Speaking up: Clare Smyth (left) and Andi Oliver. Middle, a protestor holds a picture of Mahsa Amini
(Picture: Persian Hospitality Network/Getty Images)Leading figures in the UK’s food and hospitality scene — including Clare Smyth, Andi Oliver and Olia Hercules — have come together to show solidarity with the women of Iran as they continue to protest against the country’s regime.
Iran has been gripped by demonstrations for weeks now, following the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman arrested by the country’s morality police for allegedly violating the rules requiring women to cover their hair with a hijab.
A protest movement spearheaded by women has spread throughout the country, and sparked an outpouring of support from onlookers around the world.
Now, in a video organised by the Persian Hospitality Network, a group of Michelin-starred chefs, restaurateurs and influencers have added their voices in support of the movement.
The video features the slogan “woman, life, freedom” — a rallying cry of the protests — and was inspired by a similar social media post shared by actor Nazanin Boniadi, which instead brought together a number of film stars.
Piers Zangana, founder of the Persian Hospitality Network, said: “What is happening in Iran is heartbreaking and I’m so grateful for so many of the incredible women working in the food and hospitality sector who have come out and shown their support for the people of Iran.
“For more than 43 years, the regime has sought to oppress and silence women and men in Iran. What is happening has never been seen before. Women are leading what has become a nationwide and global protest against the regime in Iran. The bravery and courage being shown is an inspiration to us all.”
Elsewhere in the video, there are appearances from the likes of Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UK hospitality; Natalie Jahangiry, co-founder of Modern Persian Kitchen; Pervin Todiwala, co-patron and operations director of Café Spice Namaste; and Sally Abé, consultant chef at Conrad London St James.
