The Oxford Cultural Collective is working with San Antonio, Texas, to explore how its status as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy could be used to enhance its reputation internationally and boost responsible forms of culinary tourism.
The winner of the Jane Grigson Trust Award for 2024 is Chris Newens for Moveable Feasts: Paris in Twenty Meals, which will be published by Profile in 2025.
Acclaimed chef Skye Gyngell, of Heckfield Place and Spring, explains why she is attending the forthcoming Regenerative Hospitality Summit in Transylvania, and what she is hoping to get from the experience.
A creative gathering for hospitality, food, drink and tourism professionals, alongside academics, campaigners and policy makers, who recognise the potential of hospitality to help communities, places and natural eco-systems thrive.
Television chef and author Ching-He Huang MBE hosted the most recent dinner in the Culinary Salon series, from the Oxford Cultural Collective and Academy restaurant, Belfast.
Regenerative Hospitality Summit 2024 will explore how to harmonise the activities of hospitality, food and drink organisations, with the natural ecosystems, communities and places of which they are a part, to help them thrive.
The Oxford Cultural Collective is proud to support the prestigious Jane Grigson Trust Award for first-time authors of books about food or drink. The 2024 shortlist is now published.
One year after winning the Lou Willcock Scholarship from the OCC Trust, Jack Feeny’s impact and profile are rising. As a champion of ethical practice, he’s making his mark in hospitality.
Join us to explore the power of hospitality, food and drink organisations to help natural ecosystems, communities and places thrive.
Whilst most of the Oxford Cultural Collective’s projects have a strong sense of social purpose – its events are hopefully also recognised for being great fun.
Throughout 2023 the Oxford Cultural Collective continued to work with multiple agencies to develop and promote Northern Ireland as a leading food and drink destination.
OCC and Ulster University’s Culinary Salon dinners have continued to provide students with amazing learning opportunities, whilst also becoming much anticipated gastronomic events.
OCC Patrons have continued to provide invaluable advice and support throughout 2023, as well as shaping projects that reflect their own interests and aspirations.
OCC and the US Embassy in London continue to celebrate the progressive impact of key figures from food and hospitality.
Throughout 2023 OCC continued to work with partners to embed progressive practice in food, drink and culture.
Supporting young people building their careers in food, drink and hospitality.
The latest in the Culinary Diplomacy series from the Oxford Cultural collective and US Embassy in London celebrated the work of distinguished food historian Dr Jessica B Harris.
The Oxford Cultural Collective is working with Westmill Foods on a project to support hospitality businesses in the East and Southeast Asian sector.
The Oxford Cultural Collective is delighted to support one of the UK’s most dynamic local food festivals.
The 2024 Jane Grigson Trust Award for first time writers of books about food and drink is now open for entries – with a closing date of 30th November.
The Oxford Cultural Collective is delighted to announce that Ishita DasGupta has won the 2023 Yan-Kit So Award for Food Writers on Asia.
The shortlist for the 2023 Yan-Kit So Award for Food Writers on Asia has been announced.
The Oxford Cultural Collective is proud to support the 2023 Stranraer Oyster Festival, which is set to welcome over 20,000 visitors to the coastal town in Dumfries and Galloway, south west Scotland, from 15th to 17th September.
On 11th and 12th July, The Future Plate held its first annual Summit – Cuisine and Culture 2023 – which featured a range of thought-provoking panel discussions, interviews, live demos and social events.
Andi Oliver, the much loved chef, TV presenter, author, and OCC Patron, hosted the latest Culinary Salon dinner, from the Oxford Cultural Collective and Ulster University’s Academy: the Centre for Food, Drink and Culture.
Donald Sloan, OCC Chair, recently co-hosted a dinner with actor, writer and director Stanley Tucci.
The OCC Trust, the registered charity that supports the educational objectives of the Oxford Cultural Collective, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ben McEwen and Julian George as trustees.
The latest Culinary Diplomacy event from the Oxford Cultural Collective and US Embassy celebrated changemakers in food, drink and hospitality.
Gok Wan and Ken Hom, two of the UK’s best-loved personalities hosted a dinner to launch the Golden Chopsticks Scholarship from the Oxford Cultural Collective.
