100 Most Influential Women in Hospitality 2021

The annual 100 Most Influential Women in Hospitality list has been released by CODE Hospitality, highlighting women that have genuinely affected change in the UK hospitality industry over the past 12 months.

The unranked list, created by the industry membership organisation, champions women working in all areas of the hospitality industry and is divided into nine categories, including leaders, chefs, operators, front-of-house, sommeliers, suppliers, broadcasters, producers, writers, and PR and communications experts.

According to the CODE Hospitality website, this year's list also recognises the adversity and struggles faced by the sector over the past year: "in particular, the women who have not just survived the enormous challenge of the pandemic, but who have thrived in it. Whether that is launching a business, keeping one afloat, helping others or speaking up for us all, the range of achievements is remarkable."

A 'support' section recognises 12 women who have been instrumental in helping and supporting the community throughout the pandemic, including Nicole Pisani, the co-founder and executive chef of Chefs in Schools, who ensured that children were being fed good, nutritious meals throughout the pandemic; and Tobie-Anna Durk, a former chef and founder of Kelly’s Cause Foundation, a community of mental health first aiders to protect and care for those in hospitality.

This year's judges were Mark Wogan, co-founder of Homeslice, David Ellis, editor of the Evening Standard’s 'Reveller' pages, Jennifer Shu from Resy and journalist Fiona McCarthy. 

Below is a snapshot of the women that made the 'leadership' and 'chef' categories on the list, which includes Clare Smyth and Hélène Darroze, who were both awarded three stars for their London restaurants in the Michelin guide to Great Britain and Ireland 2021.

To view the top 100 list click here. 

Leaders

Angela Hartnett MBE - Chef patron, Murano

Chantelle Nicholson - Chef patron, Tredwells and All’s Well

Zan Kaufman - Founder, Bleecker

Anshu Ahuja and Renne Williams new entry - Founders, DabbaDrop

Asma Khan - Chef patron, Darjeeling Express

Clare Smyth MBE - Chef patron, CORE by Clare Smyth

Sarit Packer - Co-founder, Honey & Co

Judy Hutson - Co-owner and designer, The Pig hotels

Madeleine Calon new entry - President, Society of the Golden Keys UK

Rebecca Mascarenhas - Co-owner and director, Elystan Street, Kitchen W8, Church Road and Home SW15

Roberta Hall-McCarron new entry - Chef patron, The Little Chartroom

Nieves Barrágan Mohacho - Chef director, Sabor

Thomasina Miers OBE - Founder, Wahaca

Meriel Armitage new entry - Founder, Club Mexicana and Mega Aid

Hélène Darroze - Chef proprietor, Hélène Darroze at The Connaught

Chefs

Pamela Yung new entry - Head chef, Flor

Lisa Goodwin-Allen - Executive chef, Northcote

Lorna McNee new entry - Head chef, Cail Bruich

Safiya Robinson new entry - Founder, Sisterwoman Vegan

Leyli Homayoonfar new entry - Head chef, Bab Haus & Bab Haus Mex

Ixta Belfrage - Chef and co-author, Flavour

Nina Matsunaga - Head chef, The Black Bull Sedbergh

Nokx Majozi - Sous chef, Rosewood London and senior pie maker, Holborn Dining Room