The annual British Library Food Season returns in June for a three-week gathering of big-name chefs, agenda-setting food writers and a diverse array of academics who will chew over the food scene, its past and its future in a series of panels.
Now in its eighth year, the festival – which is curated by food historian Polly Russell – has brought in an impressive group of headliners, including the River Cafe’s Ruthie Rogers, Teal’s Sally Abé and food critic Jay Rayner. This year’s conversations will explore pressing topics facing the industry and reflect on London’s enduring food establishments.
The season kicks off with the Big Weekend. Fadi Kattan, chef-owner of Akub, and Sami Tamimi, chef and co-founder of Ottolenghi, will join a panel exploring how food has sustained Palestinian culture, while a trio of culinary duos – Honey & Co’s Itamar Srulovich and Sarit Packer, Cafe Spice Namaste’s Cyrus and Pervin Todiwala, and Jess and Jo Edun of The Flygerians – will dig into what it’s like running a restaurant with family. Other panels that day include a celebration of Ireland’s culinary heritage, an exploration of food in Shakespearian England and how the kitchen can be a space for creativity and freedom, rather than just repression, for women.
On Sunday, River Cafe doyenne Ruthie Rogers will chat with Rambutan chef-restaurateur Cynthia Shanmugalingam about how she has built and sustained her influential riparian Italian diner. There’ll also be a panel tackling the cultural and environmental tensions of using palm oil featuring Shwen Shwen’s Maria Bradford, Akoko’s Aji Akokomi and Camila Vargas e Sousa (Manchester’s Little Piece of Bahia); a discussion of how the Silk Roads have influenced cuisines across Europe; and a tribute to the legacy of Edna Lewis, who brought the cooking of the southern US to a broader audience.
Other highlights over the following weeks include a discussion headed by food critic Jay Rayner with chefs Sally Abé (Teal) and Andrew Clarke (Acme Fire Cult), and writer Zoe Williams about the ongoing influence of Anthony Bourdain; an exploration of the food culture of Pompeii led by historian Mary Beard and writer Charlotte Higgins; and a conversation between friends Andi Oliver and Neneh Cherry.
The 2026 British Library Food Season runs from June 13 to July 2. Tickets are on sale now.
