Karen Barnes

Editor of delicious. magazine

With over 20 years' experience working for top-selling titles in the women's magazine market, Karen brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role as editor of delicious. magazine.

She began her career in book publishing, before changing directions and moving into magazines, starting out at IPC Media working on Woman and Woman's Own - the market leaders of the day. In 1996 she moved to work on a title that is a household name: Good Housekeeping. She was associate editor and head of the renowned Good Housekeeping Institute for six years, editing special-project food magazines and supplements and heading up the food, consumer, homes, gardens, fashion and beauty teams. In 2005 she came up with a launch plan for the Good Housekeeping Food Awards, which now attract a starry cast of celebrities and the highest level of acclaim in the food world.

Underlying the whole of Karen's career has been a passion for cooking and for encouraging others to cook, so taking on the editorship of delicious is a challenge she relishes. "It's an inspiring magazine. Food, to me, is about heart, soul, passion and sharing good times with the people you care about," says Karen. "Above all, I believe quality food should and must be accessible to everyone - it shouldn't be an elitist sport for the privileged few. My mother and Cornish grandmother were my inspiration, along with the countless chefs and food lovers whose writings I have devoured over the years - people such as Elizabeth David, Jane Grigson, Nigel Slater, Ruth Watson, Diana Henry, Rick Stein, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Rose Prince, Valentine Warner and Nigella Lawson. All those people share one thing in common: a passion for the best food - and a dedication to passing on that passion. Food has the power to unite families and the community, and that's what I want delicious. magazine to achieve."