Le Cordon Bleu London launches pâtisserie scholarship competition

Le Cordon Bleu cookery school, 15 Bloomsbury Square, London WC1A 2LS, photographed by Jamie Lau / Studio Lau
Le Cordon Bleu London is launching a Pâtisserie scholarship competition (©Jamie Lau)

Le Cordon Bleu London is launching a pâtisserie scholarship competition, giving aspiring pastry chefs the opportunity to win a prize package worth more than £75,000.

As part of its annual scholarship competition, the new initiative has been created to identify and support the next generation of pâtisserie talent through a combination of professional training, mentorship and hands on industry experience.

The competition reflects Le Cordon Bleu London’s wider commitment to opening up opportunities for aspiring culinary professionals and supporting emerging talent at the start of their careers.

The overall winner will receive a 12-month prize package, including a place on Le Cordon Bleu London’s Diplôme de Pâtisserie (intensive) and Diploma in Pâtisserie Innovation, beginning in January 2027.

Second place will receive a Basic Pâtisserie course at Le Cordon Bleu London plus a two-week stage at CORD Restaurant (pictured below), while third place will receive a food photography course at Le Cordon Bleu London plus a two-week stage at CORD.

All finalists, excluding the winner, will also receive afternoon tea for two at Sketch and a Phaidon book.

CORD Restaurant by Le Cordon Bleu
CORD Restaurant by Le Cordon Bleu (©Le Cordon Bleu)

“Our annual scholarship competitions have long played an important role in helping Le Cordon Bleu London discover and support aspiring culinary talent, and we are delighted to launch this new opportunity focused on pâtisserie,” says Emil Minev, culinary arts director at Le Cordon Bleu

“This initiative has been designed to give one talented individual not only access to professional training, but also the mentorship and industry experience needed to help build a future career in the sector.”

Applications will open on 30 March 2026 and close on 29 May 2026, with the final to be held at Le Cordon Bleu London, followed by an awards dinner at CORD restaurant ,on 21 September 2026.