Clare Finney: The Award-Winning British Food Writer Behind “Hungry Heart” and “The Female Chef”
Who is Clare Finney?
Clare Finney is an award-winning British food writer, journalist, and author whose evocative storytelling has transformed the way we understand food, love, and the human experience. Based in London, Finney has become one of the most influential voices in modern British food journalism. Her writing blends culinary culture, human emotion, and sustainability with a depth rarely found in traditional food media.
Having written for leading publications such as The Times, The Guardian, Vogue, The Telegraph, Evening Standard, BBC Good Food, delicious. magazine, and Foodism, she has earned widespread respect for her authentic voice and thoughtful insights. Finney’s literary and journalistic achievements culminate in two acclaimed books: The Female Chef (2021) and Hungry Heart: A Story of Food and Love (2023).
Early Life and Education of Clare Finney
Clare Finney was educated at Durham University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature between 2006 and 2009. Her academic involvement went beyond the classroom; she contributed to Palatinate, the university’s student newspaper, and took part in charitable and extracurricular activities through Durham University Charities Committee (DUCK).
After completing her undergraduate studies, she pursued a Master’s degree in Journalism at Goldsmiths, University of London, graduating with distinction. Her time at Goldsmiths laid the foundation for her distinctive journalistic style—one that combines narrative depth with a keen eye for cultural and emotional nuance.
Clare Finney’s Professional Career
Freelance Food Writer and Journalist
Since 2016, Clare Finney has worked as a freelance food journalist, contributing to an impressive portfolio of national publications. Her writing traverses a wide range of topics: from the psychology of eating and the ethics of food sourcing to the emotional bonds created around the dinner table.
She has written for some of Britain’s most prestigious outlets, including:
-
The Times
-
The Guardian
-
Vogue
-
The Telegraph
-
i Paper
-
Evening Standard
-
delicious. magazine
-
BBC Good Food
-
Foodism
Her work often celebrates the social and cultural dimensions of food, reflecting her belief that eating is not merely an act of sustenance but a means of connection and identity.
Assistant Editor at LSC Publishing
Alongside her freelance writing, Finney has served as an Assistant Editor at LSC Publishing since 2010. This London-based publishing company produces magazines, corporate content, and digital media for clients such as Mamas & Papas, The Howard de Walden Estate, The City of London Corporation, and Borough Market.
At LSC Publishing, she developed her editorial skills—commissioning, writing, and curating features that explore people, culture, and craftsmanship. Her editorial work helped shape publications like The Marylebone Journal and The Covent Garden Journal, both known for their vibrant storytelling and visual style.
Early Journalism Career
Finney’s journey into writing began with Optima Magazine, a local publication distributed around Middlesex and Hertfordshire. Her light-hearted column about hair marked her first byline, but her versatility soon shone through as she expanded into topics like family, relationships, and food provenance.
She also gained experience at Comic Relief’s marketing department and Aquarium Communications, where she honed her copywriting and communication skills—traits that continue to define her narrative style today.
Books by Clare Finney
The Female Chef (2021)
Published by Hoxton Mini Press, The Female Chef: Stories and Recipes from 31 Women Redefining the British Food Scene is Clare Finney’s debut book. It profiles thirty-one women who have reshaped the UK’s culinary landscape—chefs, restaurateurs, bakers, and innovators who challenge gender stereotypes in professional kitchens.
The book features stunning photography by Liz Seabrook and blends narrative interviews with recipes, celebrating not only the art of cooking but also the courage and creativity of women behind the apron.
The Female Chef won the Fortnum & Mason Debut Food Book Award (2022) and was widely praised for its authenticity, empathy, and insight. It was also shortlisted for the Jane Grigson Trust Award (2021), solidifying Finney’s reputation as a literary force in food writing.
Hungry Heart: A Story of Food and Love (2023)
In 2023, Finney released her second book, Hungry Heart: A Story of Food and Love, published by Quarto Books. The book intertwines memoir and food writing, exploring how meals shape relationships, self-image, and emotional wellbeing.
Named The Times Food Book of the Year 2023, Hungry Heart delves into Finney’s personal journey, revealing how food connects the threads of family, romance, identity, and self-acceptance. Through deeply personal anecdotes, she reflects on the complexity of modern love—served through dishes that define life’s sweetest and most bittersweet moments.
