Become a Chef in Britain

As far as the food and beverage industry goes, London has been hailed as one of the most inspirational for its dynamic meld of international flavors, dishes and ingredients. Since World War II, London has experienced an increase in foreigners that outpaces many other countries. Imagine that these disparate peoples have brought their cuisines with them and in tight communities and neighborhoods throughout the London area, still offer up their very distinctive flavors for the world to experience. THIS is part of the chef education in London.

Immerse Yourself in Classic British Cuisine

Part of any enthusiastic chef’s education is a gastronomic immersion in the local cuisine and culinary culture. Ironically, as much as the “new” ethnic cuisine is touted, realize that some of the most classic London foods have roots in ethnic cuisines. In London you should take every opportunity to visit fine restaurants and small casual eateries and experience the dishes and fare for which the Brits are famous:

• Fish and chips
• Bangers and mash
• Black pudding
• Meat pies, ie mince pie, pork pie, shepherd’s pie
• Yorkshire pudding
• Beef roasts and wild game meats

Celebrity British Chefs

A number of master British chefs have risen to the top of the celebrity lists. Most have made it part of their mission to carry the British cuisine into the 21st century. Familiar themes include healthy and organic foods, sustainable cookery, and use of fresh regional ingredients.

• Graham Kerr, “Galloping Gourmet,” perhaps the first to pioneer healthy cooking methods and ingredients.
• Jamie Oliver, besides his pop icon success, plays a key role in putting apprentice chefs to work/study in his Fifteen London restaurant.
• Gordon Ramsey

If you aspire to become an assistant chef, sous chef, executive chef or even chef/owner of your own restaurant in London then you’ll have a big leg up if you study here, as well. Some of the well-known culinary schools are tight with London restaurants and chefs willing to take on new grads or student chefs. London’s the place to learn the art of cheffing.

Popular Culinary Schools in London

Le Cordon Bleu – London -- The King of all culinary arts schools makes one of its campuses home in dynamic London. International best describes this key European city, one of the reasons so many students choose to study cooking in London. Le Cordon Bleu delivers a comprehensive, world-renowned education classic, regional and haute cuisine French culinary arts. Chef students learn in small groups alongside master chef faculty. Prepare all your dishes in state-of-the-art pro kitchens, totally prepared to meet any restaurant challenge that comes your way. Choose from three main study majors/degrees: Cuisine, Patisserie or Le Grande Diplome, which combines the skills of both cuisine and patisserie or general cheffing and pastry and baking.

Leith’s School of Food and Wine -- This London-based cookery school specializes in degree programs for professionals and courses and classes for serious cooking enthusiasts. Professional diploma and certificate programs utilize a dynamic set of instructional methods, including: celebrity and master chef demos, visiting international chefs, local field trips to food markets and fine restaurants, and hands-on cooking projects that make use of menu planning, inventory and cost control and wine and beverage know-how.