10 women in food celebrate each other after open letter on sexism

A few weeks ago, something seismic started to happen within the UK food industry.

Michelin starred chef Jason Atherton managed to upset... well, everyone, when he told The Times he had "not really" seen any sexism in the restaurant industry. Eyes rolled, the internet did its thing and what happened next was pretty amazing.

A total of 70 eminent women in food put their names to an open letter addressing his claims, and calling time on the historic sexism that very much still prevails in kitchens up and down the country. Pulled together by chefs Dara Klein, Sally Abé and Poppy O’Toole, the letter said what everyone was thinking – was he talking about the same industry?

"Sexism has been and remains a pervasive issue in our industry," reads the letter, detailing how "inappropriate comments and behaviours" and "unequal opportunities" continue to affect them to this day.

Unsurprisingly, the women who spoke out were widely praised for using their platform to take a stand, and they were supported by many men, too. It remains to be seen whether any real change will actually follow, but the open letter has at least brought an important conversation back into the spotlight, and reaffirmed that there are so many amazing and talented women in the industry who have to fight harder to get their flowers.

So, for International Women's Day, we spoke to a few of the women who signed the letter, and asked them to spotlight a fellow woman in food they admire. We think you'll agree there are some special names, here...

Romy Gill

Cookbook author Romy Gill (pictured) is spotlighting restaurateur and Chef's Table star Asma Khan (Credit: Instagram/ Romy Gill)

"Asma Khan and Darjeeling Express have been doing incredible work, especially in empowering women in the food industry.

"Her all-female kitchen has created opportunities for home cooks to shine, celebrating their skills and heritage.

"Through her restaurant, she has not only redefined the dining experience but also championed inclusivity and representation in the culinary world.

"Her impact goes beyond food – it’s about creating a movement for change."

Chantelle Nicholson

Award-winning chef Chantelle Nicholson (pictured) nominates Sohini Banerjee (Credit: Instagram/ Chantelle Nicholson)

"I'm a big fan of Sohini Banerjee. She runs the Smoke & Lime supper club.

"Her supper clubs are inspired by her childhood in Kolkata and her global travel. She has a low-waste ethos and celebrates a sense of home - inviting guests into her space and cooking from her heart.

"Her food is insanely delicious, and she cooks with a conscience. Her instagram is full of tasty food, joy, laughter and being present."

Katie Smith

Chef and food stylist Katie Smith (pictured) has nominated Emma Cantlay of Mainly Breakfast (Credit: Patricia Niven/ Instagram)

"I wanted to spotlight Emma Cantlay. She’s an illustrator and a food stylist. Each year she designs a seasonal eating calendar which is full of her beautiful illustrations and recipes from her favourite chefs.

"Seeing her monthly drawings of different fruit and vegetables always makes me smile. When she’s not drawing, she’s a food stylist for cookbooks.

"She’s the hands behind so many delicious dishes we see in our beloved cookbooks! What a talent - Emma is just the best!"

Vanessa Doward (Marx)

Vanessa Marx (pictured), of Bingham's Riverhouse has shouted out her colleague Prasansha Neupane (Credit: Instagram)

"I would like to give a shout out to Prasansha Neupane, a young female chef in my team, who is from Nepal.

"She has shown immense strength and resilience when met with challenges, [and] humility and grace when under pressure.

Vanessa's team member Prasansha is doing her proud (Credit: Supplied)

"She is creative and innovative, and definitely a rising star here at Bingham Riverhouse."

Helen Graham

Friend of Twisted and ex Bubala Head Chef Helen Graham (pictured) wants to celebrate Sana Javeri Kadri (Credit: Instagram: Tim Atkins Photo)

"I recently met Sana Javeri Kadri, who is the CEO of the Diaspora spice company and was really blown away.

"She started the company when she was 24 and it's now a multinational powerhouse.

"She cares so much about the integrity of her business and looking after everyone at every level of the supply chain."

Marie Mitchell

Fellow friend of Twisted and cookbook author Marie Mitchell (pictured) spotlights Paris Rosina (Credit: Instagram/ Marie Mitchell/ Jamie Oliver)

"I want to shout out [creative, chef and former dinner lady turned supper club star] Paris Rosina because she's a genius!

"[She's a] true creative who has the most fun while doing it, dreaming up the most indulgent pairings while being unapologetically herself.

"Not only that, she knows what she's doing. Any time spent with her I feel like a better chef – more inspired, more aware, more seen.

"It's a dream watching her continue to thrive."

Louisa Ellis

Former Great British Menu star Louisa Ellis (pictured) has nominated Angelina Adamo (Credit: BBC)

"My personal nomination goes to the wonderful Angelina Adamo (director of Tutto Apposto).

"This queen of the kitchen specialises in date night packages, celebration cakes, dinner parties and is the menu creator of The Circle Lounge in Birmingham.

"I have no doubt Angelina can just about do anything thrown at her with her adaptive skills as a chef and unique sparkle that sets her apart from the crowd.

"As well as this, she is an ambassador of The Burnt Chef Project [a hospitality mental health charity] and a leader of example in the hospitality industry."

Anna Søgaard

Anna Sogaard (pictured) of Jomfru is shouting out Seri Nam (Credit: Instagram/ @jane_wltn)

"One woman who I really admire is my friend Seri Nam, who is currently head chef at Flawd in Manchester.

"Her food, like her, is effortlessly cool and understated and an absolute flavour bomb in your mouth.

"I've learned something new and valuable every time I've had the pleasure of cooking with her. She inspires me both as a woman and a cook."

Sabrina Gidda

Cookbook author and TV star Sabrina Gidda (pictured) wants to highlight a female owned company selling Mexican food (Credit: Instagram/ @atulkochharrestaurants)

"I'm shouting out Masafina - an incredible women founded business, supplying incredible Mexican ingredients.

"[Founders] Laura & Andrea have such passion for their work - it’s just delicious! Here’s to you both!"

Rachel Stockley

Private chef Rachel Stockley (pictured) has nominated Mary-Ellen McTague (Credit: Instagram)

"Chef Mary-Ellen McTague is right in the middle of opening a new restaurant in the Treehouse Hotel in Manchester. [It is] about to open later this month.

"She's doing that whilst also running the charity she set up in lockdown called EatWell Manchester, [which] feeds homeless [female] refugees and other vulnerable people."

Well, there you have it. A pretty fantastic line-up, we're sure you'll agree. You can read the whole open letter compiled by our contributors here, and make sure you follow and support the women they've shouted out, too.

Happy International Women's Day!

Featured image: Patricia Niven/ Marie Mitchell