Framlingham restaurateur made president of The Guild of Food Writers whose members include Mary Berry, Raymond Blanc, Delia Smith and Prue Leith

A Framlingham restaurateur, bar and ice cream shop owner said she is honoured to be named as the new president of The Guild of Food Writers.

Ruth Watson, best known for her work on Channel 5’s The Hotel Inspector, said leading the only association for professional food writers and broadcasters in the UK was going to be very special.

The TV personality, who co-owns Watson and Walpole Italian restaurant, Beviamo and The Ice Cream Shop, all in Framlingham, will take over the role in October.

“I have been a member of the guild for about 10 years, and have also been its secretary, so I feel genuinely honoured to be asked,” said Mrs Watson (pictured).

“My name was put forward by the outgoing president, Orlando Murrin, who was editor of BBC Good Food and founder of Olive magazine. It was then put to a vote by the committee and, happily, there was unanimous agreement.”

The Guild of Food Writers, which was established in 1984, has more than 550 authors, broadcasters, columnists and journalists among its members, including the likes of cookbook writer Delia Smith, who is also the guild’s patron, and Great British Back Off host Prue Leith, who won its 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award.

The organisation supports its members with mentorship, workshops, visits to food producers, a monthly newsletter and advice, as well as hosting an annual awards ceremony.

In her new position, Mrs Watson hopes to continue these benefits, while giving members the support they need to help them grow.

She said: “I see the role as supporting the executive of the guild, as well as guiding its strategy.

“I also hope to head up the distribution of the Futures Fund, a sum of money set aside every year to help members experiencing financial difficulty.”

Anyone who has been commissioned and paid to create food content is eligible to join the guild. To find out more, go online to gfw.co.uk.