Grace Dent and Nisha Katona In Conversation
Join TV’s Grace Dent – acclaimed food critic for The Guardian and a familiar face from MasterChef, and Nisha Katona, celebrated restaurateur, author, and founder of the Mowgli Street Food restaurant chain – for a deliciously entertaining evening to launch The Big Tasty Read, a new national celebration of food, culture, and storytelling.
With warmth, wit, and mouth-watering anecdotes, Grace and Nisha will explore the deep connection between food and literature – from unforgettable meals in fiction to the recipes that carry our most powerful memories.
Expect laughter, insight, and maybe even a few surprises, as they chat with host Peg Alexander about the magic that happens when food and literature meet. With their signature humour, insight, and passion, they’ll explore how sharing food – and stories – brings us together.
This special event marks the beginning of a nationwide campaign to inspire reading through the universal appeal of food, bringing communities together through diverse stories and shared experiences.
About the Speakers
Grace Dent
Grace Dent is a British journalist, author, and broadcaster, best known for her restaurant column in The Guardian and appearances on shows like MasterChef. She has written several novels and memoirs, blending humour and insight, and is celebrated for her sharp wit and passionate commentary on food and culture.
Nisha Katona
Nisha Katona MBE is a British chef, restaurateur, author, and former barrister. She founded Mowgli Street Food in 2014, bringing authentic Indian home cooking to UK high streets. A passionate “curry evangelist,” she has authored six cookbooks and appears regularly on TV shows like Great British Menu and This Morning.
About the Chair
Peg Alexander
Peg Alexander is a Leeds based award winning broadcaster, presenter, and journalist across TV, radio, podcasts and events. A colourful, warm, optimistic northerner, she’s all about the world we live in and life in general – people, politics, the planet, and cake. She‘s a regular on shows including Jeremy Vine on 5 and previously Steph’s Packed Lunch, and is often heard on national radio putting her twopenneth in.
Broadcasting is her 2nd career. Before moving into the media she was a charity CEO and was senior in public policy. She was also founding Director of Bradford’s UNESCO status as the world’s first City of Film. She now combines both careers.
She’s written 2 books – one on how to keep weight off long term and is currently finishing a travel-inspired memoir.
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