In a significant recognition of culinary talent and literature, Scottish chef Pam Brunton was awarded the prestigious Food Book award for her part-memoir Between Two Waters, published by Canongate Books. The accolade was announced at the Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards 2025, celebrated on a grand night at The Royal Exchange in London.

A Night of Acknowledgment

The awards gather to honor outstanding contributions across food and drink writing as well as various media forms. Renowned chefs Andi Oliver and Angela Hartnett OBE hosted the ceremony, celebrating the achievements of this year’s winners.

Judging Panel Highlights

A diverse panel comprised of prominent figures in the culinary world, including Aleesha Hansel, Anthony Gladman, Jay Rayner, Joe Schofield, Maria Bradford, and Ravneet Gill, determined the award recipients through a careful selection process.

Notable Winners

• Debut Food Book: A Woman’s Place Is in the Kitchen by Sally Abé (Fleet), detailing her journey in a male-dominated culinary field.
• Cookery Book Award: Michael Zee received accolades for Zao Fan (Bloomsbury), exploring Chinese breakfast culture.
• Debut Cookery Book: Marie Mitchell’s Kin (Particular Books), featuring Caribbean recipes, won recognition.
• Drink Book Award: Jonny Garrett for The Meaning of Beer: An Alternative History of the World (Allen & Unwin).
• Debut Drink Book: Yoshiko Ueno-Müller for Sake: The Art and Craft of Japan’s National Drink (Prestel).

Audio and Writing Acknowledgments

In the Audio category, Sam Bilton won for her captivating podcast episode Comfortably Hungry: The Culinary Creativity of the Enslaved. Additionally, Tom Kerridge’s show Secrets of the Pub Kitchen secured the best Programme award.

Writer Accolades

Recognition also extended to:

• Cookery Writer: Ravinder Bhogal, known for her contributions to delicious. magazine.
• Food Writer: Toyo Odetunde for her work with Food by National Geographic Traveller and the i Paper.
• Photographer Award: Angus D Birditt.
• Drink Writer: Hamish Smith for Class Magazine.
• Restaurant Writer: Niki Blasina featured in the Financial Times.

Public Voting Awards

Engagement from the public led to awards in three categories:

• Personality of the Year: Matt Tebbutt.
• Content Creator of the Year: Oli Paterson, celebrated as “El Burrito Monster.”
• Rising Star Content Creator of the Year: Tish Wonders, a London-based recipe developer.

Special Recognitions

The Fortnum’s Impact Award went to Equal Measures, a non-profit dedicated to promoting diversity in the drinks industry. Additionally, a special acknowledgement was given to Dame Mary Berry in honor of her remarkable career spanning over six decades, coinciding with her 90th birthday.