Charlie Bigham's is a British brand of fresh ready meals founded by Charlie Bigham.

History

Charlie Bigham, a former management consultant from London, started the business in 1996. The delicatessens of Selfridges and Harvey Nichols, and later Waitrose stocked the meals.^[1]

In 2012, Allan Leighton joined the board of directors.^[2]

In 2013, Bigham's created "Swish Pie", the world's most expensive ready meal at £314.16, as a publicity stunt. The pie contained lobster, turbot, scallops, smoked salmon and oysters, poached in Dom Pérignon champagne, topped with truffles and a gold leaf crumb, and a side of Beluga caviar.^[3][4]

In 2016, Bigham's bought Dulcote Quarry, a disused quarry in Somerset, to build a new factory after outgrowing its premises in London.^[5] The first phase of the food production campus was designed by Feilden Fowles and completed in 2017.^[6][7]

In 2020, Bigham's became a certified B Corporation.^[8]

By August 2020, annual sales had reached £80 million.^[9]

In 2021, Bigham's launched a £3 million advertising campaign, including radio and podcast adverts voiced by Richard Osman.^[10]

Reception

The Sunday Times restaurant critic Marina O'Loughlin wrote: "I've never been drawn to this brand – it seemed like a mix of low-rent ready meal and aspirational boujie, invented by someone a bit posh and, um, chinless," but concluded that the lasagne was "delicious".^[11][9]

Charlie Bigham

The eponymous Charlie Bigham studied English Literature at the University of Edinburgh, before working as a management consultant at Andersen Consulting and ABL.^[1] He also owns the Derreen Estate in County Kerry, Ireland.^[12]

In 2013, it was reported that Bigham had insured his senses of sight, smell, taste and touch for £12 million. Under the terms of the insurance policy, he was required to avoid dangers such as tasting hot chillies, piercing his tongue or looking directly at bright light.^[13][14]

References