The Caterer hosts its first Inspiring Women in Bars and Restaurants lunch

Guests were given tokens to try Vagabond’s selection of wines with the help of the sommelier team, before sitting down to hear a talk from Farah Kabir, co-founder and chief executive of women’s healthcare company HANX.

Kabir, a former Goldman Sachs banking professional, shared her story of building the business from the ground up and the challenges she faced securing investment, challenging taboos around women’s health and taking social media giants to task.

She offered her tips on pitching, securing funding, and how her drive and determination have seen her take her mission to 10 Downing Street, the Mayor of London’s Grow Global Trade Mission, and the US.

Guests then sat down to a three-course lunch provided by Vagabond, including starters of St John sourdough, gnocco fritto, Padrón peppers, Valencia almonds and Gordal olives.

The main course included pork cheeks with gremolata, Vagabond red wine-roasted chorizo and a radicchio, orange and walnut salad. Dessert was an artisanal cheeseboard with seasonal fruit, honey and chutney, and hazelnut and chocolate gnocchi.

Lynn van Logtestijn, restaurant manager of Clare Smyth’s upcoming Corenucopia restaurant, said: “The event was wonderfully organised, with delicious food and a great atmosphere – especially brought on by the amazing guest speaker, Farah! I truly appreciated the opportunity to connect with fellow women in hospitality.”

Shereen Ritchie, chief executive of Kuvi Hospitality, said: “In a world full of hospitality events The Caterer’s Inspiring Women Lunch at the marvellous Vagabond Charlotte Street was a joy and up there as one of the top events on my must-attend list! Not only was it full of some of the most inspirational women in business but it was a great opportunity for us to come together to share stories, talk through the wins and challenges people were experiencing and find camaraderie in our peers.”

The Caterer will be holding similar events aimed at different areas of the hospitality sector next year. For more information email Sophie.Lancaster@jacobsmediagroup.com

Meet our sponsors

Booker

“At Booker, we are proud to be supporting The Caterer’s Inspiring Women Lunches. It’s a brilliant opportunity to celebrate the remarkable women driving our industry forward and to show our commitment to a more inclusive and supportive future. We stand with a community that lifts each other up and inspires tomorrow’s leaders.”

OpenTable

Laure Bornet, senior vice-president of international growth at OpenTable, said: “We’re honoured to sponsor the Inspiring Women Lunch, celebrating the talent and leadership shaping hospitality’s future. At OpenTable, our mission is to serve restaurants so they can serve the world, supporting causes that matter most to our partners and the industry. We’re proud to stand alongside remarkable women who are driving positive change in the hospitality sector.”

Sona

“We’re proud to support The Caterer’s Inspiring Women Lunch and celebrate the incredible individuals who make such a difference across our industry. Hospitality is a sector where upwards mobility is the norm, where talented, ambitious women can grow quickly, and where having a diverse set of skills, talents and experiences is encouraged. Sona is proud to foster initiatives such as this, where we can come together, share stories, build networks and empower the next generation.”