The Oxford Cultural Collective was invited to curate a one-day conference in central Belfast, focused on the power of food, drink and hospitality to effect positive social change. The event was hosted by OCC Chair, Donald Sloan.
The Oxford Cultural Collective is delighted to announce that Jack Feeny is the winner of the 2023 Lou Willcock Scholarship.
The shortlist for the 2023 Jane Grigson Trust Award has been announced (21st February, 2023)
The Oxford Cultural Collective has been invited to curate Focus on Food, a high-profile, one-day conference, to be held at Belfast’s International Conference Centre on 28th March 2023.
Ulster University, with generous funding from the Antonio Carluccio Foundation, in partnership with the Oxford Cultural Collective, runs a successful outreach programme designed to enhance the appeal of hospitality careers.
Professor David Russell and Michelle Harbour explain why the Russell Partnership Collection has become a founding donor to the Lou Willcock Scholarship, and why they would urge others to follow their example.
Be Inclusive Hospitality welcomes participation in its 2023 Inside Hospitality Survey, which explores current practice on equality, diversity and inclusion.
We are delighted to announce the shortlist for the inaugural Lou Willcock Scholarship.
Ulster University is seeking to appoint an outstanding Head Chef to play a central role in shaping the success of the Academy restaurant.
Apply for the Lou Willcock Scholarship, to receive a £10,000 grant to support your personal and professional development.
At a ceremony in Paris on 4th November 2022, Dame Menna Rawlings, British Ambassador to France, presented OCC Patron Ken Hom with his CBE, for services to charity, culinary arts and charity.
Guardian food writer and author Felicity Cloake hosted the most recent dinner in the Culinary Salon series, held in the Academy restaurant, Ulster University, in partnership with the Oxford Cultural Collective.
A member of the OCC team is moving into a high-profile role, supporting hospitality education across the whole of the UK.
COOKING: SIMPLY AND WELL FOR ONE OR MANY, the first book from Jeremy Lee, Oxford Cultural Collective Patron and Chef Proprietor of Quo Vadis in London’s Soho, was published in September this year, to great acclaim.
The Oxford Cultural Collective is thrilled to announce the appointment of Anna Pollock as one of two new Patrons. Anna is a renowned strategist and passionate advocate for operating hospitality and tourism in harmony with nature.
The Oxford Cultural Collective is thrilled to announce the appointment of Andi Oliver as one of two new Patrons, along with environmental strategist Anna Pollock.
Secure a grant of up to £10,000 to support your personal and professional development. Open to those aged from 18 to 29, who are UK residents working or studying in hospitality or gastronomy.
Secure a bursary of £2500 to undertake a research trip to Asia, to support the production of your first cookbook.
The 2023 edition of the renowned award, which acts as a launch pad for early career food and drink writers, is now accepting applications.
The launch reception for the OCC Trust was held at, and generously supported by, Bermondsey Larder, part of an independent group of restaurants with which the Oxford Cultural Collective has a strong association.
The newly formed OCC Trust (registered charity) has launched a fundraising campaign for the Lou Willcock Scholarship. The Trust has set an initial fundraising target of £100,000 and has already raised £50,000 (as of 21st June 2022).
The OCC Trust, a registered charity that will support the progressive educational agenda of the Oxford Cultural Collective, was formally launched at a reception at the Bermondsey Larder restaurant, London, on 13th June 2022.
The third event in the Culinary Diplomacy series from the Oxford Cultural Collective and the US Embassy in London, took place in Belfast on 13th April 2022.
Chef Ken Hom, Patron of the Oxford Cultural Collective, has been awarded an Honorary CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list, for services to charity, culinary arts and education.
Complementing the formal Summit programme, memorable social events, featuring food prepared by a range of renowned chefs, helped foster new friendships and collaborations.
Donald Sloan in conversation Yan-Kit So Award Winner Julie Kleeman about life as a first-time author, restaurateur and cultural ambassador.
Donald Sloan of the Oxford Cultural Collective and Ruud Reuland, former Head of Ecole hoteliere de Lausanne, suggest time may be up for the established model of hospitality education in UK universities.
In addition to contributions from distinguished keynote speakers, Gastronomy Summit 2022 welcomed academics from a range of universities worldwide, who presented on their current research, teaching and external impact.
