The football legend guest edited a one-off edition of Country Life magazine and also opened up about his relationship with the countryside
David Beckham has shared what he’d choose as his final meal – and it might turn some stomachs. The former England captain and businessman, 50, who regularly shares glimpses of his Cotswolds lifestyle, took on guest editing duties for Country Life magazine’s special Wednesday edition, discussing his favourite views and connection to rural Britain.
As part of this, the football legend also sat down with food writer and Queen Camilla’s son, Tom Parker Bowles, disclosing that amongst his top dishes is a traditional British classic.
He told Parker Bowles: “There’s something so nostalgic about mashed potato, liver, bacon and lots of gravy. It’s one of those British comfort classics that my mum used to make for me and was also my grandad’s favourite dish.
“My gran was also a great cook, and it was always a treat going down to the pie and mash shop in Chapel Market. If I had to choose my last meal, it would be pie, mash, liquor and jellied eels.”
Jellied eels are a traditional English dish typically made by boiling chopped eels in a spicy stock. Once cooled, these slimy creatures set into a jelly and are served completely cold.
Despite their roots in London’s East End culture, jellied eels certainly aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Tasters often mention their distinctive salty flavour and wobbly texture.
Sir David, acting as a guest editor for Country Life, follows in the footsteps of Royal family members who previously joined the editor-in-chief Mark Hedges at the helm, including the King, the Princess Royal and the Queen.
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During his conversations with the magazine, he also praised director Guy Ritchie for deepening his passion for the countryside, explaining: “(My) earliest memories of doing anything in the countryside are when I was a cub, then a scout and we used to go camping in Epping Forest.
Speaking about Ritchie, he added: “He’s a modern-day caveman, who has made me fall far deeper in love with the countryside and helped me to understand it even more than I did before. Sometimes, we sit for hours around a fire, just the two of us, and talk late into the night.”
Sir David married Spice Girl Victoria, also known as Posh Spice, in 1999 and now lives with her in their home in the Cotswolds. The former winger continued: “I can still remember the morning when Victoria and the children were all due to arrive to see the refurbished barns for the first time. It was still a complete mess.
“One of the guys who was helping with the building work and I were literally running around laying the rugs, sweeping up and getting all the dust out. Then I waited at the front door with a glass of wine for Victoria to arrive. And, the moment she walked in, she burst out crying because she couldn’t believe how perfect it was.”
Country Life’s special guest edit from Sir David is available from Wednesday, October 22, until Tuesday, October 28. In light of Sir David’s work, editor-in-chief Mark Hedges said: “David has produced an outstanding issue.
“His love and knowledge of the countryside is exceptional and he has given the Country Life team a huge amount of his time and access to aspects of his life that our readers will find truly fascinating.
“Our guest editor has an incredible eye for detail, which stood him in good stead when he was signing off the final proofs. This special edition will undoubtedly become a collectors’ item and is expected to sell out very quickly.”