37 Semi-finalists fight for a place in the Le Cordon Bleu London Scholarship Award 2016

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.

Last year’s winner, Katie Leslie from Edinburgh said: “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.”

The final stage of the competition and winner announcement will take place on Thursday, June 2 2016, at the prestigious culinary arts, wine and management school, Le Cordon Bleu London.

With a prize worth over £35,000 the award includes accommodation in central London courtesy of scholarship 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.

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, 18 April.


• South West: Elephant, Torquay, Simon Hulstone on Tuesday, 19 April.


• London & South East: Modern Pantry, Finsbury Square, Anna Hansen on Wednesday, 20 April.


• Scotland and Northern Ireland: Mark Greenaway Restaurant, Edinburgh, Mark Greenaway on Thursday, 21 April.


• North: The Yorke Arms, Ramsgill-in-Nidderdale, Frances Atkins on Wednesday, 27 April.