70 female hospitality workers sign open letter against industry sexism and harassment

Seventy female chefs and hospitality workers have signed an open letter calling for an end to sexism and inequality in the industry.

The letter, published in The Telegraph, was spearheaded by London-based chefs Sally Abé of the Pem and Dara Klein of Tiella after rallying a WhatsApp group of women in the sector.

Addressed to “all those who benefit from the joys of dining out”, it reads: “We are a group of 70 female chefs and hospitality workers, and we need you to know that we are tired. Exhausted by an industry so systematically flawed that we struggle to see ourselves within it.”

It comes amid growing media attention on the issue. Last week’s Michelin Guide ceremony came under fire for only awarding a star to one woman and failing to recognise the broad scope of female talent across the industry.

During the event, Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides, said women were doing “a brilliant job all over the industry”, in a speech one operator told The Caterer made them feel “publicly patronised”.

 

An interview with Jason Atherton in The Times this week sparked backlash when he was asked about sexism in kitchens, but the chef has since said his comments were taken out of context and that he does not “condone sexism in the industry or anywhere”.

The open letter calls for an end to “the narrative which denies [women’s] experiences and talents” and said they “face issues that must be addressed to create a more inclusive, equitable and positive work environment for all”.

The letter reads: “Sexism has been and remains a pervasive issue in our industry, shaping the culture of our kitchens in ways that diminish the potential and contributions of countless talented women. From inappropriate comments and behaviours to unequal opportunities for advancement, these experiences hinder not only individual careers, but the growth and innovation of our industry as a whole.”

As well as signing the open letter, many women shared their experiences of sexism and harassment in the industry with the Telegraph.

“In one restaurant – a highly respected favourite in London – the head chef-owner told me I ‘gave him a great boner’, referring to a steak I had cooked him,” Klein told the paper.

Chef and author Poppy O’Toole, who has more than six million social media followers due to her potato-focused cooking videos, said she had to leave a job due to comments made by a male chef.

She told the Telegraph: “A particular low point that led me to leave a job was when a chef-owner proceeded to tell the entirely male kitchen about a sex dream he had about me, going into explicit detail, while the rest of my team either stayed quiet or laughed along.”

Many women featured in the article asked to remain anonymous for fear of repercussions on speaking out on the issue.

The letter also called for the end of separate awards categories for women and to celebrate where positive change was already taking place.

“However, today we call on our colleagues of all genders to challenge and dismantle the harmful practices we’re highlighting,” it read.

“We implore you to help us to create a brighter, more inclusive future for our industry, because respect, equality, and support must be the foundation of every kitchen.”

 

The full text of the letter is shared in the Telegraph and on Abé’s Instagram page.