The quality of keynote contributions and the richness of discussions they inspired, built a collective sense that the Summit should be a recurring event, serving as a platform for those promoting more progressive thinking and practice in food, drink and hospitality.
The next event in the Culinary Diplomacy series will be a lunch on 13th April, as part of Gastronomy Summit 2022, an international gathering of academics and food industry professionals taking place at Ulster University, Belfast.
Drawing on her extensive experience as a food writer, Melissa Thompson will consider ways in which systemic racism is limiting career progression for food professionals of African and Caribbean origin working in the UK. She will explore tactics for community empowerment and reflect on how we might tackle embedded prejudice.
In conversation with Donald Sloan, Dan will the explore the world’s most endangered food cultures, and propose what we must do to protect the diverse communities they represent.
The Gastronomy Summit 2022 Gala Dinner, at Belfast City Hall on 13th April, will showcase and celebrate the produce and talent that defines Northern Ireland as a leading food and drink destination.
Gastronomy Summit 2022. In this session Michael Caines MBE and Marc Millon will consider close collaboration amongst food and drink professionals, as the key to creating a world-class gastronomic destination.
In her keynote session, distinguished culinary historian Dr Jessica B. Harris, will explore how the study of culinary history can reveal hidden and suppressed stories and, in doing so, instill confidence across communities.
Dinner at Gastronomy Summit 2022, on 12th April, will be prepared by Ghanaian-British cook and curator, Akwasi Brenya-Mensa, in partnership with culinary arts management students from Ulster University.
The role of higher education in supporting local food systems will form a key feature of Gastronomy Summit 2022.
Romy Gill MBE prepared the first in a new Culinary Salon series of dinners, jointly hosted by the Oxford Cultural Collective and Ulster University.
Chef, writer and entrepreneur Gaston Acurio, Peru’s leading culinary ambassador, will be joining us in Belfast for Gastronomy Summit 2022.
The shortlist for the Jane Grigson Trust Award 2022 is announced today, Tuesday 22 February 2022.
The next dinner in the series will be prepared by Jeremy Lee, Chef Proprietor of the beloved Quo Vadis, , working with hospitality and culinary arts management students from Ulster University.
In this short ‘taster’ for Gastronomy Summit 2022, Aine Kearney, Director of Business Support and Events for Tourism NI, first reflects on why Northern Ireland is an ideal location in which to explore how food and drink tourism delivers multiple benefits to local communities.
In partnership with the Oxford Cultural Collective, Ulster University is launching a Culinary Salon: a series of dinners prepared by some of the UK and Ireland’s best loved chefs and food writers.
Anna Pollock, one of numerous high-profile keynote speakers at Gastronomy Summit 2022, is a renowned strategist and passionate advocate for operating hospitality and tourism in harmony with nature.
OCC Partner, Academy: the Centre for Food, Drink and Culture, will make a significant contribution to the ongoing development of Northern Ireland as a leading food and drink destination.
For the last three years, the Oxford Cultural Collective has been working with Ulster University to conceptualise and launch a new educational hub – Academy: the Centre for Food, Drink and Culture.
Ulster University and the Oxford Cultural Collective – an initiative to extend opportunity and achieve social inclusion, through education.
The Oxford Cultural Collective is working in partnership with Ulster University to stage Gastronomy Summit 2022, a landmark event, to be held in Belfast on 11th to 13th April 2022, which will bring together members of the global culinary community to explore and celebrate the transformative power of food, drink and hospitality.
The US Embassy in London and the Oxford Cultural Collective are working together to deliver a programme of Culinary Diplomacy, to explore and celebrate the best of American food culture.
Gok Wan MBE, Lucy Tse-Mitchell and Sarah Lewis, co-founders of the Golden Chopsticks Awards, invite you to support a new annual scholarship programme, to be launched in partnership with the Oxford Cultural Collective.
OCC Patron Marc Millon has launched a new weekly podcast, through which he shares his passion for Italian wine.
The Oxford Cultural Collective is delighted to announce that Maria Garbutt-Lucero (@baboyclub) has won the 2021 Yan-Kit So Memorial Award for Food Writers on Asia.
