Soho Works’ Yumlicious celebrates a year of food sensations

To celebrate the one-year anniversary of our Yumlicious series at Soho Works, Suzie Bakos created a showcase of Iraqi food and flavours to a packed audience in August. The monthly event series, hosted by BBC broadcaster and writer, Robert Elms, began as a way to give emerging food talent a platform. 

Based in a cosy kitchen setting on the first floor of 180 House, each edition sees new chefs and businesses prepare and present their culinary creations for 30 to 50 guests, as they discuss the stories and heritage behind each dish. Previously, we have had Suzie Bakos, Mam Sham, Jordon Ezra King, Shiza Shahid of Our Place, Novice Kitchen, Gemma Phillips-Ogston of Wholesome Kitchen, Lerato Umah-Shaylor and Giuseppe Federici, best known for his TikTok @sepps_eats. 

Here, we spoke to a few of the talents who have brought their food to 180 House in the last year.

Aida Khan, SHOLA Karachi Kitchen

What did you like the most about your experience? 
‘From day one, Yumlicious has been such an inclusive, welcoming community and platform. The team is incredible to work with and I’ve always felt supported every step of the way. I’ve met many like-minded people at various stages of their entrepreneurial food journey, as well as genuine food enthusiasts who are just keen to learn about a different culture and cuisine.’ 

What did you get out of it? 
‘To be able to share my heritage of Pakistani food the way it has been cooked in our kitchens at home with a larger and more diverse audience has been an absolute dream. I’ve been challenged and have grown through various events, from working at a festival to running intimate cooking classes for Soho Works members – no day with Yumlicious is a boring one.’

What do you think is special about Yumlicious?
‘It’s unique in its positioning as it gives me – a food entrepreneur – access to a range of people and opportunities through the Soho House and Soho Works network. I’ve learnt so much from my interactions and made some very helpful connections while having a fabulous time.’


Gemma Phillips-Ogston, @gemswholesomekitchen

What did you like the most about your experience? 
‘I loved doing the Yumlicious down in Brighton. It was such a wonderful evening, and having the fabulous Robert Elms host the evening was so awesome. The room was packed with old and new friends, and it felt like a brilliant supper party at a friend’s house.’

What did you get out of it? 
‘I loved meeting new people and have had so much support from fellow foodies and Yumlicious foodies, too. It was a great way to connect with like-minded people.’ 

What do you think is special about Yumlicious?
‘The whole Yumlicious crew make you feel so welcome, so it isn’t daunting on the night and it’s such a great platform for exposure if you’re starting your foodie journey. It honestly felt like having mates over for dinner on a larger scale. I loved being a part of it.’

Suzie Bakos, @suzie_bks

What did you like the most about your experience? 
‘It’s a lovely, intimate way to showcase my favourite home food and meet people who love eating as much as I do.’

What did you get out of it?
‘I met new faces who work in food and also those who enjoy trying new cuisines. Personally, it meant the audience got to experience proper Iraqi food and understand it.’

What do you think is special about Yumlicious?
‘It brings people together who all have an interest in food, culture and heritage, and want to celebrate that.’ 


Giuseppe Federici, @sepps_eats

What did you like the most about your experience? 
‘It was the first time feeding more than five people in my family home, sharing my story with the guests and inspiring them to eat more plant-based food.’

What did you get out of it?
‘It has inspired me to do more supper clubs and cook more for others. I also made some great contacts that I didn’t know before.’ 

What do you think is special about Yumlicious?
‘It’s in such a great space in central London, so anyone can visit, but it also feels like a big family dinner around a large table. The interview element is also very unique and Robert is a great host.’


Niyi Olopade, @novicekitchen_

What did you like the most about your experience? 
‘I loved being part of Yumlicious, because it gave me the opportunity to show my products in their full range and get feedback from like-minded creators and industry experts. I also got to build new relationships with people in the food industry and share ideas outside of the event.’

What’s special about Yumlicious? 
‘It provides a platform to startup food businesses to introduce their concepts to industry experts and brands, and also gives collaboration opportunities.’


Wondering who’s next? Here are a few of the names we’ve got coming soon to Yumlicious:
Max La Manna 
Amy Tasty 
Julienne Bruno 
Kitchu Club 
 

Become a Soho Works member and find out more.