SOAS Food Studies Centre Alumni Network Reunion
Key information
- Date
- Time
-
10:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Venue
- SOAS, Main Building
- Room
- Khalili Lecture Theatre (KLT)
About this event
All alumni, students and friends of the Food Studies Centre, plus interested members of the public, are warmly invited to join us for a day of conversation, inspiration and reconnection.
Programme
| Keynote Speaker | Food and culture writer Ruby Tandoh, author of bestsellers All Consuming and Eat Up! among other books, known for her in-depth research and critical, anti-elitist approach to food culture. Talk followed by Q&A. |
|---|---|
| Focus on Food Writing | Launch of the FSC & Vittles essay competition with advice from Vittles editors Jonathan Nunn and Adam Coghlan and top food writing tips from Ruby Tandoh, Irina Janakievska (author of award-winning cookbook The Balkan Kitchen) and Nina Pullman (founder of food system magazine Wicked Leeks and BBC Radio 4 producer-presenter). The session is open to anyone interested in food writing and will include a Q&A. |
| Artisan Bread Talk and Tasting | Head baker Morgan Williams will lead us through the stages of artisan bread making, drawing on his 11 years as a baker and MA research. The session will focus on the evolving heritage grains movement in the UK, a hands-on appreciation of the magic of dough, and a comparative tasting of breads made from different UK-grown wheats. Bring all your flour and bread questions! |
| Hospitality Sector Sustainability | At this roundtable discussion we will hear from advocates and practitioners, including MA alumni Montserrat del Castillo (the Sustainable Restaurant Association) and Ciara Sims-Quinn (the Ottolenghi group), Chantelle Nicholson (Chef-owner of Apricity Restaurant), SongSoo Kim (Head of Sourcing and Development, Super8 Dining Group) and Phillipa Hughes (MD of the Bull Organic Inn and course author of the UK’s 1st qualification in regenerative & sustainable hospitality). Come with your thoughts and questions on this important topic. |
| Food Career Stories | Presentations from FSC MA alumni about their food career paths, including cookbook author, cookery teacher and restaurateur Katie Caldesi, British craft brewery insider Doreen Barber, international food trade policy advisor Claire Bate-Roullin and freelance food writer & consultant, Kirsty Bouwers. Come along for industry insight, inspiration and career tips. |
| PhD Research Tasters | FSC alumni will share research findings and reflections and offer tips to those considering a PhD. Join them for fascinating insights into food and farming issues in Guadeloupe (Clément Beauvarlet), the food experience for retreat participants in French monasteries (Marie Launay-Smirnov), Chinese tea cultures in Taiwan (Dr Pauline Harley), and the construction of race and class in slaughterhouses in the UK (Dr Jess Fagin). |
| Networking Room | One session will be dedicated to facilitated networking between students, alumni and others interested in discussing food ideas, career pathways and potential collaborations. Please come along to offer or seek advice, share experiences and explore ideas in an informal setting. |
| Drinks Reception | Stay on after the plenary to catch the speakers and chat with friends over a glass of wine or beer. |
Who should come?
- Members of the SOAS Food Studies Centre Alumni Network*
- Current SOAS MA Anthropology of Food students
- People interested in doing the SOAS Anthropology of Food MA
- Other members of SOAS and the public with an interest in the Centre’s work
* The FSC Alumni Network is open to all those who have completed the SOAS MA Anthropology of Food, current and past PhD students affiliated to the FSC, and current and past Research Associates of the FSC. Membership of the Network entitles you to a reduced-price ticket to this event. To join the Network, please contact soasfoodstudies@soas.ac.uk
Tickets
You can purchase a ticket by following the link at the top of the page.
Further Information
- Your ticket will include participation in all sessions during the day, one coffee/tea break, and the evening wine reception. Lunch is not included.
- Concessionary rates available for current SOAS MA Anthropology of Food students and anyone on an annual income of under £25k.
- BOOK NOW to catch the Early Bird prices! From 14th March all ticket type prices will increase by 20%.
Image (banner): Alex Hudson via Unsplash
