Wednesday 18th January, 2017: Le Cordon Bleu, the leading global network of culinary arts and hospitality management institutes announces the return of their highly anticipated UK Scholarship Award for 2017.
The food scene in the UK over the past few years has become more dynamic and diverse than ever before. There has been an incredible boom in new restaurant openings, with two-hundred new food establishments emerging in London within the last year alone, and Le Cordon Bleu wishes to support this exciting evolution of the sector by offering a grant worth over £35K.
“New restaurants opened in London at a faster rate in the last 12 months than at any time previously recorded.” – Harden (2016)
The 2017 winner of the esteemed culinary scholarship will be rewarded with the most prestigious qualification, the Grand Diplôme:registered:, which will provide an aspiring chef with nine months of comprehensive classical training in both pâtisserie and cuisine. This fully accredited Diploma is recognised across the hospitality industry as being synonymous with excellence, and provides the winner with a passport into the culinary world.
Master Chef Emil Minev, Culinary Arts Director at Le Cordon Bleu London says, “The food scene is such an exciting place to be a part of right now, with such strong influences from international cuisine, the variety and the quality of food is evolving faster than ever before. The UK is definitely one of the leaders in this gastronomic movement as we are producing both world class food and world class chefs. Our aim with the UK Scholarship Award, which is now in its sixth year, is to provide outstanding culinary training to aspiring UK talent to further facilitate this wonderful food revolution!”
With over 120 years of teaching experience, Le Cordon Bleu London has seen many notable alumni pass through its doors, such as Rachel Khoo, Peggy Porschen and John Whaite, who have all gone on to make a significant contribution to the evolution of the gastronomic scene today. The school hopes to continue supporting this development by offering this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to the UK’s emerging culinary talent, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in such a competitive industry.
This year, Le Cordon Bleu London is partnering with the Michelin-starred restaurant, LIMA Fitzrovia. The establishment was founded by the highly acclaimed Peruvian chef and Le Cordon Bleu London alumnus Virgilio Martìnez and his associates Gabriel and Jose-Luis Gonzalez. The restaurant’s Executive Head Chef is Virgilio’s good friend, Robert Ortiz, who will be offering the winner an invaluable internship at LIMA Fitzrovia. The prize also includes luxury accommodation in central London, courtesy of Homes for Students.
Commenting on his involvement in the UK Scholarship Award, Virgilio Martìnez says: “We are really proud to be partnering with Le Cordon Bleu on the scholarship campaign this year. For the winner to be given the foundations needed to succeed in such a competitive industry is truly an amazing gift. I am certain that I will be shaking hands with some exceptional young talent during the course of the competition who will go on to make waves in the gastronomic world of the future.”
LIMA’s head chef Robert Ortiz adds: “In order to stand out from the competition it is important for chefs not only to be equipped with the right skills and techniques, but also the practical experience, and this is exactly what the UK Scholarship Award is offering. I have no doubt that the culinary scene will continue to flourish, and it is great that LIMA and Le Cordon Bleu London are really helping to facilitate this gastronomic evolution. We are really looking forward to welcoming the winner to our kitchen.”
Applicants are invited to apply by:
• Completing the online application form, explaining what qualities they possess that makes them the ideal candidate to study at Le Cordon Bleu: ukscholarship.cordonbleu.edu
• Creating a short but engaging video clip (maximum 1-minute) illustrating why they are so enthusiastic about food, and what makes them the next ‘big thing’ on the culinary scene.
• Sharing a picture of their favourite dish to cook on Instagram (sweet or savoury), explaining why they love it, and tagging @LeCordonBleuLondon using the hashtag #AlliNeedisPassion
All applications must be submitted to Le Cordon Bleu before 23:59pm on Wednesday 5th April 2017, and successful applicants will subsequently be invited for the semi-finals.
The last stage of the competition will take place at Le Cordon Bleu London, where the winner will be chosen by a panel of the school’s world-renowned Master Chefs and lecturers on Thursday 1st June 2017.
