International Women's Day 2026: Menus, events and celebrations at top London restaurants

There are a ton of fantastic events taking place all over London to celebrate International Women’s Day, which in 2026 falls on Sunday 8 March. Some are planned specifically for the day itself while others are running for the week or even the entire month. Not that we’re biased or anything, but we consider the once-a-year event an excellent opportunity to recognise women who are doing truly great things in the restaurant industry. We’re talking about the chefs, sommeliers, bakers, producers and front of house staff who are making some serious waves in their field.

Rather than talking about the fact that most chef job roles are still held by men (sigh), we’re here to focus on the positives. According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of female chefs in the UK has risen by a third since 2016. That’s awesome, but the restaurant industry is comprised of a whole catalogue of highly-skilled roles: the wine-makers and food producers, café-owners and restaurant managers of the world.

While we think such pioneering women should be talked about all year round, International Women’s Day feels like as good excuse as any to hero females in food. To that point, we’ve rounded up the restaurants in London doing just that via special events, one-off menus, exclusive dishes and female-forward wine tastings. Each event has been formulated to celebrate leading women in the restaurant industry and the good news is that you can get involved with them all. There’s still plenty to be done on the road to gender equality, but there’s plenty to celebrate, too.

This year’s official International Women's Day theme is 'Give To Gain' and you can find out more about how to get involved with the campaign here.

The Wolseley Hospitality Group for Women for Women International, Various London Locations

What: The Wolseley Hospitality Group is back celebrating International Women's Day with bespoke menu items and special cocktails curated by their female team members. Over at Brasserie Zedel, Anna Karolina Staniszewska will be cooking her courgette and lardon quiche, while Gaya Gayatri whips up a poached rhubarb sabayon at Colbert, and Theodora Pantiru chefs up some roast lamb cutlets at The Wolseley Piccadilly. Plus, there's limited edition cocktails, including a Petit Cosmo with Ketel One citron vodka, and a Peach Collins. Don't forget, for every dish or cocktail sold the group will be donating £1 to Women for Women International, helping female survivors of war and conflict.
When: 2 to 8 March 2026
Where: 160 Piccadilly, W1J 9EB; 20 Sherwood Street, W1F 7ED; 50-52 Sloane Square, SW1 8AX
Book now: The Wolseley Piccadilly; Brasserie Zedel; Colbert

EVE Wrestling: Women Behaving Badly at Big Penny Social, Walthamstow

What: You can always trust Big Penny Social to come up with a hilariously fun and excitingly niche idea to mark any occasion, and to celebrate International Women's Day the giant taproom is hosting an immersive women's pro-wrestling event - expect live action, neo-burlesque, and laugh out loud comedy. Inviting international wrestling stars from across the globe - including Japan and Europe - the line-up of wrestlers includes Tokyo-based Miyu Yamashita and Dublin-born Session Moth Martina. Still not sure quite what to expect? That's the point! Grab yourself a ticket now (only £25) and buckle up for a night of uncontrollable giggles, female empowerment and total inclusivity. 
When: 6 March 2026
Where: 1 Priestley Way, E17 6AL
Book now: Big Penny Social

International Women’s Day Cocktails featuring Paola Campos’ Tequila at 1910 Cantina, Balham and Parsons Green

What: This International Women's Day, 1910 Cantina is focusing the spotlight on Paola Campos, founder of Cabo Maya Tequila, with a special cocktail menu centred on her 100% Mexican Tequila. From the agave fields to the bars of London, Paola's journey has been driven by passion and talent. It takes a lot to break into the male-dominated industry of agave spirits, so guests at 1910 Cantina are invited to raise a glass to her remarkable story and, in doing so, celebrate the achievements, resilience and power of women everywhere. A fitting tribute to a founder who believes success begins the moment a woman chooses to trust her own vision.
When: 5 to 7 March 2026
Where: 3 Ramsden Road, SW12 8QX; 277 New Kings Road, SW6 4RD
Book now: 1910 Cantina Balham; 1910 Cantina Parsons Green

International Women's Day Lunch at Cavita, Marylebone

What: At Cavita, International Women's Day sees five female chefs at the top of their game come together for a one-off collaborative lunch. The international chefs on the line-up are Adriana Cavita, Maria Bradford, Ayesha Kalaji, Keshia Sakarah and Sabrina Gidda. Each will curate a course inspired by their global heritage, including Mexican venison meatballs with guajillo chilli sauce, Middle Eastern inspired labneh mousse with blood orange and sumac, and South Asian spiced chickpea and potato chaat. Alongside the five-course meal, your £120 ticket will get you a welcome drink and access to an intimate Q&A hosted by entrepreneur, author and podcast host Justine Murphy. All profits will be donated to women and children’s charity Refuge.
When: 8 March 2026
Where: 60 Wigmore Street, W1U 2RZ 
Book now: Cavita

