CHAIR

Marie Cheong-Thong

Marie Cheong-Thong is a London-based food and drink educator, writer, presenter and photographer, specialising in wine, sake, spirits and Asian food cultures. Born in Malaysia and educated in England, she trained at Le Cordon Bleu London and later became a certified WSET and JSA sake Diploma Educator.

Marie is President of the British Sake Association. She is a member of the Guild of Food Writers, Association of Wine Educators and Circle of Wine Writers as well the Japanese Culinary Academy. With over 20 years’ experience judging wine, sake and spirits internationally, she regularly chairs competitions and leads tastings and masterclasses. She was awarded the prestigious title of Sake Samurai, Awamori Jinbner, Mousquetaire D’Armagnac and Rectifier of the Gin Guild. She is a Freeman of the City of London and Worshipful Company of Distillers.

JUDGES FROM 2026

LEFT TO RIGHT:  Toshio Ueno, Sake Specialist Division of Mutual Trading Co, Tony Yip, VSF Wine Education; Felix Ko, Freelance Educator and Promoter; Gabriel Lei, Tengu Sake; Marie Cheong Thong, The Larder at 36; Yuchen Zhong, YUAN KUN education technology;  Derek Sandhouse, Consultant & Spirits Educator; Benjamin Seguelo, Golden Crane Bristol & Jaded Dragon UK;  Leo Surovec, China Tang