Ariyo wins HC African cookbook contest

Twenty-three year old British Nigerian Lopè Ariyo has won HarperCollins and Red Magazine's African cookbook competition after "delighting" the judges with her dishes and her writing.

Ariyo will be featured in Red Magazine's November issue as well as hosting supper clubs in September. Her book will be published by HarperCollins in summer 2017.

Grace Cheetham, publishing director at HarperCollins, said: "We all thought Lopè’s food was exceptional. Fresh and contemporary, and full of vibrant flavours. And Lopè’s food writing is wonderful. We're hugely looking forward to working with her to produce what we think will be a brilliant book".

Pip McCormac, lifestyle director of Red Magazine, said: "The panel were enthralled with Lopè’s energy, passion, and clever way with flavours. Despite having been tasting dishes all day at the judging session we all found room to devour her perfect lamb curry, sweet and sticky hibiscus chicken and flaky, rich tilapia. Lopè feels like an exciting new face in food, someone who knows how to turn everyday ingredients into something extraordinary, and who has the drive to bring Nigerian-inspired food to a wider UK audience. I'm excited to be working with her, learning from her and – most of all – eating her incredible recipes."

Ariyo said: "I’d like to thank the judges for selecting me. It has been a dream of mine to have a cookbook and I never thought I would get the chance so soon. I’m ecstatic to be able to have the opportunity to inspire others to taste modern Nigerian food."