Introducing ‘THE-ICE’ – official partner of Gastronomy Summit 2022
The call for Good Practice Case Studies is now open and it closes on 31st January 2022. Once delegates have booked to attend Gastronomy Summit 2022, they are welcome to submit Good Practice Case Studies, in line with requirements.
The winners of the 2021 Ken Hom – Lee Kum Kee Scholarship will enjoy a bespoke trip to Hong Kong to experience the city’s unique culinary culture.
Sophie Grigson – A Curious Absence of Chickens: A Journal of Life, Food and Recipes in Puglia. Don Sloan talks to Sophie Grigon about her new life in Puglia.
We are thrilled to announce the shortlisted candidates for the 2021 Yan-Kit So Award for Food Writers on Asia.
In this short ‘taster’ for Gastronomy Summit 2022, Professor Duncan Morrow of Ulster University considers the role of civil society, including those working in food, drink and hospitality, in embedding peace and social cohesion in Northern Ireland.
In this short ‘taster for Gastronomy Summit 2022, Michele Shirlow and Anna Pollock reflect on the power of food, drink and hospitality to effect positive transformation of local communities.
High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America, is a new four-part docu-series from Netflix based on Jessica B. Harris’s book of the same name.
The Oxford Cultural Collective is privileged to be working in partnership with the US Embassy in London and the Pavilion of the African Diaspora at the London Design Biennale, to stage a dinner in observance of Juneteenth, a reflective day to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States.
Meet our distinguished keynote speakers, who will share personal insights that will help with your transition to work, and with taking the first steps in your career.
Meet Ritrovo at Future Careers Fair 2021. Ritrovo is a new personal leadership development resource platform which contains curated personal stories from a range of respected leaders who share a commitment to supporting the next generation.
Join Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts at Future Careers Fair 2021. Jumeirah operates a world-class portfolio of 23 hotels across the Middle East, Europe and Asia and employs 8000 staff, representing 106 countries.
Join Swire Hotels at Future careers Fair 2021. They believe the happiest places to work are where team members can be their authentic selves.
Over the last twenty-one years, Yummy Jobs has provided more than 18,000 students and graduates with outstanding work opportunities in the United States.
An international online careers fair for graduates, which will offer reassurance that hospitality, travel and tourism remain vibrant sectors within which to build fulfilling and enjoyable management and leadership careers.
The Oxford Cultural Collective is pleased to announce that applications for prestigious Ken Hom – Lee Kum Kee Scholarship 2021 opened on Monday 26th April 2021. The closing date for applications is 27th August 2021.
The Oxford Cultural Collective and Representation Plus are collaborating to stage an online careers fair on 28 May 2021, with the purpose of supporting and re-engaging graduates with top employers.
Dr Jessica B. Harris, OCC Patron, was recently joined in conversation by actor and singer Leslie Odom Jr. and musician Questlove, for the premier of Recovering Black History, a Curator Culture series from the Studio Museum in Harlem.
Michael Caines MBE, Patron of the Oxford Cultural Collective, continues to develop his ground-breaking hospitality business. As the sector begins to emerge from lockdown, it is refreshing to witness his ongoing success, which is so important to the economy and culture of Devon.
The call for submissions of academic papers and posters is now open.
Ulster University, in partnership with the Oxford Cultural Collective, is staging Gastronomy Summit 2022 in Belfast, in April 2022.
The Oxford Cultural Collective is proud to support The Jane Grigson trust Award for New Food Writers. The shortlist for the Jane Grigson Trust Award 2021 is announced today, Monday 22 February 2021.
The Ken Hom – Lee Kum Kee Scholarship 2021 will soon be open for entries.
Donald Sloan pays tribute to Charles Campion, writer, broadcaster and Founding Patron of the Oxford Cultural Collective, who died on 23rd December 2020.
The OCC Trust, a newly registered charity, will support the educational agenda of the Oxford Cultural Collective.
Dr. Jessica B. Harris, Patron of the Oxford Cultural Collective, is Lead Curator for a new exhibition – African American: Making the Nation’s Table – to be staged at the Africa Center in Harlem, NYC.
There is a growing consensus that if hospitality education is to have a bright future, it is time for a significantly different approach. Over two webinar sessions on 30th September, hosted by OCC and EP, a new strategy was proposed.
