Celebrating leading women in London’s hospitality industry

Melanie Anderson and Margot Henderson at Rochelle Canteen

Situated comfortably in the converted Victorian Rochelle School, this Shoreditch gem, reconfigured by restaurateurs Melanie Anderson and Margot Henderson, is buzzing with creativity, history and heart. And these are only a few of Rochelle Canteen’s characteristics that make the place (and the innovative minds behind it) so fitting to celebrate this International Women’s Day. The location itself boasts many lively and creative corners, from art studios to workspaces, and Anderson and Henderson have really turned their space into a revisionary of historical richness.

The menu at Rochelle Canteen is niche, stylised, and centred around fresh, seasonal ingredients. The venue itself has a sort of humbly upscale charm, feeling simultaneously exclusive and inviting without ever becoming pretentious. But most importantly, the focus is definitely on the food. And it shows. After working their way up from other restaurants, these two business-driven minds decided to take on a venture of their own. From what started as a catering company, they built themselves an unforgettably charming and quality-focused establishment.

Anderson and Henderson’s regenerative approach to the location’s historic potential speaks volumes to the resilience of women over the centuries. Ambitious and driven women like Anderson and Henderson have modernised and upheld a piece of East London history and community livelihood with their innovation and determination.

Selin Kiazim and Laura Christie at Oklava

Perfect for brunch (because, let’s be honest, who wouldn’t love a proper Turkish Bloody Mary) or dinner, Oklava by Selin Kiazim and Laura Christie is an East London treasure. Situated in the bold and brassy but still quite classy Shoreditch, Oklava serves contemporary Turkish dishes in an open-plan kitchen. The option to watch the food being made via traditional cooking methods elevates the dining experience and makes eating at Oklava an exciting and immersive experience.

Front-of-house aficionado and wine connoisseur Laura Christie combines innovation and knowledge with Oklava’s regionally curated wine list, offering a choice for every wine lover and a perfect pairing for every dish. Back-of-the-house talent Selin Kiazim is hardly lacking in accomplishments. After completing her Professional Chef’s Diploma with distinction, Kiazim went on to work at two acclaimed restaurants, one in Marylebone and one in Covent Garden. And just two years after opening Oklava with Christie, she published a cookbook and appeared on Great British Menu, winning the dessert course.

The ‘oklava’, a traditional Turkish style rolling pin, is typically used in the making of pides, pastries and breads. Featuring all of these dishes in some way, Oklava is a testament to culinary tradition, and Oklava itself is a testament to the power that strong women have to preserve it.

Melissa Harwood at Spinach

Aptly surrounded by four leafy East Dulwich parks, Spinach offers double the tranquil nature amidst the bustling city. And even though this menu is focused on veggies, it definitely has something for everyone. Enjoy the venue’s cosy and hassle-free space with friends or family and relish in these uber-fresh and flavourful vegetarian- and vegan-friendly dishes. Spinach is all about the community, which is why they support local businesses by sourcing their produce, baked goods and even their beer from a variety of local southeast-based vendors.

As for the mastermind behind this southeast oasis, Melissa Harwood has simultaneously tackled both motherhood and her career in the culinary industry at only 32. The vegetable-focused approach at Spinach comes from Harwood’s long-standing passion for vegetables and her love of cooking with them. After gaining much experience in the service industry as a sommelier and eventually operations manager, she was ready to embark on her own entrepreneurial endeavour.

An absolute inspiration to many young female entrepreneurs, Harwood was also awarded the top prize at the Southwark Business Excellence Awards Gala Dinner just two years after the launch of Spinach. With Spinach (and Baby Spinach, which is located in Streatham), Harwood has channelled her passion and inspiration into her culinary achievements and only adds to the lucrative culinary charm of Southeast London.

Yohini Nandakumar at Sparrow

Boasting years of experience working with big players in the culinary industry as a lawyer, Yohini Nandakumar has certainly proved herself in the field of food. And the success of Lewisham’s beloved locale, of which Nandakumar is co-owner, is reflective of that. Southeast London sports lots of hotspots in places like Peckham and Greenwich – and with the introduction of Sparrow, Lewisham has certainly been added to that southeast list.

Sparrow combines British and Sri Lankan cuisine, allowing food-loving Londoners to immerse their tastebuds in a perfect marriage of geographically diverse dishes. Making immense strides in not one but two industries, Nandakumar’s ability to marry flavours and manage professionalism is a prime example of female empowerment in the workforce – behind and before the scenes.

With Nandakumar’s tenacious touch, the menu at Sparrow represents the geographical diversity and excitement of London’s culinary scene as well as the bursting energy of the city itself. All the while maintaining a thoughtfully curated wine list (all of which are available by the glass) and the choice between two or three moderately priced courses.