Le Cordon Bleu London marked a historic milestone on Friday 12th September, as the institute welcomed graduates back to its first-ever Alumni Chapter event at CORD by Le Cordon Bleu Restaurant, Fleet Street.
Coinciding with Le Cordon Bleu’s 130th anniversary this year, the exclusive evening brought together more than 100 alumni from across the world of gastronomy, hospitality and beyond. With a target of 130 attendees to reflect the school’s anniversary year, the event underscored the institute’s enduring influence and global network, which today spans more than 20 countries and over 35 schools.
Throughout the evening, alumni reconnected over canapés and drinks at CORD – Le Cordon Bleu London’s fine dining restaurant – while also expanding their professional networks.
The evening also featured the first ever Le Cordon Bleu London Alumni Awards, recognising outstanding achievements across the alumni community. These were voted for by other alumni:
· Contribution to Gastronomy & Fine-Dining: Woongchul Park & Bomee Ki, the husband-and-wife duo behind Michelin-starred restaurant Sollip
· Contribution to Food & Media: Kerth Gumbs, acclaimed chef and television personality from Fenchurch Restaurant
· Recognition for Entrepreneurship: Charlotte O’Kelly, founder of Astrid Bakery
· Alumni Choice Award: Maciej Pisarek, Demi Pastry Chef de Partie at The Savoy and Young Chef award winner
· Le Cordon Bleu Ambassador Award: Salina Campbell, Joli
Emil Minev, Culinary Arts Director at Le Cordon Bleu London, said:
“This was a truly special moment in our 130-year history. The Alumni Chapter event demonstrated the power of the Le Cordon Bleu network – a family of graduates who have taken their skills and creativity into kitchens, bakeries, hotels and businesses around the world. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and look forward to growing this tradition in years to come.”
As part of Le Cordon Bleu’s 130th anniversary year, the evening offered an opportunity to celebrate the institute’s alumni community and the many paths they have taken since graduation. Le Cordon Bleu London offers a wide range of diploma programmes across cuisine, pâtisserie, wine, nutrition and hospitality management, as well as an extensive selection of short courses designed for both aspiring professionals and enthusiastic amateurs.
