At a Glance
- Tasks: Write engaging food and lifestyle content while exploring London's vibrant scene.
- Company: Join The Handbook, London's original insider guide with a creative team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, WFH Fridays, and access to industry events.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with regular team events and a buzzing office vibe.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of London’s food culture and create viral content.
- Qualifications: Passion for London, experience in digital journalism, and strong SEO knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 30000 £ per year.
Food & Lifestyle Writer/Creator
Join to apply for the Food & Lifestyle Writer/Creator role at The Handbook.
About the role
Do you live and breathe London? Know where to find the best pasta in Peckham, the latest bar opening in Soho, and the chef everyone’s going to be talking about next?
The Handbook is looking for a Food & Lifestyle Writer/Creator with an insatiable appetite for the London scene — someone who can spot a story, review restaurants with flair, and craft content that gets people talking.
You’ll be out and about capturing the buzz of the city — filming reels, attending launches, reviewing menus, and creating scroll‑stopping content for our site and socials. You’ll be confident on camera, sharp on trends, and driven to make every post perform.
You’ll have a nose for what’s new, a network of London contacts, and a keen understanding of SEO, AI search, and social storytelling. You’ll know how to turn a dinner into a headline and a tasting menu into a viral moment.
What you’ll do
- Write engaging, SEO‑savvy restaurant reviews, features, and insider guides on London’s ever‑changing food and drink scene.
- Create original, on‑brand digital and social content that amplifies The Handbook’s voice across platforms.
- Attend press launches, tastings, and industry events — representing The Handbook with flair and confidence.
- Collaborate with our editorial and social teams to generate high‑performing content ideas.
- Stay ahead of trends — from viral TikTok spots to Michelin‑star openings.
What we’re looking for
- A deep, genuine passion for London life and everything that makes it tick.
- Proven experience in digital journalism, food writing, or lifestyle content creation (luxury experience a plus).
- Strong knowledge of SEO and content performance metrics.
- Confident on camera and adept at creating video content for Instagram and TikTok.
- Highly organised, proactive, and bursting with creative energy.
- A storyteller at heart with impeccable attention to detail and tone.
What you get
- Competitive £26k+ base salary (DOE)
- Opportunities for career progression within a fast‑growing digital magazine
- Access to industry events, trips and perks
- WFH Fridays
Hiring Process
- 15‑minute video call meet + greet.
- 15‑minute video call with Digital Editor.
- Written article and social video task.
- 45‑minute face‑to‑face meet in the Wandsworth office.
About The Handbook
Founded in 2006, The Handbook is London’s original insider guide — connecting our 1.6 million monthly readers and 260,000+ engaged subscribers with the best in culture, travel, food, fashion, beauty, and wellbeing.
We don’t just report what’s new — we define what’s next. Our trusted, shareable content drives conversation, sparks discovery, and positions the brands we work with at the centre of the cultural moment. With hundreds of thousands of followers across Instagram, TikTok, and beyond, The Handbook’s reach is ever‑growing, and our content is built to perform.
We’re a collaborative, creative, and sociable team — and we love what we do. Regular team events, a buzzing office environment, and a shared love of London life are all part of what makes The Handbook a great place to be.
Ready to join London’s ultimate insider team?
Send your CV, cover letter, and portfolio links to robyn@thehandbook.com with the subject: Food & Lifestyle Writer/Creator.
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing
Industries
Internet Publishing
Food & Lifestyle Writer/Creator employer: The Handbook
The Handbook is an exceptional employer for those passionate about London's vibrant food and lifestyle scene. With a competitive salary, opportunities for career progression, and a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration, employees enjoy a buzzing office environment and regular team events. The chance to engage with industry events and create impactful content makes this role not just a job, but a meaningful and rewarding career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food & Lifestyle Writer/Creator
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for The Handbook and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like The Handbook are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with The Handbook on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at The Handbook. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Food & Lifestyle Writer/Creator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit The Handbook. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of The Handbook:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about The Handbook’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Handbook
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at The Handbook will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At The Handbook, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
