As the UK struggles to meet demand for skilled chefs, Le Cordon Bleu London announces the launch of its 2016 Scholarship Award.
The Scholarship Award includes an internship with Clare Smyth MBE, at Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant, Chelsea, where Clare has been Head Chef for the past six years and became the first British female chef to hold and retain 3 Michelin Stars.
Commenting on her involvement in the campaign, Clare said: “I am delighted to be involved with Le Cordon Bleu Scholarship this year. This Scholarship plays a vital role in our industry to nurture the future stars of tomorrow.”
Le Cordon Bleu hope to tackle the shortage of chefs which threatens to change the restaurant landscape by finding and nurturing the best emerging culinary talent in the UK, helping them to gain traditional skills and develop a strong knowledge of the latest trends and culinary developments to support an adapting industry.
Head Pâtisserie Chef at Le Cordon Bleu London, Julie Walsh says: “The Scholarship offers a life changing opportunity for someone who has a passion for pâtisserie. There has never been a more relevant time than now, when the hospitality industry is experiencing a drastic shortage of young chefs with relevant training in traditional techniques. There really is no better way for them to take the first step on the ladder when it comes to finding their dream job.”
This year’s winner will be awarded a place on the coveted Diplôme de Pâtisserie followed by a three month Diploma in Culinary Management, which in total will provide a student with a 12 month classical training alongside advanced culinary techniques and management studies.
Applicants are invited to apply by:
Uploading a short video clip introducing the panel to their county at: ukscholarship.cordonbleu.edu
Completing the online application form
Posting a picture of their favourite British cake on Instagram tagged LeCordonBleuLondon with the #allIneedispassion
Applications will close at midnight on the 3rd April, and successful applicants will subsequently be invited for the semi-finals in their region:
London & South East: Modern Pantry, Anna Hansen
South West: Elephant, Simon Hulstone
Wales: Coast Saundersfoot, Will Holland
North: The Yorke Arms, Frances Atkins
Scotland and Northern Ireland: Mark Greenaway Restaurant, Mark Greenaway
The last stage of the competition will take place at Le Cordon Bleu London, where the winner will be chosen by a panel of Le Cordon Bleu’s world-renowned Master Chefs and lecturers in June.
Throughout February, Le Cordon Bleu will be taking to the road with their team of Master Chefs for a regional tour of the UK, in order to demonstrate skills applicants may learn at Le Cordon Bleu – applicants are advised to attend the event in their region. Please RSVP to
[email protected]