Cornwall Chef Named In List Of Most Influential Women
Emily Scott, Chef Patron of The St. Tudy Inn in North Cornwall, has been named as one of the most influential women in hospitality by CODE – a leading industry publication.
The list, which includes Skye Gyngell, Angela Hartnett, Ruth Rogers and Clare Smyth, was made public earlier this month to celebrate International Women’s Day; it has been greeted as evidence that women are finally making headway in what has long been a male-dominated environment.
Emily commented: “I was immensely proud to find myself on this list alongside so many inspirational women. The industry has changed a lot – for the better – since I trained, and the presence of more women as chefs, sommeliers and business owners has played a massive part in that.”
She added: “I really hope that my inclusion on this list will encourage young women in Cornwall to enter the industry, or continue their training. There are fantastic career opportunities in hospitality – the message here is that the industry wants and needs you!”
The list was judged by, amongst others, Ewan Venters (CEO of Fortnum and Mason) and highly respected author Diana Henry, who sought to celebrate “the women who are trailblazers, highly successful, inspirational, socially conscious … and just damned good at their jobs.”
At a time when the shortage of chefs is making headlines, and gender inequality is in greater focus than ever before, overthrowing the image of top kitchens as a “brutish and inflexible” environment could be vital to securing a bright future for the UK hospitality industry.
CODE gave zero tolerance on abuse, talking candidly about mental health, and normalising flexible working hours as current preoccupations which are helping drive change, adding:
“There are many women on the list who show that despite the traditional view of it being a business too punishing for parents, it’s possible to combine motherhood with a successful career.”
A mother of three, Emily trained in France and moved to Cornwall in 2000.
She gained a loyal following at The Harbour Restaurant in Port Isaac, which she ran successfully for six years before passing on the reins to Nathan Outlaw.
In 2014 Emily took charge as Director and Executive Chef at The St. Tudy Inn, an atmospheric old village pub which she sensitively renovated, adding tastefully appointed and luxurious bedrooms.
Emily and her team have won multiple local, regional and national awards and were awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand for 2017, which they retained in the Michelin Guide 2018.
Looking ahead, Emily is keen to develop her skills in business development and mentoring, and is sure to remain a driving force on the Cornish food scene for years to come.