The Guild of Food Writers was founded on 12 April 1984. A select group of leading food writers of the day, including Arabella Boxer, Elizabeth David, Christopher Driver, Jane Grigson, Claudia Roden, Michael Smith and Katie Stewart, gathered for lunch at London’s Intercontinental Hotel to discuss the formation of ‘an association of food writers’.
The menu, prepared by chef Peter Kromberg, consisted of:
- Petit Nage de Sole et Homard aux Asperges
- Magret de Canard au Foie Gras en Cage
- Soufflé au Fromage
- Assiette de nos Desserts
A debate arose about whether it should be an elite Académie in the French style, or something along the lines of the existing Circle of Wine Writers. The latter won the day, but in so doing lost the group the support of the person who was seen as its first president, Elizabeth David.
The first meeting took place the following January at Claridges, under the chairmanship of Derek Cooper. In the years that followed the Guild has grown to nearly 600 professional writers, editors, journalists, broadcasters, influencers and bloggers.
On 5 February 2010, Simon & Schuster UK published a book containing a compilation of writing and recipes by members to celebrate the Guild’s 25th Anniversary. Entitled How the British Fell In Love with Food: 25 years of writing and recipes from the Guild of Food Writers and sponsored by Billingtons, it was compiled by Guild Publications Coordinator Lewis Esson.
The book was named Best Culinary History Book in the UK in the 2010 Gourmand World Cookbook Awards and went on to win Best Culinary History Book in the World at a ceremony held in the legendary Folies Bergere in Paris on 3 March 2011, and Lewis was able to receive the award on the Guild’s behalf.
The Guild gives out annual awards for books, journalism and broadcasting, and actively encourages newcomers to the industry. It is proud of its diversity and pursues a full diversity policy.
In 2022 Delia Smith CH CBE was presented the Guild’s Lifetime Achievement Award by Jamie Oliver and became the Guild’s first Patron. A full list of Lifetime Achievement Award Winners can be found here.