Sabrina Gidda: A Culinary Trailblazer with Fashion Roots
Few chefs in the United Kingdom embody the blend of creativity, resilience, and cultural pride quite like Sabrina Gidda. Known not only for her dazzling television appearances but also for her bold approach to modern cuisine, she has become a respected figure in the world of food, hospitality, and beyond. Her story is remarkable because it charts an unusual path—from a background in fashion and marketing to standing shoulder to shoulder with some of the most acclaimed chefs in Britain.
This article explores her journey, her accomplishments, her recipes, and her identity as a consultant, author, creator, and ambassador. It also highlights her connection with the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and her advocacy work with Pancreatic Cancer UK.
Early Life and Education
Fashion Before Food
Sabrina Gidda was born in Wolverhampton in February 1987, making her 38 years old as of 2025. Before the kitchen beckoned, she pursued a completely different career path. She studied at Wolverhampton Grammar School where she took a keen interest in English Literature, Business Economics, and Fine Art. Later, she enrolled at the London College of Fashion, University of the Arts, completing an Art and Design Foundation in womenswear design.
She went on to the University for the Creative Arts, where she earned a degree in Fashion PR and Marketing. This academic journey laid the groundwork for her creative flair, project management skills, and strong aesthetic sense.
The Shift to Food
Although fashion shaped her early years, her first love was always food. A chance opportunity in a kitchen sparked a career transformation. What began as an exploration quickly became her lifelong calling.
Building a Career in Hospitality
Restaurant Associates UK and Freshfields
In the early 2010s, Sabrina Gidda entered the professional food world through high-profile roles in corporate dining. As Head Chef at Restaurant Associates UK, she oversaw innovative menus and large-scale operations. Her time at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, where she served as Hospitality Head Chef, demonstrated her ability to lead teams, manage multiple kitchens, and design food experiences for demanding corporate environments.
The Draft House and AIG
Her experience also extended into gastro pubs and corporate dining for major financial institutions, including work as Head Chef at AIG. These roles strengthened her ability to balance fine dining techniques with real-world hospitality needs.
Rising to Prominence
Bernardi’s and Italian Greyhound Marylebone
In 2015, Sabrina joined Bernardi’s, an Italian restaurant in Marylebone. As Head Chef, she was involved from the ground up—designing menus, refining the concept, and elevating the dining experience. Within the first year, Bernardi’s earned a Michelin plate, and Sabrina was awarded the Tatler Rising Star Award in 2016.
Her cooking, described as modern and innovative Italian cuisine, was praised by both diners and critics. It was a turning point that placed her among the most exciting young chefs in London.
AllBright Executive Chef
From 2018 to 2021, she served as Executive Chef at AllBright, a pioneering women’s members’ club based in London and the United States. There, she championed women in food, drink, and hospitality. She created menus that blended global influences with sustainability, forging partnerships with brands like BMW, Tiffany, and Water Aid.
Her work at AllBright wasn’t just about food—it was about building a community where women could network, inspire each other, and celebrate excellence.
Consultant, Author, and Creator
Consultancy Work
Since 2021, Sabrina has focused on consultancy through her own platform. She offers creative culinary direction, menu development, private dining, and collaborations with hospitality brands. Her expertise extends across food strategy, event curation, and media appearances.
Cookbook and Recipes
Her debut cookbook, Modern South Asian Kitchen, showcases her Punjabi heritage and contemporary culinary style. The book contains around 90 recipes, balancing tradition and innovation. Some stand-out dishes include:
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Methi Chicken Kyiv – a clever twist on a European classic.
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Butter Chicken Pie – blending comfort food with South Asian spice.
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Coconut Curry Dauphinoise – a vegetarian dish that highlights her creativity.
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Masala Eggs and Aloo Waffle – brunch recipes that demonstrate her playful side.
Her recipes are widely accessible, reflecting her belief that food should bring joy and connection.
Television and Media Presence
Great British Menu
Sabrina Gidda is best known to the public for her appearances on the Great British Menu in 2019 and 2021. Representing the Central region, she impressed judges and audiences with her flavour combinations and storytelling through food.
Other Media Work
She has appeared on Saturday Kitchen, Celebrity MasterChef, Sunday Brunch, and other popular shows, sharing her insights and recipes. These appearances helped her grow into a household name, inspiring young chefs—especially women and those from ethnic minority backgrounds—to pursue careers in hospitality.
Ambassador and Advocacy
Pancreatic Cancer UK
Her role as Ambassador for Pancreatic Cancer UK is deeply personal. After losing her mother to the disease, Sabrina dedicated her voice to raising awareness, improving diagnosis, and supporting those affected. She campaigns for better access to treatment and ensures that pancreatic cancer research receives the attention it deserves.
Royal Academy of Culinary Arts
Recognition from the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts underscores her standing in the industry. Her inclusion reflects not only her technical ability but also her contributions to food culture in the UK.
Identity and Ethnicity
Sabrina’s cooking is often described as modern, global, and rooted in her Punjabi heritage. Her cultural background strongly influences her flavours, ingredients, and storytelling. By weaving South Asian traditions into contemporary British dining, she challenges stereotypes and expands the definition of modern cuisine.
Personal Life: Partner and Privacy
Despite her public profile, Sabrina Gidda remains private about her personal life. There is no verifiable public information about a husband or partner. Instead, she chooses to keep the spotlight on her work, advocacy, and creative output.
Sabrina Gidda Today
Consultant | Author | Creator | Ambassador
As of 2025, Sabrina continues to wear many hats:
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Consultant: Helping brands, restaurants, and events create food experiences.
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Author: With a successful cookbook and potential future publications.
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Creator: Designing recipes, content, and collaborations across media.
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Ambassador: Championing causes such as pancreatic cancer awareness.
Her versatility makes her one of the most dynamic figures in British food today.
Conclusion
The story of Sabrina Gidda is a testament to following one’s passion and rewriting career paths. From her early days in fashion to becoming a celebrated chef, consultant, and author, she has demonstrated that creativity knows no boundaries. Her recipes carry the flavours of her heritage, her advocacy brings hope to many, and her leadership in hospitality inspires a new generation.
At 38, she stands as a powerful role model: a woman who transformed her love of food into a career that bridges cultures, challenges expectations, and leaves a lasting legacy on British dining.
