Les Dames D’escoffier London presents Leading the charge: Top Chefs shaping the Future of Women in the Kitchen. An exclusive International Women’s Day event curated by Chef Sally Abé in partnership with Opentable!
Tuesday 4th March 2025, 6 – 9pm
Les Dames d’Escoffier London, the philanthropic organisation of women leaders in food, drink, and hospitality, has announced a stellar line-up of female hospitality powerhouses for a panel event celebrating International Women’s Day, curated by trailblazing chef and author, Sally Abé.
This event marks the beginning of a year-long celebration of LDE London’s 15th anniversary, honouring the chapter’s heritage, its network of esteemed hospitality professionals, and its ongoing commitment to championing women in the industry.
A passionate advocate for women in hospitality and celebrated for her sell-out International Women’s Day events, Sally Abé is one of London’s leading chefs, recognised for her work at The Pem and The Harwood Arms, alongside her dedication to equality in the industry. A familiar face on TV, she has appeared on Saturday Kitchen Live, James Martin’s Saturday Morning, and Great British Menu.
This year, she brings together an exceptional panel of leading female figures at an exclusive event sponsored by OpenTable, a global leader in restaurant tech, 58 and CO, and Nespresso Professional. Guests can expect an insightful discussion on the role of women in hospitality, the broader challenges facing the industry, key action points for progress, and invaluable networking opportunities with fellow hospitality professionals.
Taking place on 4th March at 58 and CO, Sally will lead an inspiring panel discussion alongside:
Sabrina Gidda – Chef, Author, Consultant
A self-taught chef and author of Modern South Asian Kitchen, known for her work with top restaurants and brands, and a former Great British Menu contestant.
Michelle Trusselle – Chef, Consultant & Head of Culinary Aramark UK & Global Offshore
Michelin-trained chef and MasterChef: The Professionals alumna, blending classical techniques with Caribbean flavours, now Head of Culinary at Aramark UK & Global Offshore.
April Lily Partridge – Chef & Roux Scholar
Roux Scholar 2023 and award-winning chef, formerly at The Ledbury, now Development Chef at Opus Provisions, championing British produce.
The panel will be moderated by renowned food journalist and BBC Radio 4’s The Food Programme presenter, Sheila Dillon, whose work has shaped key conversations in food and farming.
Guests can look forward to an evening of lively and impassioned conversation, exploring topics such as the persistent barriers for women in the industry, why the conversation remains more relevant than ever, the path to meaningful change, shifts in the media landscape, and the panellists’ personal journeys. The session will conclude with an audience Q&A and networking.
Doors will open at 6.00pm, with the panel discussion taking place from 7.00 – 8.00pm, and the evening concluding at 9.00pm. Tickets are priced at £20 per person, including a seat at the panel, a 58 and CO gin and tonic, and a Nespresso martini.
All funds raised from the event will support LDE London’s mission to empower women in hospitality, providing peer-to-peer support and sponsorship opportunities for women entering the industry.
Ticket link: https://www.opentable.co.uk/r/sally-abes-international-womens-day-london
Leading the Charge: Top Chefs Shaping the Future of Women in the Kitchen
Tuesday 4th March | 6 – 9pm
Address: 58 and CO, 329 Acton Mews, London E8 4EF
https://lesdameslondon.org | @ldelondon
About Les Dames d’Escoffier London
Les Dames d’Escoffier London, an affiliate chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International, is a dynamic group of forward-thinking and successful female leaders in the food, beverage and hospitality industries. As a non-profit organisation, it supports its communities through grants, scholarships and mentorship.
Led by President Jacqui Pickles, its members encompass the full spectrum of hospitality and include the likes of Dame Patrons Sheila Dillon and Prue Leith and Members Anna Haugh and Ching He Huang MBE.
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