Le Cordon Bleu London Scholarship winners celebrated with an evening of 'gastronomic glamour'
Le Cordon Bleu’s Scholarship winners were celebrated with a night of gastronomic glamour at Cord in Fleet Street, attended by Michel Roux Jr.
Earlier this week, some of the most renowned names in the food and drink industry came together to celebrate the 2025 Le Cordon Bleu London Scholarship Awards.
The event, held at Cord in Fleet Street, was attended by some of the most prominent figures in food and hospitality (and I was lucky enough to be among them!)
Guests, who included Michel Roux Jr, press and Le Cordon Bleu finalists, were invited for a divine four-course dinner served by Cord chefs.
Dishes included a sumptuous rack of lamb, delicate crab, a zesty and tropical panna cotta and an exquisite mushroom parfait - served in a chocolate toadstool (sounds weird, but tastes phenomenal).
After a superb dining experience, certificates were presented to the Scholarship Award winners. It was a night of gastronome girl power, as three females took home the top prizes.
Emma Keenan from Enniskillen in Northern Ireland was named the winner of Le Cordon Bleu London’s prestigious 2025 Scholarship Competition.
This year’s scholarship carried special significance, marking Le Cordon Bleu’s 130th anniversary, and featured its most extensive prize package to date - worth over £90,000.
The grand final saw 16 talented aspiring chefs showcase their skills in a live culinary challenge, before presenting their completed dishes to a panel of esteemed judges, including Emily Roux (Caractère), Chris Galvin (Galvin Restaurants), Nicolas Houchet (The Savoy), and the winner of the 2024 Scholarship, Caoimhe O'Neill-McGuinness.
After a closely fought competition, Emma Keenan, aged 27, impressed the judges with a Savoury Choux Ring with Mushrooms, Mascarpone and Hazelnut and Parmesan Craquelin.
.jpeg?crop=3:2,smart&trim=&width=640&quality=65)
The judges were impressed with Emma’s determination and intuition demonstrated in the kitchen, and the genuine passion for the culinary arts that came across in her interview. At an awards ceremony and dinner hosted at CORD by Le Cordon Bleu, the very same day, she was officially crowned the winner.
Emma Keenan has been awarded a full scholarship to pursue Le Cordon Bleu’s renowned Grand Diplôme, combining both cuisine and Pâtisserie training. The prize package also includes a three-month internship at CORD, 12 months’ accommodation in London courtesy of Londonist DMC, mentorship from Michel Roux Jr. and Chris Galvin, and an overnight stay at The Savoy.
For the first time, two runners-up were also recognised:
- Second place: Melissa Kuo from London, awarded a place on either the Basic Cuisine or Basic Patisserie 3-month programme.
- Third place: Ruby Goodens from Hull, awarded a place on Le Cordon Bleu’s Summer Essentials Course.
Both runners-ups will also receive a 2-week internship at CORD and special prizes from The Savoy and Phaidon, and all contestants will receive a year’s membership to CKBK and a custom chef’s jacket courtesy of Clement Design.
Winner Emma Keenan said: “I don't think I've ever felt so proud of myself in my life. I feel incredibly grateful because every finalist is a deserving winner. They're all such talented and passionate people. I feel extremely excited about the journey that's in front of me, and I can't wait to get started. I have no doubt it's going to be challenging and intense, but in the best way.
“Anyone who is considering applying for the next Scholarship, you absolutely need to believe and just take that shot. It comes with this sense of vulnerability, but it's the best thing to put yourself out there for something that you genuinely care about because everything can change, so 100% apply. If you are in any way passionate about food, you absolutely have to do it.’
.jpeg?crop=3:2,smart&trim=&width=640&quality=65)
Emil Minev, Culinary Arts Director at Le Cordon Bleu London, commented: “This year’s 130th Anniversary Scholarship has been one of our most exciting and competitive to date. The level of creativity and dedication from all the finalists was exceptional, and Emma distinguished herself with outstanding technique and passion. We are honoured to support their culinary journey.”
For those unfamiliar, the annual Le Cordon Bleu London Scholarship competition continues to serve as a launchpad for culinary careers. Allowing people, regardless of age, location or background, the chance to follow their dreams and aspirations, they can learn from Le Cordon Bleu London's Master Chefs and intern under the kitchen team at CORD by Le Cordon Bleu.