Beryl Patmore is the cook at Downton and takes great pride in her kitchen and the food she prepares. She is a perfectionist and an apparently darn good cook. She doesn't like to think Mr. Carson or Mrs. Hughes have any jurisdiction over her, although they both certainly do. She treats Daisy, the scullery maid and her primary assistant in the kitchen, like her own daughter for better or worse. Daisy is often on the receiving end of Mrs. Patmore's shouts when things aren't going well. Mrs. Patmore is best friends with Mrs. Hughes.During the Great War, Mrs. Patmore learns that her nephew Archibald Archie Philpotts was shot for cowardice at the front. Because of this, she is particularly sensitive when the topic of the war comes up and has a strong reaction when a member of the Downton staff prepares to report for duty. Early in the series, Mrs. Patmore is also hiding -- or ignoring, or not noticing -- a health issue that affects her ability to do her job.