The Women's Prize Trust Partners with Jikoni for Fundraising Evening & Charity Auction

The Women’s Prize Trust has announced that Jikoni, the award-winning restaurant in Marylebone, London, will host a fundraising dinner and auction on Monday 16 November in support of the charity and its mission to build a better future by championing women’s writing.

Hosted by the celebrated chef, author and activist Ravinder Bhogal, the evening will mark Jikoni’s 10th anniversary, and feature special guests Kate Mosse CBE (bestselling writer and Founder Director of the Women’s Prize for Fiction and the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction), Scarlett Curtis (writer, activist, journalist and trustee of the Women’s Prize Trust) and Vick Hope (broadcaster, journalist and host of the Women's Prize Podcast, Bookshelfie), as an extraordinary collection of experiences from across literature, film, food, and hospitality are put on auction. From unforgettable meals and intimate encounters with some of the UK’s most celebrated chefs and writers, to cultural experiences, signed pieces and exclusive opportunities, there is something for everyone.

All of the funds raised from the dinner and online auction will support the Women’s Prize Trust, and its work to ensure women’s voices are celebrated, supported and heard.

Claire Shanahan, Executive Director of the Women’s Prize Trust, said: “We are incredibly appreciative of Ravinder and the Jikoni team for hosting what I know will be a beautiful evening in support of our work at the Women's Prize Trust – and of course to our wonderful friends who have so kindly donated the extraordinary auction lots on offer. Our mission as a charity is to champion women’s writing at every stage – from discovery and development to celebration and global readership – shifting the narrative, expanding opportunity, and helping ensure women's voices are heard. The funds raised will support this work, and we hope that many people will join us by taking part in the auction.”

Ravinder Bhogal, chef-patron of Jikoni, said: “As a female-founded business built on the shoulders of generations of maternal figures and their stories, championing, celebrating and preserving women’s voices has always been at the heart of what we do. We are deeply moved and inspired by the incredible work the entire team at the Women’s Prize Trust do to amplify women’s voices and writing. Over the years, the Trust has helped transform the literary landscape for women, bringing extraordinary stories to a wider audience, opening doors for emerging writers and ensuring that women’s voices are not only heard, but valued and celebrated. Their mission resonates deeply with us, both personally and as a business, and we are incredibly proud to support an organisation that shares our belief in the enduring power of women’s stories.”

Information on how to purchase tickets for the dinner can be found here

Information about the online auction can be found here with details on the lots below.

AUCTION LOTS:

Signed, Original Print of Your Favourite Book, Song or List by Scarlett Curtis

Own a truly unique piece of art by Scarlett Curtis, the acclaimed writer and illustrator behind the artwork for Ed Sheeran’s Autumn Variations album cover. This bespoke print offers a rare opportunity to take home a piece of Scarlett’s distinctive creative world. Immortalise your favourite book, song or list in an original print. Scarlett will work with you to bring your vision to life!

Kindly donated by Scarlett Curtis.

Two VIP Tickets to the Women's Prize Trust Summer Party

Join us for the invite-only Women's Prize Trust Annual Summer Party with VIP access for two guests. Enjoy an unforgettable evening celebrating writers, readers and the wider literary community, with all the atmosphere and excitement of 'the best party in books' and one of the year's most anticipated literary events. Plus be in the crowd when history is made as the 2027 winners of the Women's Prize for Fiction and Non-Fiction are announced! Bidders must be available to attend on 17 June 2027

Kindly donated by the Women's Prize Trust.

Agent 121 with Award-Winning Literary Agent Juliet Mushens

A rare opportunity for aspiring writers: receive one-to-one feedback from acclaimed literary agent Juliet Mushens of Mushens Entertainment, whose clients include some of the biggest names in contemporary publishing. Bring your cover letter, synopsis and first 50 pages and get expert insight into your writing. The perfect gift for the aspiring writer in your life! Some of Juliet's clients include: Jessie Burton, Abigail Dean, Claire Douglas, Saara El-Arifi, Elodie Harper, Hannah Kaner and Richard Osman.

Kindly donated by Juliet Mushens, Mushens Entertainment.

A Library of Possibilities: 100 Books to Inspire a New Generation

The winning bidder can donate a collection of 100 titles from the prestigious Women's Prize library to a local school or library or to keep for themselves, helping create an inspiring collection of books to discover, enjoy and share. More than a collection of books, this is a gift that can open minds, spark conversations and inspire a lifelong love of reading. Help put powerful stories into the hands of the next generation and leave a lasting legacy through the transformative power of literature.

Kindly donated by the Women's Prize Trust.

Personalised Poem Recital from Laurence Olivier Award-winning Actress Indira Varma

Own a truly unique literary experience: a personalised audio or video recording of five poems of your choice, beautifully performed by Laurence Olivier Award-winning actress Indira Varma. Choose five poems that hold a special meaning to you — whether they are lifelong favourites, new discoveries or written by someone close to your heart — and hear them brought to life in Indira’s distinctive voice and celebrated performance style.

Kindly donated by Indira Varma.

A guided tour of the Agatha Christie exhibition at the British Library with bestselling author Kate Mosse

Step into the captivating world of the Queen of Crime with this very special literary experience at the British Library. The winning bidder will enjoy a guided tour of the Agatha Christie exhibition, brought to life by bestselling author Kate Mosse, who will share her passion for storytelling and insights into the enduring genius of one of the world’s most celebrated crime writers. Discover atmospheric spaces inspired by Christie’s world, from a grand country house and WWI dispensary to an Orient Express-style carriage, archaeological dig and West End theatre. Christie fans and aspiring sleuths can hunt for hidden clues and Easter eggs dotted throughout the exhibition. Drawing on letters, notebooks, photographs, personal belongings, early manuscript drafts and many objects on display for the first time, this landmark exhibition reveals the remarkable life of one of the world’s greatest crime writers. An unmissable treat for crime fiction lovers, book enthusiasts and anyone fascinated by the art of a great mystery.

Kindly donated by Kate Mosse CBE.

Love Actually film frame - an individual static picture cut from the 35mm motion picture reel

Single cell from the original 35mm film print of Love Actually (2003) signed by Richard Curtis, presented in a double sided glass frame.

Kindly donated by Richard Curtis.

A Literary Ramble with bestselling author David Nicholls

Lace up your walking boots and join bestselling author David Nicholls for a literary ramble in London. The author of One Day, Us and You Are Here will share conversation, stories and insights as you walk — the perfect lot for readers who like their literary encounters with a little fresh air in London, and perhaps a bookshop or two.

Kindly donated by David Nicholls.

Invitation to the Industry and Press Preview Dinner at new restaurant Karam's

Join acclaimed chef, author and broadcaster Ravinder Bhogal and the Karam’s team for an exclusive industry preview dinner ahead of the restaurant’s public launch. You and three guests will be among the very first to experience Karam’s, at a special pre-opening dinner attended by friends, collaborators and guests from the worlds of food, hospitality and culture.

Kindly donated by Ravinder Bhogal.

Curator tour of the V&A exhibition South Asia Now plus lunch at Café Jikoni at V&A East

The forthcoming V&A exhibition ‘South Asia Now: Fashion. Art. Design.’ is the first major international exhibition to showcase the extraordinary breadth of creativity from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It includes over 200 works across art, fashion, architecture and design exploring the extraordinary creativity, innovation and global influence emerging from South Asia today. Lead Curator, Meneesha Kellay will offer you and a guest a private tour of the exhibition followed by a meal at Café Jikoni. Opening at V&A East on 24 April 2027, the exhibition is on view until January 2028.

Kindly donated by Meneesha Kellay and Ravinder Bhogal.

Writer's Retreat in the historic town of Rye

Escape the everyday and make space for your writing with accommodation in Rye (where Henry James lived his last days) a place that can give writers the time, quiet and inspiration to focus on their work. Whether you're starting something new or finally finishing that long-promised manuscript, this is an opportunity to step away from daily life and write. Situated at the footsteps of the Landgate Arch, gateway to the citadel of Rye, you’ll find the sprawling glory of Landgate House. 5 bedrooms. 3 bathrooms, unrivalled views of the Landgate. Big comfy beds and lots and lots of art. The ground floor sees the most action; recently renovated and fully dedicated to cooking and eating, the central dining room leads to a darling kitchen which leads to a large private garden, a rarity in Rye.

Kindly donated by Emily Bryce-Perkins.

A meal with Julia Gillard, former Prime Minister of Australia

Enjoy breakfast or lunch with Julia Gillard, Australia's 27th Prime Minister, one of the country's most prominent public figures, and Chair of the Judging Panel for The Women’s Prize for Fiction 2026, This is a unique opportunity to meet Julia in person and enjoy an informal conversation about leadership, politics, public life, books and the issues that matter to her.

Kindly donated by Julia Gillard.

A Personalised Beauty Consultation with Funmi Fetti, Beauty and Wellness Director of British Vogue as well as a coveted Vogue Festive Calendar

Enjoy a one-to-one beauty consultation with Funmi Fetto, Beauty & Wellness Director at British Vogue. With decades of experience in the beauty industry, Funmi has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the very best in beauty, from cult classics to the latest innovations. Over a relaxed, intimate conversation, she’ll share her insider tips, expert advice and personal recommendations, tailored to your individual beauty needs. You’ll also take home British Vogue’s coveted Festive Calendar, with products worth over £1000.

Kindly donated by Funmi Fetto and British Vogue

A Signed Copy of this year’s Art Edition of Harper’s Bazaar plus two coveted tickets to the Harper’s Bazaar Art Party

Harper’s Bazaar offers two tickets to its sought-after Bazaar Art party, which this year was attended by Sharon Horgan, Damian Lewis and Claudette Johnson, as well as a signed copy of this year’s edition by the artist Chila Burman.

Kindly donated by Lydia Slater and Harper’s Bazaar.