Born in a Himalayan hill station, Fay Maschler (nee Coventry) grew up in Britain and the USA. From being a copywriter at J.W.T. London, she moved to the Radio Times and then the Evening Standard where she has been restaurant critic for the past 37 years.

Journalism awards include Critic of the Year at The British Press Awards and The Glenfiddich Trophy. Among many books published, Cooking is a Game You Can Eat, dedicated to her own three children, reflects a belief that all children should learn and love to cook. She is married to the writer and painter Reg Gadney.