James Beard Award winner
Mark Diacono
- Discipline
- James Beard Award winner
i. Biography
André Simon Food Book of the Year 2014 is among the recognitions associated with Mark Diacono, alongside his work across food, gardens, and writing. He has appeared in the television series River Cottage.
The Path
Mark Diacono trained at Oxford Brookes University, laying the groundwork for a career that would blend growing, teaching, and on-screen expertise. Today, he is founder and operator of Otter Farm, garden team leader, course leader, and a television contributor of River Cottage.
The Work Today
He says, “I’m Mark Diacono, a writer, cook, gardener, walker and photographer.” He has also described his focus this way: “I write about life, mostly through food and everything connected with it.”
Career - Founder and operator — Otter Farm, near Honiton, East Devon, England - Garden team leader; course leader; television contributor — River Cottage Education: Oxford Brookes University
Signature
Mark's signature dishes include A Year at Otter Farm, A Taste of the Unexpected, The New Kitchen, and Vegetables.
In Their Words “I’m Mark Diacono, a writer, cook, gardener, walker and photographer.”
Acclaim
Mark's honors include James Beard Foundation Shortlist, Single Subject (for SOUR), André Simon Food Book of the Year 2014 (2015), Food Book of the Year (2011), Journalist of the Year, and Book Photographer of the Year.
FAQ What is Mark Diacono's current role? As of 2026, Mark Diacono is Founder and operator of Otter Farm. Where did Mark Diacono train or study? Mark Diacono trained at Oxford Brookes University. What recognition has Mark Diacono received? James Beard Foundation Shortlist, Single Subject (for SOUR) (2020).