With the support of the Oxford Cultural Collective, Ulster University has entered a partnership with the Antonio Carluccio Foundation to encourage school leavers from across Northern Ireland to consider university as an option.
Callum Irwin, who has recently graduated from Ulster University with a first class honours degree in Culinary Arts Management, is the recipient of the inaugural Ken Hom – Lee Kum Kee Scholarship.
The Oxford Cultural Collective is working in partnership with Daffodil International University (DIU), Dhaka, Bangladesh, to create a new educational institute – the Daffodil Oxford Centre of Excellence for Hospitality (DOCEH).
Fred Plotkin, pleasure activity, passionate opera expert and Patron of the Oxford Cultural Collective, speaks every Friday with fascinating people in the music world. The shows are broadcast on the Idagio classical music streaming service.
Lynne and David Levin have recently launched a user-friendly online ordering platform for Great Wine Estates. They are happy to offer a 15% loyalty discount to friends of the Oxford Cultural Collective.
New publication from Jessica B. Harris, culinary historian and founding Patron of the Oxford Cultural Collective.
Harris receives America’s highest honour for food and hospitality professionals
In partnership with George Heriot’s School, Edinburgh, the Oxford Cultural Collective recently staged a dinner for 90 guests, raising £11,000 for Action Against Hunger.
The Oxford Cultural Collective has formed a working partnership with Daffodil International University in Dhaka, Bangladesh, to establish a ground-breaking centre of excellence for hospitality and culinary arts education.
The shortlist for the Jane Grigson Trust Award 2020 is announced today, Tuesday 25 February 2020.
7th November 2019 The Gibunco Gibraltar International Literary Festival, now one of the outstanding literary events in the English speaking world, features distinguished novelists, historians, biographers and public figures from Britain and elsewhere. The Oxford Cultural Collective is pleased to be working in partnership with the festival to stage a variety of culinary events: […]
Barings has joined forces with OCC and EP to stage its own series of events that will acknowledge the creative and productive energy of its diverse, international workforce.
Kleeman’s winning entry was her proposal for The Tibetan Table, a tribute to an ancient cuisine that has developed in relative isolation. She aims to document the unique culinary traditions of the Tibetan people, spanning home cooking, nomad food, festive occasions, picnics and the food of the Diaspora.
The 2020 Jane Grigson Trust Award for first time writers of books about food and drink is now open for entries from writers, publishers and agents. The closing date is 30 November 2019.
Learn about the proposals from this year’s shortlisted candidates.
Dr Jessica B. Harris, Patron of OCC, is this year’s recipient of the James Beard Foundation’s most prestigious award, induction into the Cookbook Hall of Fame.
We are delighted to announce that Lynne Levin has been appointed a Patron of the Oxford Cultural Collective. Known for her success in the international wine trade, Lynne is also a long-term supporter of higher education.
Marc Millon, Patron of the Oxford Cultural Collective, reflects on the launch of Migrations: all our voices, an important new initiative that is both a celebration of Britain’s diverse food culture and a call to action at a time of growing disharmony in society.
EP Magazine, the publication that promotes progressive thinking in the UK hospitality industry, has become a key partner in Migrations: all our voices, a new initiative from the Oxford Cultural Collective.
The Oxford Cultural Collective will be staging joint events with Carousel, London’s award-winning creative hub for chef residences, workshops, art exhibitions and gastronomic experiences.
BBC Radio 4’s On Your Farm focuses on the BBC Food and Farming Awards – Future Food category, judged by Don Sloan of the Oxford Cultural Collective and William Kendall, leading food entrepreneur.
New events series from the Oxford Cultural Collective will celebrate diversity of UK food culture.
Actor, chef, writer, broadcaster and Patron of the Oxford Cultural Collective, Madhur Jaffrey has recently taken on an unexpected new role – rapper!
Launch of the 2019 exhibition of the Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year – partner of OCC.
The first OCC Award (Thailand) was presented to Evelyne Hahang of the of the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok. She chose to undertake her period of experiential professional development at the renowned Upper House hotel in Hong Kong.
