Women in Hospitality
International Women's Day?(today!) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Here are some of our favourite?women in hospitality pioneering for change.
Nisha Katona - founder, Mowgli Street Food - UK (various)
Driven by a fervent commitment to progress, Nisha Katona cultivates Mowgli with a singular purpose: to enhance the fabric of every city her 20+(!) restaurants grace. Through the creation of employment opportunities in nurturing environments and philanthropic initiatives benefiting local communities, she aspires to sow the seeds of positive change.
In addition to her culinary endeavours, Nisha has established The Mowgli Trust, dedicated to advancing education standards for girls in Varanasi, India. These institutions not only provide essential amenities like clean water and sanitation facilities but also foster learning environments equipped with STEM labs and libraries, empowering young minds for a brighter future.
Adriana Cavita - founder, Cavita, London
The fantastic Adriana Cavita's inaugural solo venture in the UK - named Cavita - is a traditional Mexican eatery nestled in the heart of Marylebone Village. Drawing on insights gleaned from her extensive travels, Cavita celebrates culinary customs from across Mexico, spanning from the bustling capital of her birth to the regions of Oaxaca and the Yucatan.
Adriana's culinary ethos pays homage to the time-honoured cooking techniques passed down through generations in Mexico. The restaurant pays homage to elevated street fare, inspired by Adriana's grandmother, who once operated a roadside stall in Azcapotzalco, serving up Antojitos.
Adriana has relished the challenge of running her own kitchen, overseeing a large team and instilling her own culture, particularly as a female chef. She emphasises the importance of respectful communication.
Sia Smith - founder, Finleys, London
A neighbourhood gem, Finley's Wine Shop & Wine Bar celebrates the artistry of extraordinary, empowering women-led businesses. What distinguishes Finley's is its complete female leadership, from inception to operation. Here, we envision a future where the outdated barriers in the wine industry shatter, and gender becomes a non-issue.
Stocking over 70 varieties of wine curated by Sia, the selection rotates regularly but what can be guaranteed is that each bottle proudly bears the name of a female winemaker, ensuring a toast to female excellence with every pour.
Sia, currently with her newborn, has drafted in friends to help look after the place emphasising the community spirit that Finley’s is known for.
Kate Nicholls OBE - CEO, UK Hospitality
Kate Nicholls OBE has been at the helm of UKHospitality, the authoritative voice representing the diverse hospitality sector, since its inception in 2018. Prior to this role, she held positions as CEO and Strategic Affairs Director of the ALMR, showcasing her deep-rooted commitment to the industry's growth and prosperity.
Kate fights relentlessly for our industry and the people in it. Her 3-point plan for helping the sector ahead of the General Election includes lower business rates, doubled employer NI thresholds and a VAT cut to drive demands boost sales and help keep prices low. Kate was a shining beacon during Covid and the fall out since, and campaigns for solutions to tackle the climate crisis too.
Olia Hercules - activist, chef, author, co-founder, Cook for Ukraine
Before 2022, Hercules was primarily recognised as a highly skilled author renowned for her culinary works such as Mamushka and Summer Kitchens, illuminating the rich gastronomy of Ukraine, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. Following Russia's invasion of her homeland, Hercules swiftly transitioned into activism, spearheading the #CookforUkraine campaign. This initiative rallied restaurants, bakeries, and home cooks to contribute to relief efforts through donations and charity bake sales. Hercules has served as an inspiring figure, and #CookforUkraine has successfully raised millions of pounds for charities like Unicef and ChooseLove.
Asma Khan - founder, Darjeeling Express - Soho, London
Asma Khan's culinary star soared when she made history as the first UK chef to grace Netflix's Chef's Table in 2018. However, her journey began long before, with Darjeeling Express's chef-owner revolutionising the scene through sell-out Indian supper clubs and a standout residency at The Sun and 13 Cantons in Soho.
Nestled in Kingley Court, Soho, Darjeeling Express boasts an all-women team of housewives running the kitchen, as they have been doing so from day one. Drawing from cherished family recipes spanning generations, each bite of soul-warming home-style Indian cuisine pays homage to Asma's royal Mughlai lineage and the vibrant streets of Calcutta, her childhood home.