The Guild of Food Writers is looking for new talent to enter its Newcomer Award


Entries are now being accepted for the 2026 Guild of Food Writers Awards for food and drink writing and broadcasting. These prestigious awards reflect the Guild’s commitment to encourage and reward both new and established food writers.

Professional food writer or enthusiastic amateur,  there’s a category for everyone:

Established food or drinks writer or broadcaster? Find your fortune here

First foray into the world of publishing? Debut Book is your go to.

Never been commissioned or paid for food or drinks writing?   Then let us introduce you to the Newcomer Award category and help to turn food passion to profession.

Since its introduction in 2023, our previous winners of the Newcomer Award have all joined the ranks of professional paid writers, and agree it was their gateway to success.

2023 Winner Claire Ruston, aka @auntie_bulgaria says, ‘ Food writing is a notoriously difficult field to get into.  Winning was the starting point for an exciting new journey.’

2024 winner, Peter Gilchrist, agrees. ‘Winning the award doesn’t make you an overnight success, but doors are open that weren’t there before. Even being shortlisted by the Guild of Food Writers provides a recognisable seal of approval.’

The GFW Newcomer Award 2026

Gilchrist, who writes about Scottish folk cooking and food history @tenementkitchen, has sound advice for entrants:  ‘Don’t write about what you think the judges want to hear. Write about what you know. The judges are a diverse mix of chefs and writers with one thing in common; they are passionate about sharing food. Whatever your niche, let your passion shine through and speak in a voice that’s authentic to you.’

Last year’s winner, Loukia Constantinou, @loukia_makingamealofit, couldn’t agree more. ‘Be yourself and write sincerely – this is what will stand out. Winning the award in 2025 was exactly the boost I needed, to make a step towards carving out space within the food writing world. Access to the Guild with its events and experts offers great opportunities. Not to mention, I had my first commission a few months after winning.’

Entries are welcome from new food writers starting out in the field, regardless of age, background or experience, who have never had any food or drinks writing published on a paid basis, including sponsored content on social media. 

Judging is based on a 1500 word food writing piece plus a personal statement. Along with the prestigious GFW  ‘nib’ trophy (the silverware looks great in the kitchen according to Loukia), the winner also gains a mentorship from an established Guild writer, and a year’s honorary membership until that elusive first commission is secured.

You do not need to be a member of The Guild of Food Writers to enter any of the categories, and you may nominate your own or someone else’s work. We are looking to discover new talent and ensure that everyone’s voice is heard. Maybe that local newspaper columnist you admire who deserves a big break, or your favourite online writer who’s too unassuming to enter themselves? Give them the exposure they deserve and help them to make it big.

Here’s the last word from Loukia:

‘If you’re thinking about submitting your work for the Newcomer category – stop thinking, put aside any doubts, and just do it!’

Check all fifteen categories and entry criteria for the 2026 Guild of Food Writers Awards here

All categories are for commissioned, paid-for work except for the Newcomer Award and The Online Self-Published Food Writer Award.  If you are unsure about which category you should enter or have any questions about the awards process please contact the Awards Coordinator at awards@gfw.co.uk

GUILD OF FOOD WRITERS NEWCOMER AWARD 2026

Judging Criteria

  • Open to people who aspire to be food writers, but have never had anything published on a paid basis, including sponsored content on social media.
  • The judges will take into account both a food writing piece and a personal statement
  • The piece can be about any aspect of food – news-related, recipe-based, travel, memoir, review.
  • The statement should tell the judges about themselves, explaining why they wish to be a food writer and their career aspirations.
  • The article can have been previously published, but not paid work.
  • Paid writing in other fields is acceptable, but not food or drink.
  • Note that the same criteria for ‘paid writing’ will be applied as when assessing membership applicants, details here

Entry Requirements

The closing date for completing entry forms for 2026 is Monday, 19 January 2026 and all materials must be with the judges by Monday, 2 February 2026.

Winners of each Award will be announced at The Guild of Food Writers Awards Ceremony in London on 2nd  June 2026, to be held at the Royal Institution, 21 Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London, GB W1S 4BS .

Full details of the 2026 Awards are available here where you will also find links to the online Awards entry form for each of the full 15 categories.