CULINARY INNOVATION MEETS DIVERSITY

Passionfor Cheffes Noires

At Red Carnation Hotels, we are passionate about encouraging individuals to learn, grow, progress and shine, irrespective of their background, race or colour. This is one of Red Carnation's fundamental principles.

My mother’s hospitality career began in the 1950s, in a kitchen in South Africa, when female chefs were unheard of. When she saw the challenges that female chefs encountered, she strove to ensure that all women would be treated equally and fairly in our hotels, especially in Africa.

Today, Red Carnation employs, trains and is developing over sixty black female chefs across the group's global hotel collection. So it natural for me to wholeheartedly support BeyondCuisine. Any organisation which nurtures more diversity and increased inclusivity within the hospitality industry, is an organisation that Red Carnation Hotels wholly supports.

Vicki Tollman Director Executive Vice President The Red Carnation Hotel Collection Ambassador of the HoteliersGuild

extraordinary Black Cheffes

Andi Oliver, a multifaceted personality and a renowned Black woman in the culinary world, exemplifies the spirit of our BeyondCuisine initiative. Bringing her unique touch and vision to the food scene, she will be demonstrating her culinary talents live at the Big Kitchen on Thursday, 16 June, and participating in a live interview on the Let’s Talk Good Food Stage.

An award-winning TV Chef and Broadcaster, Andi has woven a vibrant tapestry of a career where food and music take center stage. Currently hosting the BBC’s Great British Menu, Sky Arts Live Book Club, C4’s Beat the Chef, and Food Unwrapped, she is also a key figure on Saturday Kitchen, further augmenting her role as an inspiring figure in the culinary scene. Andi's voice resonates not just on screen, but also over the airwaves as a regular panel member on BBC Radio 4’s The Kitchen Cabinet alongside Jay Rayner and a valued contributor to Radio 4’s award-winning The Food Programme.

Andi's vibrant culinary journey doesn't stop there. She carries the esteemed title of head judge for the prestigious BBC Food & Farming awards, following in the esteemed footsteps of Yotam Ottolenghi and Giorgio Locatelli. Beyond the culinary sphere, Andi has a rich history in music and broadcasting, fronting the band Rip Rig and Panic with Neneh Cherry, and working extensively in TV and radio throughout her career.

A true culinary chameleon, Andi has spent her career exploring, learning, and perfecting her craft. In 2016, she made a significant stride in the restaurant industry by launching her award-winning restaurant, Andi’s. In 2020, her culinary journey continued with the launch of her latest venture, Wadadli Kitchen. Showcasing authentic Caribbean home cooking, Wadadli pop-ups took place throughout summer 2020, including a pop up at Somerset House and an offshoot of the Wadadli brand called One Love, co-created with Fred Siriex.

Andi Oliver is a beacon in the culinary world, showcasing diversity and authenticity in her food that aligns perfectly with the values of our BeyondCuisine initiative. Through her efforts, she helps to broaden the horizon of global gastronomy, inspiring others to explore and celebrate the diverse culinary traditions our world has to offer.

As the effervescent heart of BeyondCuisine, allow us to introduce Andi Oliver, a woman whose culinary fi nesse is as striking as her vivacious personality. Don't be fooled by her expert knife skills, because before she was sizzling in the kitchen, she was setting the stage on fire! Yes, dear food lovers, before embarking on her gastronomic journey, Andi was the captivating voice behind the English post-punk band, Rip, Rig and Panic. And just when you thought her repertoire couldn't get any more eclectic, she's also a seasoned presenter from the world-renowned Glastonbury Festival. At the youthful age of 59, Andi proves that good taste truly knows no bounds.

A true culinary chameleon, Andi has spent her career exploring, learning, and perfecting her craft. In 2016, she made a significant stride in the restaurant industry by launching her award-winning restaurant, Andi’s. In 2020, her culinary journey continued with the launch of her latest venture, Wadadli Kitchen. Showcasing authentic Caribbean home cooking, Wadadli pop-ups took place throughout summer 2020, including a pop up at Somerset House and an offshoot of the Wadadli brand called One Love, co-created with Fred Siriex.

Andi Oliver is a beacon in the culinary world, showcasing diversity and authenticity in her food that aligns perfectly with the values of our BeyondCuisine initiative. Through her efforts, she helps to broaden the horizon of global gastronomy, inspiring others to explore and celebrate the diverse culinary traditions our world has to offer.