A CHEF who owns a Michelin restaurant in Somerset has been named among a prestigious list of the most influential women in the hospitality industry.

Ayesha Kalaji, who runs the Queen of Cups gastro-pub in Glastonbury, made the list for Breakthrough Talent at the CODE Hospitality’s Women of the Year awards 2024.

The popular Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant serves up unique takes on traditional middle-eastern dishes, and has been highly commended by food critics and locals alike.

Read more: I went for lunch at the Queen of Cups restaurant & free house in Glastonbury

Speaking on being named to the list, Ayesha said: “I’m so grateful and excited to have been included on this year’s list.

"This is genuinely so so cool.

"The CODE Women of the Year list has always been full of inspirational trailblazers that I have admired, so I’m honoured to be featured alongside them.

"I’ve genuinely dreamed of making it here, and now I have!

"I will be screeching with joy for at least a few weeks.”