In London, chef Sally Abé is bringing together a line-up of female chefs today for a panel discussion that will centre on the major issues faced by women in hospitality at her Westminster restaurant The Pem, with speakers including Andi Oliver and Sandia Chang set to take part.
Over in Borough Market, meanwhile, Alex Hely-Hutchinson's Stoney Street is bringing together a group of chefs including Chantelle Nicholson, Judy Joo and Masha Rener for a special one-off meal this evening, with each chef preparing a unique dish inspired by a woman who shaped their lives. The exclusive menu will be paired with wines curated by Alexandra Price, head of wine at Crispin.
Across town in Belgravia, Japanese/Nordic retail and dining space Pantechnicon is hosting its own dinner in its Eldr dining room that with a menu created by the venue's three female head chefs (pictured) - Jenny Warner, Shire Yu and Liza Kermanidou. Each have created a new dish especially for the occasion.
“The dinner is a celebration of women by women in the hospitality industry,” says Warner, who oversees Pantechnicon's Roof Garden and Eldr restaurants.
“As a mum to two little girls, for me it means a lot to be able to show them that you don’t have to choose between having a family or a career.”
In Somerset, Roth Bar and Grill is hosting a special dinner with chef Angela Hartnett OBE that will combine her love of Italian ingredients with the restaurant's wood fire cooking; while in Scotland, Highlands hotel The Fife Arms is having its kitchen taken over by MasterChef champion Jane Devonshire, who will be serving a specially curated tasting menu influenced by seasonal Scottish ingredients.
Recruiting more women to hospitality
The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has announced the launch of its showcase of the women working across the sector to celebrate International Women’s Day, with the aim of recruiting more women to the sector.
As part of its showcase, the BBPA will be highlighting women across the sector throughout the upcoming week, sharing videos and stories across social media and through its communication channels.
“We are proud to be celebrating International Women’s Day throughout the whole week, showcasing the many wonderful women who work across the pub and brewing sector,” says Emma McClarkin, BBPA chief executive.
“Currently 54% off staff who work in pubs are female.
“As a sector we believe in celebrating women's achievement and forging equality. Collectively we can break the bias and create a world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.”
The showcase will illustrate the vast roles women play throughout the entire pub and brewing industry, as well as stakeholders from across the industry.
Included in the showcase is Jane Kershaw, a sixth-generation family member at the Joseph Holt brewery; Budweiser Brewing Group technical services process engineer, Maria Cropley; and Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company director of marketing for Ales, Miranda Osbourne.