Nigella Lawson: Fans queue patiently for their favourite cook

Nigella Lawson signed cookbooks for fans at the H&J Smith store in Invercargill yesterday afternoon before the gala dinner last night. Photo / Otago Daily Times

Smiling broadly and chatting happily as she signed cookbook after cookbook, Nigella Lawson charmed hundreds of fans in Invercargill yesterday.

The businesswoman and TV personality looked cool as a cucumber during her hour in the H&J Smith department store, apparently unfazed by the long queue of people waiting to see her.

She accepted gifts gracefully, including a small red gift bag from one woman and a dozen homemade cupcakes from Invercargill chef Eli Pont, originally from Brazil.

Gerald Brandsen, of Invercargill, a "Southern bloke" kind of guy, took a late lunch break to see Lawson.

"Have you looked at her? She's beautiful and she's amazing."

Sam Kent, of Christchurch, estimated he had spent $2000 on his trip to Invercargill especially to see Lawson in-store and attend her gala dinner at ILT Stadium last night.

The surgical theatre assistant said he had shelled out for transport, accommodation, a ticket to the gala evening cocktail party and four-course gourmet dinner, and a new dinner suit.

"It is an experience I didn't want to miss," he said.

More than 500 people attended the gala evening.