In Conversation: Mary Portas at The Barbary, Notting Hill

What: For a midweek celebration of International Women's Day, head to The Barbary in Notting Hill to hear OBE Mary Portas speak all about her leadership and career as a renowned businesswoman, broadcaster, activist and author. Mary will be interviewed by comedian and cultural critic Viv Groskop, with questions centred around the theme of 'An Open Letter To My Younger Self.' Ticket holders will also receive a welcome drink followed by a lunch ensemble of The Barbary's signature dishes, including yellowtail sashimi with brown butter and pistachio, and coffee rub chicken with delica pumpkin. If you want to learn a thing or two from the 'Queen of Shops' about the reshaping of the retail industry, or simply celebrate the occasion with like-minded women, go ahead and make a reservation.
When: 4 March 2026
Where: 112 Westbourne Grove, W2 5RU
Book now: The Barbary Notting Hill

By The Glass Wine Takeover at Sager + Wilde, Hoxton

What: If an unpretentious yet insightful look into the world of wine appeals to you, head over to Sager + Wilde on International Women's Day for a night of fine wines at radically affordable prices. Margaux Aubry (Naughty Piglets), Ana Candida Ferraz (Higher Ground/Flawd) and Lais Aoki (Sager + Wilde) will be running the floor (and the cellar) diving into their personal secret stashes of rare bottles. Running from 2pm till late, the all-female winemaker list will be served by the glass, keeping things drinkable, varied and wallet-friendly. Simply turn up, order a glass that takes your fancy, and try something completely new. Food is an unfussy affair - jambon-beurre and oysters. What's better than that?
When: 8 March 2026
Where: 193 Hackney Road, E2 8JL
Book now: Sager + Wilde

Q&A with Sally Gunnell at Scott's, Richmond

What: To mark International Women's Day, Scott's Richmond is welcoming Olympic legend, broadcaster and motivational speaker Sally Gunnell to discuss 'Motivation and Mindset' with a guest audience. The celebratory event is a chance to hear Sally's first-hand stories, covering career-defining moments and behind-the-scenes insights, followed by an audience Q&A. Alongside this fascinating talk, ticket holders will enjoy a glass of Ruinart Rosé on arrival, followed by a three-course lunch, including buffalo mozzarella with violet artichokes and green goddess dressing, and roast fillet of cod with romesco sauce. 
When: 4 March 2026
Where: 4 Whittaker Avenue, TW9 1EH
Book now: Scott's Richmond

Sip and Paint at UBA, Shoreditch

What: Situated within the Hart hotel in Shoreditch, UBA is a modern Pan-Asian restaurant, and for International Women's Day it's hosting a sip and paint (and brunch) event. This special edition of 'Studio Nights' combines delicious brunch bites with a guided abstract painting class and the sounds of a live DJ. You don't need any painting experience to participate and you'll leave with your very own unique canvas to mark the moment. This is a great one for those looking to celebrate with a group of gal pals, or a solo activity for someone looking to make friends. Community, creativity and connection is what it's all about!
When: 7 March 2026
Where: 61-67 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 3HU
Book now: UBA

Celebrate Unsung Heroines at The Ivy, Various London Locations

What: Across a variety of its London (and UK) locations, The Ivy is shining a light on unsung female heroines. The beloved restaurant group is inviting the nation to nominate the women in their communities who they think have made a difference and deserve to be rewarded for doing so. From carers to volunteers to an everyday pillar of your neighbourhood, this is an opportunity to shout about the women that make the world a better place. The nominees will enjoy a complimentary two-course meal, complete with gin fizz cocktails courtesy of Papa Salt Gin. Make someone's day by casting a vote now - it only takes a minute!
When: 8 March 2026
Where: 61-67 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 3HU; 197 King's Road, SW3 5EQ; One Tower Bridge, SE1 2UP
Book now: The Ivy West Street; The Ivy Chelsea Garden; The Ivy Tower Bridge

What to dive deeper into the journeys of women in hospitality? Just check out some of our recent interviews with Sarah Hayward, Amber Francis, and Ruth Hansom, as well as 40 top female chefs in the UK right now.

Looking for more restaurant recs? Just head to the official list of the Top 100 Restaurants in London, as well as the Top 100 Restaurants across the UK.