The shortlist for the Jane Grigson Trust Award 2019 was announced on Tuesday 19th February. The £2000 Award, created in memory Jane Grigson, is made to a first-time writer of a book about food or drink which has been commissioned but has not yet been published.
The Oxford Cultural Collective has formed an exciting new partnership with Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year, the prestigious awards programme that celebrates the very best food photography from around the world (left – ’40 Years’ by Kayako Sareen).
Learn what Don Sloan and William Kendall are searching for as judges of the Farming Today Future Food Award – part of the 2019 BBC Food and Farming Awards
At the latest event in the Lee Kum Kee Culinary Culture Series, from the Oxford Cultural Collective, panellists discussed New Wave Chinese Restaurants: Our Latest Culinary Obsession.
Fred Plotkin, known for his expertise on opera, classical music, gastronomy, wine, history, culture, travel and anything related to Italy, has been appointed a Patron of the Oxford Cultural Collective.
The Oxford Cultural Collective is thrilled to announce a partnership with Carnegie Hall, one of the United States’ most respected cultural institutions. OCC will stage three events in New York in May 2019 as part of Carnegie Hall’s festival – Migrations: The Making of America.
A new report prepared by the Oxford Cultural Collective, on behalf of The University Caterers Organisation, urges UK universities to consider the role of on-campus food, drink and hospitality in supporting positive student wellbeing.
The Oxford Cultural Collective staged the opening at closing dinners at this year’s Gibunco Gibraltar Oxford Literary festival, in partnership with Matt Tebbutt and Diana Henry.
Applications are now invited for the 2019 Yan-Kit So Memorial Award for Food Writers on Asia, one of the UK’s most generous food-writing bursaries. The award winner will be an emerging writer who has the ability to enhance our understanding and appreciation of Asian food culture.
The Oxford Cultural Collective is strengthening its working partnerships in Thailand through projects that enhance opportunities for those who work in the food, drink and hospitality sectors.
Charles Campion, acclaimed food writer, broadcaster and Patron of the Oxford Cultural Collective, has received the Contribution to Fine Food Award at the prestigious Great Taste Awards.
The 2019 Jane Grigson Trust Award for first time writers of books on food or drink is now open for entries from writers, publishers and agents (closing date is 30 November 2018). Judges for this year’s award include Geraldene Holt and Jeremy Lee, Patrons of the Oxford Cultural Collective.
The Oxford Cultural Collective is proud to present the opening dinner of the Fifth International Gibunco Gibraltar International Literary Festival.
The Oxford Cultural Collective continues to work with multiple partners in Thailand on projects that address the growing skills gap in the country’s hospitality, food and drinks sectors. It will co-host a one-day seminar on this issue on 12th July at the Hyatt Grant Erawan, in central Bangkok.
The Oxford Cultural Collective is proud to maintain a strong working relationship with the FT Weekend Oxford Literary Festival. This year, OCC contributed a series of events that capitalised on the public’s growing fascination with food, drink and culture.
The University Caterers Organisation (TUCO) has commissioned the Oxford Cultural Collective to explore how on-campus hospitality and food provision can play a more significant role in delivering a positive student experience.
Jeremiah Tower, Patron of the Oxford Cultural Collective, has recently published his tenth book, Flavors of Taste.
Acclaimed Chef Ching-He Huang hosts a Chinese New Year celebration at Asia House, in Partnership with OCC, Lee Kum Kee and Asia House.
Jeremiah Tower, founder of the legendary Stars restaurant in San Francisco and widely regarded as the father of modern American gastronomy, has been appointed a Patron of The Oxford Cultural Collective.
The Oxford Cultural Collective is delighted to announce a new partnership with Lee Kum Kee and Asia House to create a series of high profile events focused on the food and culture of Asia.
Dr Jessica B Harris, Patron of the Oxford Cultural Collective, has been longlisted for a prestigious PEN America Literary Award for her recent memoir, My Soul Looks Back.
The Oxford Cultural Collective has launched a major new award in Thailand to celebrate the talents of young workers in the hospitality, food and drinks sectors
Hosted by the Oxford Cultural Collective, the Yan-Kit So Award recognises an emerging writer who has the ability to enhance our understanding of Asian food culture.
Robin Sheppard, Chairman and Founder of Bespoke Hotels, makes substantial financial donation to support student learning.