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: Henry Thorogood, Consultant & WSET Educator; Oliver Hilton Johnson, Japanese Alcohol Specialist; Marie Cheong Thong, The Larder at 36; Sarah Stein, Japanese Alcohol Specialist;  Gabriel Lei,Tengu Sake; Felix Ko, Freelance Educator & Promoter