Updated 18/2/25 with statement from Atherton below
In a stunningly tone-deaf interview with the Times, top chef Jason Atherton has decided that sexism in Britain's restaurants can't or doesn't exist because he hasn't seen it.
The interview, which appeared yesterday, has Atherton being asked whether women still experience sexism in Britain's kitchens. Atherton's answer? "No, not really. I’ve not seen it. Any industry has its ups and downs. I think there’s way too much focus on our industry because of that...I think there’s too much focus on the negative side of our industry, rather than what is great like the fact that you can be any gender now in our industry and flourish."
According to the chef last week's Michelin Guide "shows the diversity of what British chefs have become". We'll refer you to the photo below of the stage on Monday night following the reveal of this year's new stars. Yes, VERY diverse.
Chef, social media star and cookbook author Poppy O'Toole who was referenced in the piece was quick to respond on Instagram saying; "It is disappointing to see a leader in our industry diminish the experiences of those who have spoken out openly about the sexism in the hospitality industry."
Her response was echoed by many female chefs in the comments:
"The newest Michelin guide is an emblem of diversity???? In what world? Ohhhhh in a man's world yes." - Stosie Madi, The Parkers Arms
"Fine words from yourself. Very unfine words from one of the usual suspects, as per." - Chantelle Nicholson, Apricity
"He was the one who asked me on live tv “ if I knew how to turn the hob on. Nob." Jane Baxer - The Wild Artichokes
"What a completely excellent response @poppy_cooks! Jeeeeeeez" Andi Oliver
Jason later issued a statement on his Instagram page (which you can read in full here) which addresses the story. "During that interview I was asked a question about sexism in our industry which caught me off guard, " he writes. "I didn't feel it was my place to answer that question myself and tried to move onto another topic, by simply saying I hadn't witnessed any sexism however those few comments have been taken out of context and used in the headline."
Atherton's interview completes a week in which Michelin felt compelled to feature a mini film as part of its star reveal last Monday focusing on female chefs who had won a Michelin star in previous years (maybe because they were already thinking of the optics of the above picture). Wouldn't it be great if they could instead recognise more female chefs with stars instead?
And if male chefs could recognise that they're the last ones who should be making pronouncements about sexism in restaurant kitchens, that would be great too...
Subscribe to be the first to get the news from Hot Dinners