The book’s launch at Quo Vadis Soho in June 2023 marked a high point in her literary career, celebrated by fellow writers, chefs, and readers alike.
Awards and Recognition
Clare Finney’s writing has earned some of the most prestigious accolades in the UK’s food and publishing industries:
-
Fortnum & Mason Food Writer of the Year (2019)
-
Fortnum & Mason Debut Food Book Award (2022) for The Female Chef
-
Jane Grigson Trust Award (Shortlisted, 2021)
-
Writer of the Year, PPA Independent Publisher Awards (2013)
These honours underscore her talent for merging literary craft with culinary insight—bridging journalism and storytelling in a way that feels both intimate and universal.
Writing Style and Influence
A Distinctive Voice in Food Journalism
Clare Finney’s work is renowned for its introspective and poetic tone. She approaches food as an emotional and cultural language, exploring how our dining habits reveal who we are. Her writing is accessible yet profound, blending reportage, memoir, and social commentary.
She often writes about themes such as:
-
The connection between food and identity
-
Gender and inclusivity in the culinary world
-
Sustainability and ethical consumption
-
Emotional and psychological dimensions of eating
Her storytelling style resonates with readers because it celebrates authenticity, humanity, and the shared experience of food.
Personal Life and Public Presence
While Clare Finney is a public figure in the world of food and media, she maintains a level of privacy regarding her personal life. Based on her professional and social media presence, she lives in London and continues to write, teach, and engage in food-related cultural discussions.
In August 2024, she shared a Guardian essay titled “A moment that changed me: I put people-pleasing aside – and told my new boyfriend the truth,” where she mentioned her partner Chris, reflecting her willingness to weave authenticity into both her professional and personal storytelling.
Her February 2025 Instagram post from Mexico hinted at a joyful engagement, showing that her journey of love—so often explored in her work—has a beautiful real-life parallel.
Clare Finney’s Digital Presence
Clare Finney connects with her readers through multiple online platforms, using them to share updates, reflections, and glimpses into her professional world.
-
Instagram: @finneyclare – for behind-the-scenes glimpses of her books, food culture, and travels.
-
Twitter (X): @finney_clare – for commentary on food writing, culture, and her events.
Her posts capture her personality: warm, thoughtful, and deeply passionate about storytelling through food.
FAQs
1. Who is Clare Finney?
Clare Finney is a London-based British food writer, journalist, and author, best known for her work in The Guardian, The Times, Vogue, and BBC Good Food. She has written two acclaimed books — The Female Chef (2021) and Hungry Heart: A Story of Food and Love (2023).
2. What does Clare Finney write for The Guardian?
For The Guardian, Clare Finney contributes reflective lifestyle and food essays that blend emotion and culinary culture. Her 2024 feature, “A moment that changed me: I put people-pleasing aside – and told my new boyfriend the truth,” explores honesty and relationships through her trademark warmth and introspection.
3. How did Clare Finney become a journalist?
After studying English Literature at Durham University and completing a Master’s in Journalism at Goldsmiths, University of London, she began her career with Optima Magazine and later joined LSC Publishing. She became a full-time freelance food journalist in 2016, writing for leading British media outlets.
4. How old is Clare Finney?
Clare Finney’s exact age has not been publicly confirmed. However, based on her university timeline (Durham 2006–2009), she is likely in her mid-to-late thirties as of 2025.
5. Is Clare Finney married? Who is her husband?
As of 2025, Clare Finney has not publicly confirmed a marriage. In her 2024 Guardian article, she mentioned her boyfriend Chris, and in early 2025 she posted on Instagram implying an engagement, but she has not disclosed her partner’s full identity or further personal details.
Legacy and Impact
Clare Finney has become one of Britain’s defining food writers of her generation. Through her words, she invites readers to see food as a mirror of emotion, memory, and human connection. Her achievements across journalism and literature have paved the way for more inclusive, reflective, and emotionally resonant food writing.
As she continues her career—balancing essays, books, and events—Finney’s voice stands out as both compassionate and courageous, reminding readers that every meal tells a story, and every story has a heart that’s hungry to be understood.
