A cookery teacher and author from Uxbridge has been given a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen's birthday honour's list for her service to the community during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Manju Malhi has worked with charity Open Age for over four years, teaching people how to cook healthy global dishes from scratch and continues to do so in different and stimulating ways. 

Malhi won the award for her conference call cooking sessions and Zoom demonstrations on healthy eating, as she was recognised for her work with diverse communities during lockdown.  

She said: “Giving back is all about being part of something and having a sense of belonging. It gives me a helper’s high which is that warm fuzzy feeling one gets even with the smallest act of kindness.

“I’ve been so impressed by my culinary students who’ve learnt so much by cooking great food with me that it’s become the stimulus for my next cookbook called The Seasoned Foodie. It’s a collection of favourite recipes from all our classes which should be published next year.

“I’ve also been inspired by our tenacity as human beings throughout this pandemic which has made me feel positive about the future and the importance of community.”

Open Age combats loneliness and isolation and improves the health and wellbeing of older Londoners with various activities including Malhi's hands-on cookery classes, which encourage elderly people to mingle, chat and have fun outside the home.

Malhi has also worked with Heston West Big Local, which supports people through youth participation to create opportunities to live happier, healthier lives.

That includes working together to prepare delicious meals from different cultures, something Malhi is experienced in.

Malhi's other work includes helping with food donations for the Covid-19 Community Foodbank project and as part of her work with Open Age, running classes at the Second Half Centre at St Charles Hospital in Kensington for members and staff.