Semi finalists revealed after record applications for the ultimate cookery scholarship
37 Semi-finalists are to fight for their place in the Le Cordon Bleu London UK Scholarship Award 2016 this week
Partnering chefs include: Clare Smyth, Anna Hansen, Frances Atkins, Will Holland, Mark Greenaway and Simon Hulstone.
In a bid to tackle the shortage of chefs in the industry earlier this year, Le Cordon Bleu London launched their 5th UK Scholarship Award offering one lucky winner a place on the coveted Diplôme de Pâtisserie followed by a three month Diploma in Culinary Management.
After touring the country and visiting prospective candidates in all the regions, the competition received a record number of applications from across the UK when the deadline passed last week.
All applications from the five regions have been reviewed and the top 37 candidates will now go on to be judged on their passion for pâtisserie by a panel made up of Le Cordon Bleu pâtisserie chefs and lecturers, alongside the partnering chef in each location.
Wales and the Midlands: Coast, Saundersfoot, Will Holland on Monday 18th April
South West: Elephant, Torquay, Simon Hulstone on Tuesday 19th April.
London & South East: Modern Pantry, Finsbury Square, Anna Hansen on Wednesday 20th April.
Scotland and Northern Ireland: Mark Greenaway Restaurant, Edinburgh, Mark Greenaway on Thursday 21st April.
North: The Yorke Arms, Ramsgill-in-Nidderdale, Frances Atkins on Wednesday 27th April.
With a prize worth over £35,000 the award includes accommodation in central London courtesy of our partner Urbanest and an internship with Clare Smyth MBE, at Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant, Hospital Road, 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.
The final stage of the competition and winner announcement will take place on Thursday 2nd June 2016, at the prestigious culinary arts, wine and management school, Le Cordon Bleu London.
Last year’s winner, Katie Leslie from Edinburgh comments on how it feels to have won:
“I always hoped to have a successful career as a chef but studying at Le Cordon Bleu has really motivated me to work hard to be successful.
I was completely shocked when I heard my name being announced, I think it took a good few weeks before the reality of what an amazing opportunity I had just been given sunk in.”
With over 120 year’s heritage, Le Cordon Bleu has built a worldwide reputation in the hospitality and gastronomy industry. With their 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.
For more information, please contact Charlotte Dear at Le Cordon Bleu London, on 020 7400 3900 or by email: cdear@cordonbleu.edu