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United Kingdom Nigel Barden brings over 30 years of expertise as a food and drink broadcaster, critic, and journalist to his engaging radio and television appearances, offering audiences and brands a comprehensive understanding of the culinary world.
Nigel Barden has worked with Simon Mayo and Chris Evans on their Sony Gold award-winning BBC Radio 2 shows for 12 years.
Nigel Barden is the main food correspondent for BBC London.
Nigel Barden has worked on Greatest Hits Radio.
Nigel Barden has worked on Scala Radio.
Nigel Barden continues to judge and host food and drink events, such as The World's 50 Best Restaurants.
Nigel Barden continues to judge and host food and drink events, such as The Great Taste Awards.
Nigel Barden continues to judge and host food and drink events, such as The International Wine Challenge.
Nigel Barden is set to co-host the 2025 Deliciously Yorkshire Awards alongside BBC Yorkshire journalist Beth Parsons.
Nigel Barden has judged the Britvic Business Food and Drink Journalist Awards for the past 3 years.
Nigel Barden compered the launch of Nintendo Super Mario.
Nigel Barden compered the Time Out Eating & Drinking Awards.
Nigel Barden compered the Havana Club & Stolichnaya Cocktail Championships and presented a piece on the International Cocktail Grand Prix in Cuba for BBC1.
Nigel Barden fronted the Ratatouille DVD Launch in Paris for Pixar Films.
Nigel Barden hosted the Glenfiddich Food & Drink Awards.
Nigel Barden hosted The Knorr National Chef of the Year at The Dorchester.
Nigel Barden hosted the Theme Bar Awards in various cities and the final at The Hurlingham Club in London, with co-host Chris Evans.
Nigel Barden hosted the Flavour Bar Awards at The Savoy.
Nigel Barden hosted Whisky Live at The Royal Horticultural Hall.
Nigel Barden conducted live kitchen demonstrations at the Restaurant Show, interviewing chefs like Heston Blumenthal.
Nigel Barden conducted live kitchen demonstrations at Restaurant Live, interviewing chefs like Alan Yau.
Nigel Barden grew up on a farm in Lancashire, providing an early foundation for his connection to food. His diverse professional background includes working as a tree surgeon in the Lake District and later as a land agent in Otley. His career then shifted into the wine industry, becoming a Yorkshire-based wine merchant where he supplied hotels, restaurants, and pubs throughout Britain. This experience honed his palate and understanding of the food and beverage sector. At 29, he moved to London to train as an actor, a period during which he began reviewing restaurants for BBC GLR, marking his entry into broadcasting.
Since then, Nigel Barden has established a notable career in food and drink media. He has been a consistent presence on BBC Radio, contributing to high-profile shows including Simon Mayo Drivetime, Chris Evans’ program, Robert Elms’ show on BBC London, and various programs on BBC Radios 2, 4, and 5. His role often involves providing culinary content, reviewing dishes live on air, and engaging with hosts and listeners about food and drink topics. Beyond radio, Barden has also contributed to television as a features presenter for BBC TV’s Inside Out and narrated World Power Boat Racing for Channel 4. He has presented and contributed to shows like ‘5’s Company’ (Channel 5), ‘The Really Useful Show’ (BBC One), ‘Eat Drink & Be Healthy,’ and ‘Butch Cooks’ (Granada Sky Broadcasting).
In addition to his broadcasting work, Nigel Barden is an experienced food and drink journalist and event host. He served as the food and drink editor for Maxim magazine for 90 issues and ‘threesixtyº’ travel magazine, and his writing has appeared in The Daily Telegraph, Observer, Independent, and Whisky Magazine. He regularly judges and hosts major food and drink events, including The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, The Great Taste Awards, and The International Wine Challenge. He has also moderated kitchen demonstrations at events like the Restaurant Show, interviewing renowned chefs such as Heston Blumenthal and Michel Roux. His broad experience makes him a versatile expert in the food and drink industry.
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