Ayesha Kalaji
Anglesey raised Ayesha, specialises in modern Middle Eastern inspired food at her popular restaurant, Queen of Cups, in Glastonbury.
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Food has always been a big interest in her life, and growing up, her Jordanian grandmother was a huge influence on this, teaching her traditional dishes when she visited Jordan in the summers.
Ayesha trained at Leiths, and was awarded a merit in her Diploma of Food and Wine, whilst also working at the acclaimed Parson’s Nose butchers in West London. She then moved on to restaurants such as The Palomar and Bubula - both renowned Middle Eastern restaurants in London, as well as spending some time back in Wales working at Michelin Starred Sosban and The Old Butchers.
The Queen of Cups has been open since 2021, and Ayesha’s Middle Eastern inspired menu has won her awards and accolades such as the Michelin bib gourmand, Estrella’s top 50 gastropub list, and Be Inclusive Hospitality Middle Eastern Awards. She also won the Trencherman award for best newcomer, and has featured in Forbes Magazine and The Observer to name a few.
Ayesha’s competition menu is a celebration of Middle Eastern food, and Welsh ingredients.
