Hampstead chef wins rising star award for gluten-free pizza
DiJoN Bascombe recognised for his work creating a coeliac-safe brand at his market stall.
News London evidence indexOpen analysis ▾
Only one independent source, but includes named person, body, figures and dates.
Higher is stronger
Contains quotes and specifics but reads like a press release, lacking next steps.
Higher is stronger
Promotional tone but no sensational exaggeration.
Lower is better
Chef DiJoN Bascombe has been named a rising star in the hospitality industry, earning the rising star award at the 2026 Be Inclusive Hospitality (BIH) Spotlight Awards. Bascombe established Hampstead's first dedicated gluten-free pizza hatch in Hampstead Community Market in October 2025 under his brand, Good F'ing Pizza. He had previously operated pizza stalls and pop-ups across London before securing a permanent 9 sqm takeaway space.
The BIH Spotlight Awards, now in their fifth year, aim to celebrate Black and ethnic minority talent within the UK's hospitality sector. Winners are chosen by an independent panel of industry leaders and experts. Bascombe's recognition highlights his commitment to creating a coeliac-safe and gluten-free brand, catering to diners with specific dietary needs.
Londoners favour shorter UK breaks over long holidays
Analysis shows a growing trend towards more frequent, shorter domestic trips as a way to escape city life.
Bascombe stated on his Crowdfunder page that he was on a mission to alter perceptions of gluten-free food by offering high-quality meals and inclusive spaces for the gluten-free community. Good F'ing Pizza initially focused on takeaways but has since expanded its premises by May of this year, moving into an adjacent unit. The market location also provides outdoor seating for customers during evenings.
The award ceremony took place on 12 October 2026 at Quaglino’s in London. Approximately 300 industry professionals were in attendance to honour achievements across 16 categories, including chefs, restaurants, and writers. Lorraine Copes, founder and chief executive of Be Inclusive Hospitality, commented on the importance of visibility and recognition for individuals and businesses within the industry.
Student donates kidney to former teacher in Wandsworth
Ali Dawson gave his former radiography teacher, Sonia, a life-saving organ in May 2017.
Copes established the awards to address the underrepresentation of ethnic minority talent in leadership positions within hospitality. The awards acknowledge talent at various career stages, from emerging operators to established professionals and businesses.
Questions this report answers
+When did DiJoN Bascombe open his gluten-free pizza hatch?
DiJoN Bascombe opened Hampstead's first gluten-free pizza hatch in October 2025. The establishment, named Good F'ing Pizza, is located in Hampstead Community Market and focuses on providing coeliac-safe options.
+What award did DiJoN Bascombe receive?
DiJoN Bascombe received the rising star award at the 2026 Be Inclusive Hospitality Spotlight Awards. This award recognises his work in building a gluten-free brand and catering to diners with food intolerances.
+Where was the Be Inclusive Hospitality Spotlight Awards ceremony held?
The 2026 Be Inclusive Hospitality Spotlight Awards ceremony was held on 12 October 2026 at Quaglino’s in London. The event brought together 300 industry professionals to celebrate talent in the hospitality sector.
News London Desk
This article was written at the News London news desk from the reporting of the outlets listed below it. Drafting is done by a language model under human editorial supervision — there is no reporter behind this byline, and we would rather say so than invent one.
How stories are produced and scoredWho runs News LondonCorrections
The London Ledger
A considered capital-wide edit delivered each morning.
More Coverage in Lifestyle & Food
Londoners favour shorter UK breaks over long holidays
Student donates kidney to former teacher in Wandsworth
Camden Council faces questions over nursery worker safeguarding
