Sam Leatherby promoted to Head of Pastry at the Iconic London Hilton on Park Lane

Former Bake-Off: The Professionals winner, Sam Leatherby, has risen through the ranks to get appointed as head pastry chef at the iconic London Hilton on Park Lane

Sam Leatherby has shown his pastry chef talent at London Hilton on Park Lane for the past five years. During that time he has overseen the sweets and desserts including the ever-popular seasonal afternoon tea menus.

Discussing his promotion, Sam said: “It has taken a lot of hard work and dedication over the last 11 years, and I couldn’t have done it without the help from so many - giving me the fantastic opportunity to work and learn alongside some of the best in the industry helping me become the chef I am today!”

Sam realised his passion for cooking at a young age and joined the Hilton group as soon as he left school by gaining an apprenticeship spot, which included a six-month placement at Heathrow Hilton. During his placement, he demonstrated a high level of skill and was offered a second placement this time at London Hilton on Park Lane.

It was during this placement that he became junior sous chef and ceased to be an apprentice. Since then, he has continued to work at London Hilton on Park Lane and has won many prestigious awards, such as winning Bake Off: The professionals in 2018 and coming second at the Senior Sugar Championships in 2017.

Sam enjoys creating showpieces and unique desserts as they allow him to express his creativity and he always begins the process with flavours designed to suit the season. Sam is known to carefully craft his desserts to ensure that they can be produced on a large scale. 

Sam described teamwork as one of the secrets of his success and particularly references the invaluable support he's received from executive chef, Anthony Marshall.