2026 Awards

In 1972, soon after the death of André Simon, the André Simon Memorial Fund was set up. It was started as a charitable fund by a group of people who felt that the memory of André Simon should be perpetuated. One objective of the Fund is to benefit the public generally in the fields of food and drink, and one of the ways in which the Fund meets this objective is through its Book Awards.

The first two Awards were given to Elizabeth David and Rosemary Hume for their outstanding contribution in the field of food and cooking.

ENTERING THE 2026 AWARDS

Books may now be submitted for the 2026 André Simon Food and Drink Book Awards. We accept any book published in the English language in 2026.

There are two categories for entry:

FOOD
WINE, DRINKS and BEVERAGES

The closing date for submissions is 20 November 2026

To enter, please complete an entry form for each book and email it to Katie Lander at katie@andresimon.co.uk.

A copy of each book entered should be sent separately to the Chairman, each Trustee, the Secretary and the relevant Assessor - six copies in total. Please contact Katie, katie@andresimon.co.uk, for the full address details before sending books.

All entries should be clearly marked:
ANDRÉ SIMON AWARD ENTRY

Judging Criteria
Books are judged on the following criteria:

• Originality and the quality of research
• Educational value
• Pleasure and accessibility for the reader
• Quality of production

The Trustees are supported by two independent assessors, but the final decision rests with the Trustees. Their decision is final. Please note that books cannot be returned and digital copies will not be accepted.

Key Dates
The closing date for entries is 20 November 2026.

The longlist will be announced in mid-December 2026, followed by the shortlist at the end of January 2027.

The awards will be presented in late March 2027.

Publishers and authors are encouraged to submit books as early as possible to allow the Trustees and Assessors sufficient time to consider each entry fully.

Our 2026 Assessors

Food Assessor Nina Caplan


Drink Assessor Mina Holland