Sarah Hayward is the head chef at Michelin-starred Tom Kerridge restaurant The Coach in Marlow.

To celebrate International Womens Day (Wednesday, March 8), Sarah spoke to the Marlow Free Press about her experience as a female in the hospitality industry.

She has had an impressive career in the industry, securing sous chef and apprenticeship positions at restaurants around the UK before settling in Marlow. 

Since 2021, Sarah has overseen Tom Kerridge restaurant The Coach, in West Street, and it was awarded a Michelin Star under her leadership in 2022.

A culinary career had always been on her horizon, she revealed, and she never felt daunted by following in her father's footsteps.

"My Dad is also a chef, and still to this day, he's one of the most passionate people I know.

"I think I fell in love with how much he loves it and it created a spark in me. I couldn't imagine doing anything else now, it's a part of who I am."

Sarah added that she attributes her success to a combination of hard work and support from those around her.

She believes there is not a drastic gap between men and women working in hospitality and placed more emphasis on the individual drive.

"I think the hospitality industry is very easy for women to break into. There are so many different roles and directions you could take.

"As long as you're passionate, creative, strong-willed, hardworking and surround yourself with people who are the same, there's nothing you can't do."

Asked if there were any particular female influences in the culinary world who stood out to her, Sarah said: "Obviously chefs such as Lisa Goodwin-Allen, Angela Hartnett and Clare Smyth will always be massive inspirations. 

"I've met both Lisa and Angela on several occasions and not only are they incredible industry leaders, they're both insanely smart, beautiful and generally lovely people too."

According to data compiled last year by staffing company Brigad, 56% of all hospitality workers in the UK were women, though female workers were also disproportionately likely to occupy junior roles.

What's more, as of March 2022, female chefs only accounted for 6% of the 638 Michelin-starred chefs in the country. 

Trailblazers like Sarah Hayward are clear evidence of the changing times, but young women still need to know that top positions across all industries are achievable for them. 

As well as celebrating women's achievements across all sectors, International Women's Day is a chance to shine a spotlight on gender imbalance and strive for a more inclusive workplace culture.

Read more about International Women's Day and the 2023 theme of 'Embracing Equity' here.