International Women's Day 2025: 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 2025 falls on Saturday 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 which is the biggest increase in the last five years. 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 'Accelerate Action' and you can find out more about how to get involved with the campaign here.

Women in Wine Tasting and Panel at Humble Grape Fleet Street, Blackfriars

What: It’s no surprise. Humble Grape has to be one of the best places to experience a wine tasting. But it also happens to work with some of the best female sommeliers in the business. This year, Humble Grape is putting on an evening to celebrate female winemakers. Hosted by Libby Brodie (recently named one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Drink), sommeliers Sharrol Mukendi-Klaas and wine content creator Archie Patel will share insights into their own love of wine and the brilliant bottles produced by women today.
When: 11 March 2025
Where: 1 Saint Bride's Passage, EC4Y 8EJ
Book now: Humble Grape Fleet Street

Les Dames d’Escoffier London x Sally Abé, Haggerston

What: Les Dames d'Escoffier London, an organization of women leaders in food, drink, and hospitality, is collaborating with renowned chef Dame Sally Abé. Known for her Michelin-starred work at The Harwood Arms, her current role at The Pem in Westminster, and work promoting equality for marginalised groups in the hospitality industry, Abe will lead the discussion alongside other prominent female figures in hospitality. Moderated by Sheila Dillon of BBC 4’s The Food Programme, you can expect insightful talks, and Q&A sessions with the likes of Sabrina Gidda, Michelle Trusselle, and April Lily Partridge.
When: 4 March 2025
Where: 58 and CO, 329 Acton Mews, E8 4EF
Book now: Les Dames d’Escoffier London x Sally Abé

Festival of Women at Mama Shelter, Shoreditch

What: Shoreditch hotel Mama Shelter is celebrating International Women’s Day with a series of events hosted by female leaders in comedy, cookery, and music. The series kicks off with an evening of comedy with Chloe Petts in the lineup, and includes an evening of live music with Graziella headlining, and a supper club from Emily Yeoh of Two Hot Asians. Expect the latter to include various dishes inspired by homemade Asian sauces, wontons, and crispy pork belly.
When: 4, 5, and 6 March 2025
Where: 437 Hackney Road, E2 8PP
Book now: Mama Shelter

Women in Wine Collection at The Pelican, Notting Hill

What: Curated by head sommelier Serena Guidolin, The Pelican has introduced a collection of bottles that celebrate women winemakers from across the globe, from world-famous barolos to criminally unknown producers. Each is available by the glass, fairly priced, and comes with an introductory description of the women behind the wines. This is a great option for those looking to celebrate leaders in winemaking without the commitment of a full tasting. We loved the pies here on our visit, and fortuitously, this menu happens to run alongside a fantastic selection of seasonal pastry creations for Pie Week.
When: 3 until 9 March 2025
Where: 45 All Saints Road, W11 1HE
Book now: The Pelican

International Women's Day Dinner at CORD by Le Cordon Bleu, City of London

What: One of the biggest names in the industry, Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute has teamed up with the restaurant Cord to put on a luxurious five-course dinner crafted by female chefs. It’s led by head chef Justine Bordet, and will involve talented guests like the chef patron of Vlass restaurant, Elien Verhulst, along with the head pastry chef from Dinner by Heston, Jenny Cheung. Guests can also expect a wine pairing from Le Cordon Bleu alumna and Gosset Matchmakers competition winner Jiachen Lu.
When: 3 to 7 March 2025
Where: 85 Fleet Street, EC4Y 1AE
Book now: CORD by Le Cordon Bleu

Firebird & Friends International Women’s Day with Savannah Hagendijk, Soho

What: Firebird restaurant in London is hosting Savannah Hagendijk, the Head Chef from the Michelin-starred Restaurant de Kas in Amsterdam. For one night only, Savannah Hagendijk will craft a unique menu, blending signature dishes from De Kas with Firebird's open-fire cooking style. To complement Hagendijk’s’ fresh garden inspired approach and smokey Firebird flavours, Anna Dolgushina, Firebird’s co-founder and head sommelier, has curated a selection of natural and biodynamic wines.
When: 8 March 2025
Where: 29 Poland Street, W1F 8Q
Book now: Firebird

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