It is not surprising that the Roux Brothers, Michel and Albert, creators of Le Gavroche and a whole UK culinary dynasty, made their name as pastry chefs. Indeed over 30 years ago they penned a definitive book on pâtisserie and in 2008 I remember interviewing Michel Senior as he toured his Pastry: Savoury and Sweet. Another great, now departed French chef I have encountered was Joel Robuchon, who at 15 started his multi-starred as a pastry chef. It’s a skill set at the core of haute cuisine.
Albert’s son and inheritor of Le Gavroche, Michel Roux Jnr served his own apprenticeship in the art and science of sugar, flour and butter. Who would not want such a legend as a kitchen mentor? Well, there’s now a chance as Le Cordon Bleu London launches its new 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. Applications are now open and will close on Friday, May 29 2026.
Previous annual scholarship competitions from the institute have offered career-launching opportunities across a range of culinary disciplines.
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.
The prize will also include an internship at CORD by Le Cordon Bleu restaurant and mentoring from Michel Roux and Chris Galvin (of MIichelin-starred La Chapelle), dinner at the 3 Michelin-starred Sketch Lecture Room and 12 months accommodation from Londonist.
Roux says: “The competition offers a life-changing opportunity for an aspiring chef to gain valuable training and industry experience, and a secure foothold on the first step of their career in hospitality.”
The scholarship will also recognise additional talent through second and third place prizes, which will also offer courses.
The final will take place at Le Cordon Bleu London, followed by an awards dinner at CORD restaurant. The winner will begin their studies in January 2027.