreciates the banter in the kitchen.

One of the fondest memories Beverley Knight has is being hosted by the late artist Prince. In 2008, she was invited to perform at his Oscars party in Los Angeles. Prince, known for his vegan lifestyle, had a chef prepare a delicious spread for Beverley Knight, including salmon and salads. This luxurious experience left a lasting impression on her.

Beverley Knight’s favorite dish is ackee and saltfish, a beloved Jamaican delicacy. She enjoys it with a side of fried breadfruit, plantain, green banana, and bammy, a cassava pancake.

When it comes to dining out, Beverley Knight highly recommends the now-closed Michelin-starred restaurant Casamia in Bristol and its owner Pete Sanchez-Iglesias. She also praises his current establishment, Paco Tapas, for its culinary excellence.

Beverley Knight’s insights into her teetotal lifestyle, her love for diverse cuisines, and her encounter with Prince’s hospitality provide fans with a deeper understanding of her personal journey and tastes.