Female chefs condemn sexism in British kitchens

Dozens of female chefs have condemned "pervasive" sexism in British restaurant kitchens, saying in an open letter that the industry needs more women in top roles.

Around 70 women have signed the letter which was first published on Wednesday in response to a newspaper interview with Jason Atherton, a Michelin-starred male chef who claimed he had "not seen" sexism in British kitchens.

The female chefs said the restaurant industry was "systematically flawed" and criticised a "pitiful representation of women" at the Michelin Guide UK awards presented earlier this month.

"Sexism has been and remains a pervasive issue in our industry, shaping the culture of our kitchens in ways that diminish the potential and contributions of countless talented women," the letter said.

"We need you to know that we are tired. Exhausted by an industry so systematically flawed that we struggle to see ourselves within it."

The chefs highlighted "inappropriate comments and behaviours" as well as "unequal opportunities for advancement," noting that "over the last four years only two women have been awarded Michelin stars" in the UK.

About a quarter of the country's 203,700 chefs are women, according to the latest Office for National Statistics figures.

The letter's signatories stressed it was important to address a lack of diversity in the industry, saying "The only way to do this is by rectifying the lack of women and people of colour in leadership roles."

The Times said those who signed the letter included chef Sally Abe of London's The Pem and Helen Graham, former executive chef at Middle Eastern restaurant Bubala.

"The industry is turning a blind eye to behaviour which is so endemic that it's not recognised as sexism, and it gets left unchecked," Graham told the paper.