Celebrating Excellence in the Culinary World
The prestigious Female Chef of the Year award at the 2024 SquareMeal & AYALA Awards has been presented to Adejoké Bakare. This award, which has been running since 2018, celebrates the incredible contribution women are making to the UK restaurant industry. It highlights the achievements of female chefs who are not only excelling in their craft but also inspiring the next generation of women to consider a career in the culinary arts.
The Female Chef of the Year award aims to recognise those chefs who have left a mark on the industry through their talent, passion, and commitment, while also serving as role models. This year, in addition to Adejoké, the spotlight was also on Harriet Mansell from Lilac, Adriana Cavita of Cavita in Marylebone, April Lily Partridge – Roux Scholar and sous chef at three Michelin-starred The Ledbury, and Stosie Madi, chef patron of The Parkers Arms.
Adejoké Bakare’s Journey to Success
Adejoké Bakare’s rise to stardom is nothing short of inspiring. Her journey began at home, where she hosted dinner parties for friends before taking the bold step of launching her restaurant, Chishuru, as a pop-up in 2020 after winning a cooking competition. Her distinctive approach to West African cuisine quickly gained recognition, and four years later, she made history as the first black woman in the UK to earn a Michelin star. Chishuru, now a permanent fixture in Fitzrovia, continues to be one of London’s most exciting dining destinations, attracting praise for Joké’s unique take on West African dishes.
Bakare’s recognition at the SquareMeal & AYALA Awards places her alongside an impressive list of past winners, including Roberta Hall-McCarron, Lisa Goodwin-Allen, Sally Abé, Skye Gyngell, and Angela Hartnett. The judging panel for the 2024 award included influential figures such as Sally Abé and Roberta Hall-McCarron, who were instrumental in selecting Adejoké for this honour, along with judges from SquareMeal and Champagne AYALA.
The Impact of Adejoké Bakare’s Work
SquareMeal Managing Editor, Ellie Donnell, praised Bakare’s achievements, stating: “Adejoké’s accomplishments this year have been outstanding. She has etched her name in history by becoming the first black female Michelin-starred chef in the UK. Her innovative approach to West African cuisine for a London audience makes her a true pioneer, and Chishuru’s rise is a testament to her unparalleled skill and creativity.”
Laurence Alamanos, from Champagne AYALA, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of excellence in the culinary field: “At Champagne AYALA, we pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence, and we are proud to support the SquareMeal AYALA Female Chef of the Year Award. Adejoké Bakare is a rising star and an inspiration to future generations of chefs.”
A Bright Future for Women in Culinary Arts
Adejoké Bakare’s success represents not just personal achievement but also a significant step forward for women in the culinary world. As she continues to break barriers and redefine what it means to be a female chef, her work will undoubtedly inspire many others to follow in her footsteps. This award is a testament to her dedication, innovation, and leadership in the kitchen.
