Romy Gill awarded MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List

Romy Gill, chef-owner of Romy’s Kitchen in Thornbury, South Gloucestershire has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list 2016. 

• The first ever female Indian chef-owner in the UK
• How to blend traditional Indian recipe ghee with British ingredients

The award recognises her services to the Hospitality Industry, as announced in the London Gazette. Romy Gill opened her restaurant, Romy’s Kitchen in September 2013 joining an elite group of female Indian chef-owners in the UK. 

Of the Honour, Romy said: “I was so surprised and overwhelmed when I received notice of my MBE. To have all the hours and hard work recognised in such a way is incredible and I’m truly delighted. I couldn’t have done this without the support and understanding of my husband and two daughters, they are very proud of me and I am so thankful. I work with a small but dedicated team at Romy’s Kitchen and this is not just recognition for me, it’s for them too. I hope this will inspire the many other talented women in the hospitality industry.”

Romy developed her passion for cooking after immigrating to the UK in 1994

Romy developed her passion for cooking after immigrating to the UK in 1994 from Burnpur, West Bengal, and pining for the flavours of home.

Romy’s cookery career began catering for dinner parties before moving on to host cookery classes. Romy progressed to creating her own range of chutneys, sauces, pickles and spice mixes, which she still sells in her restaurant today. She opened Romy’s Kitchen – the 40 cover restaurant - in 2013.

Since then Romy has been shortlisted for an Asian Women of Achievement Award and has been nominated in the Bristol Good Food Awards, the BBC Bristol Food Hero and The British Curry Awards 2014.