Join renowned chef Sally Abé, who made a name for herself in some of London’s most demanding kitchens — including The Savoy, The Ledbury, and under Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s — for an unforgettable evening of candid stories and culinary inspiration.
Sally will share wild tales of surviving and thriving in the brutal, male-dominated world of professional cooking, offering a rare glimpse into the life of a rising star in the restaurant world.
Sally’s latest book, A Woman’s Place is in the Kitchen, goes beyond recipes — it’s a bold manifesto for equality in an industry often dominated by men. Combining mouth-watering, accessible recipes with deeply personal anecdotes, the book reflects Sally’s journey through the culinary world, her triumphs, challenges, and her fierce dedication to empowerment in all areas of the kitchen.
Expect an evening full of flavour and insight, as Sally reveals the inspirations behind her career, her fight for greater representation for women in professional kitchens, and how she continues to challenge the status quo in the culinary arts.
This is your chance to learn from one of the most exciting voices in the culinary world today.
The conversation will be chaired by Ellie Newton, founder of The Trouble Club, a women centric, women-led business which gives a spotlight to women across the globe, who has previously interviewed luminaries including Cherie Blair and Margaret Atwood.
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Folkestone Book Festival is our annual celebration of books, ideas, reading and writing in many magical forms. This year's festival has been curated by award-winning author and journalist Sophie Haydock. Sophie is our new Curator: Books, Ideas and Community.
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This year's festival is for everyone and we want to make it possible for more people than ever before to be able to come together and enjoy a packed festival. To make this possible we have introduced a £5 ticket. This is a no questions asked ticket for those that may be struggling to afford events and performances.
Or grab a festival pass and enjoy the whole festival for just £140. Click here to book your festival pass
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We thank our sponsors Eurotunnel, Friends of the Folkestone Book Festival and our Education Partner Canterbury Christ Church University for making this year's festival possible.
Creative Folkestone is also supported by Arts Council England, Folkestone and Hythe District Council, Kent County Council and The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust.