Few figures in British journalism have blended wit, intellect, and unapologetic candor quite like Giles Coren. Known for his acerbic humor and fearless critiques, Giles Coren has become a household name in the realms of British food writing and cultural commentary. Over the past two decades, his work with The Times has not only redefined restaurant criticism but also shaped public expectations of what it means to be an outspoken journalist in the digital age.
As a man who combines linguistic brilliance with sharp observation, Giles Coren represents more than a restaurant critic—he embodies the modern British voice: clever, critical, and irresistibly engaging.
Early Life and Background
Born on 29 July 1969 in Paddington, London, Giles Robin Patrick Coren grew up in a family steeped in intellectual and literary achievement. His father, Alan Coren, was a beloved humorist and satirist, while his sister, Victoria Coren Mitchell, is a celebrated writer and television presenter. From an early age, Giles Coren was surrounded by words, wit, and debate—a foundation that would define his future.
Educated at The Hall School, Westminster School, and later Keble College, Oxford, Coren graduated with a first-class degree in English. His academic background deeply influenced his prose, giving his restaurant reviews a rare literary polish. Those early experiences not only honed his intellect but also nurtured the sharp, sometimes provocative tone that would later make him famous.
Giles Coren’s Rise in British Journalism
Coren’s professional journey began in the late 1990s, when he started contributing to various British newspapers. His voice—brimming with confidence and often laced with irony—quickly caught the attention of editors seeking fresh perspectives.
In 2002, Giles Coren became the restaurant critic for The Times, succeeding the formidable A. A. Gill. It was a pivotal appointment: Coren’s arrival brought a new generation’s sensibility to traditional food criticism.
He was awarded Food and Drink Writer of the Year at the British Press Awards (2005), cementing his reputation as a major voice in British media. From there, his name became synonymous with provocative yet insightful commentary, often sparking both admiration and controversy.
Giles Coren and The Times: The Making of a Modern Critic
At The Times, Giles Coren found the perfect platform for his incisive mind. His reviews were more than culinary assessments—they were miniature essays on taste, culture, and humanity. Readers came not just for recommendations but for entertainment, philosophy, and Coren’s inimitable humor.
He often approached dining with both reverence and rebellion. A review from Coren might dissect the texture of a soufflé as deeply as it might explore the psychology of eating in modern Britain. He blurred the lines between journalism and literature, setting a new benchmark for food writing.
Coren’s boldness occasionally stirred controversy—his blunt opinions, playful sarcasm, and disdain for mediocrity often divided readers. Yet, this unpredictability became part of his appeal. For The Times, Giles Coren was not merely a critic; he was a cultural commentator whose every column was awaited with curiosity.
The Art of Food Criticism: Coren’s Distinct Voice
What distinguishes Giles Coren is not just his palate but his pen. His reviews are layered with literary references, humor, and rhythm. He writes as someone who loves language as much as he loves food.
Unlike critics who rely solely on technical culinary critique, Coren’s work captures the experience of dining—the emotions, the atmosphere, the absurdities. His ability to transform a meal into a narrative makes his writing compelling to both gastronomes and casual readers.
He once said that food criticism should “make you laugh, think, and get hungry all at once.” This philosophy has guided his career and continues to influence the next generation of journalists who grew up reading his columns.
Television, Books, and Media Presence
Beyond the written word, Giles Coren expanded his influence across television and radio. He co-hosted “The Supersizers Eat…” alongside Sue Perkins, a series exploring historical diets with humor and curiosity. Later, he presented “Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby”, showcasing luxurious hospitality across the world.
His ventures into TV mirrored his journalistic persona—charming, knowledgeable, and slightly mischievous. He also authored “Winkler” (2006), a satirical novel that demonstrated his literary ambition, and later “How to Eat Out” (2012), a witty guide that distilled decades of dining wisdom.
These projects reinforced his standing not just as a journalist, but as a multimedia personality—a man equally at ease behind the typewriter or the camera lens.
Personal Life: Giles Coren’s Wife and Family
Away from the public eye, Giles Coren’s wife, Esther Walker, is an accomplished journalist and author in her own right. The couple married in 2010 and share two children. Their partnership reflects shared passions for writing and culture, though Esther often offers a more grounded counterpoint to Coren’s fiery persona.
Walker, known for her food blog The Recipe Shed and her books such as The Bad Mother, has described Coren with affection and humor, portraying him as both brilliant and infuriating—a mix familiar to his readers.
Their home life, though largely private, occasionally surfaces in Coren’s columns, offering glimpses of his softer, family-oriented side—a reminder that behind the critic’s pen lies a husband and father with humor and humility.
Health and Resilience: Giles Coren’s Cancer Revelation
In early 2025, Giles Coren revealed a deeply personal battle—his prostate cancer diagnosis. The news, shared with honesty and composure, struck a chord with readers. Coren explained that routine tests had revealed elevated PSA levels, leading to a biopsy that discovered small malignant traces.
While doctors advised active surveillance rather than immediate treatment, the revelation shed light on the importance of men’s health awareness. Coren’s openness about his cancer brought new depth to his public persona—one of vulnerability and courage.
In classic Coren style, he spoke candidly, mixing fear with wit, turning personal hardship into a moment of connection with his audience. The story resonated widely, adding yet another layer to the multifaceted identity of Giles Coren—the man who could find humor and humanity even in illness.
Legacy and Influence on Modern Food Writing
Giles Coren’s impact on British food journalism is undeniable. He transformed restaurant criticism from a niche column into mainstream entertainment. His fearless style encouraged honesty, wit, and individuality in a field often bound by convention.
Many contemporary critics cite Coren as an influence—not only for his sharp language but for his insistence that criticism should be personal, cultural, and literary. Through The Times and beyond, he inspired a generation to write with both precision and personality.
His legacy lies not in his controversies or awards, but in the enduring power of his prose. Whether dissecting a soufflé or reflecting on society, Giles Coren has proven that journalism thrives when infused with authenticity and boldness.
Conclusion
Giles Coren remains one of the most distinctive voices in British journalism—witty, polarizing, but always insightful. From his groundbreaking work at The Times to his candid discussion of Giles Coren’s cancer diagnosis, he has lived publicly yet authentically.
He continues to embody the essence of modern criticism: fearless, intelligent, and deeply human. In a media landscape often dominated by trend-chasing and politeness, Giles Coren’s unapologetic honesty reminds us why true critics matter.
His story is not merely that of a food writer but of a man who turned words into art—and art into influence.
FAQs
Who is Giles Coren?
Giles Coren is a British journalist, restaurant critic, and television presenter known for his witty and provocative writing, primarily for The Times.
Who is Giles Coren’s wife?
His wife is Esther Walker, a journalist and author. They married in 2010 and have two children together.
What is Giles Coren known for at The Times?
He is the long-time restaurant critic for The Times, celebrated for his humorous and literary approach to food journalism.
Did Giles Coren have cancer?
Yes, in 2025, Giles Coren revealed he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, though his doctors recommended monitoring rather than immediate treatment.
What is Giles Coren’s legacy in journalism?
He redefined British food writing by infusing it with literary flair, humor, and fearless authenticity.
