The six finest female chefs

These are the queens of Britain's restaurant kitchens. In an industry notoriously dominated by macho men such as Gordon Ramsay and Marco Pierre White, they are named today as the UK's finest up-and-coming female chefs....

Sam Clark, 35, chef-proprietor, Moro, Clerkenwell
Previously: River Café under Ruth Rogers and Rose Gray.
Says: "The love of food was always the focus. We try to run Moro in a similar way."

Sharon Robinson, 31, head chef, 1880 at The Bentley Kempinski, South Kensington
Previously: The Bluebird, Le Gavroche and The Berkeley.
Says: "You have to be strong, determined and passionate."

Helena Puolakka, 35, executive chef, Harvey Nichols' Fifth Floor, Knightsbridge
Previously: Aubergine, La Tante Claire, L'Oranger, Pierre Gagnaire's in Paris.
Says: "Women are less volatile."

Angela Hartnett, 36, chef-patron, The Connaught, Mayfair
Previously: Trained under Gordon Ramsay at Aubergine.
Says: "Some guys find the kitchen too tough."

Hwi Shim, 32, chef-proprietor, Wizzy, Fulham
Previously: Came to London 12 years ago from Korea. Stints at Harrods, Nobu and Hakkasan.
Says: "You must make sure customers eat the very best."

Megan Jones, 32, head chef, Zetter, Clerkenwell
Previously: Kitchen porter then Union Café, Baker and Spice, Sugar Club and Moro.
Says: "More women are working long hours in pressured jobs."