Keiron George Murphy wins Le Cordon Bleu London’s UK Scholarship Award 2016

Keiron George Murphy of Leeds, West Yorkshire is announced winner of the ultimate cookery scholarship 2016.

With a record number of applications, just 14 candidates made it through to the finals which took place on Thursday, 2 June at the prestigious culinary arts, wine and management school.

Keiron said: “I don’t think of anything else other than cakes and cake decorating. I can’t wait to pursue my dream and gain all the skills I need in pâtisserie. There are so many things I want to learn, not just how to bake, but how to develop a recipe from scratch and how to pair flavours that complement one another.

“Being given the opportunity to train at Le Cordon Bleu is a privilege that only a few people can claim. The calibre of talent and prestige that the institution holds is phenomenal. I feel honoured.”

After battling through the tough practical tasks, Keiron has been awarded the ultimate prize worth over £35,000 which includes a place on the coveted Diplôme de Pâtisserie followed by a three month Diploma in Culinary Management, luxury accommodation in central London courtesy of partner Urbanest and an internship under the guidance of Clare Smyth MBE.

Keiron Murphy had no idea he could be creative with food until he began a one-day a week cake decorating class alongside his job in retail.

Graeme Bartholomew, Le Cordon Bleu Pâtisserie Master Chef

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and part of the scholarship judging panel said: “Keiron showed dedication and was clearly inspired. He knew he was in a job he didn’t want to be in, so he took a chance on a cake decorating course which showed him where his true passion lies.

“His motivation and eagerness to learn new techniques and skills in management to develop his own business was what really made him stand out.”

He continued: “We had an extremely high calibre of candidates this year, which made our decision even harder. But as a teaching chef, it is extremely humbling to see the effort and commitment each individual gave.”

The search for the next top chef took place earlier this year alongside partnering chefs Will Holland for Wales and the Midlands, Simon Hulstone for the South West, Anna Hansen for London and the South East, Mark Greenaway for Scotland and Northern Ireland and Frances Atkins for the North.

With over 120 years of heritage, Le Cordon Bleu has built a worldwide reputation in the hospitality and gastronomy industry. With its annual UK Scholarship Award, the prestigious culinary school hopes to nurture the best emerging talent in the UK, by teaching them traditional skills and a deep understanding of the latest trends and culinary developments.

Details of next year’s UK Scholarship Award will be revealed in the first months of 2017.

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