NINA Matsunaga, head chef at The Black Bull, Sedbergh, has been included in CODE Hospitality’s – 100 Most Influential Women In Hospitality for 2021.
Each year, CODE champions women in every part of the hospitality industry from sommeliers to human resources, chefs to PRs, there are brilliant women at the heart of hospitality.
For 2021, the judges felt it was important to acknowledge, in particular, the women who have not just survived the enormous challenge of the pandemic, but who have thrived in it. Whether launching a business, keeping one afloat, helping others or speaking up for the sector, the range of achievements is remarkable.
This year’s list includes women making their mark on the industry, from the figures we recognise on our TV screens, to the lesser-known figures working tirelessly behind the scenes, each doing important things in their own fields of expertise.
The categories in the 2021 list includes chefs, operators, teams, support, drinks, leaders, management, comms and media, and suppliers.
This year’s judges included CODE founder Adam Hyman and editor Lisa Markwell, as well as David Ellis, Jennifer Shum, Mark Wogan and Fiona McCarthy.
Nina is the only Cumbrian to feature in this year’s list, featuring in the chef category, alongside the likes of Lisa Goodwin-Allen, Executive Chef, at Northcote, Lancashire, Pamela Yung, Head Chef, at Flor, London, Lorna McNee, Head Chef, at Cail Bruich, Glasgow, and Ixta Belfrage Chef and co-author of Flavour with Yotam Ottolenghi in 2020.
Nina Matsunaga, commented, ‘’It’s amazing to be included in such a highly regarded esteemed list for the second year, it still hasn’t really sunk in. 2020 was an exceptionally difficult year for everyone but we’ve pulled together in our respective communities and within the industry and now we are hopefully starting to come out of the other side. Each year CODE gives women in the industry a chance to be recognised for what they are doing, to highlight the opportunities available in the sector and encourage even more women into become involved in the sector and make their mark.’’
