Best known for his role as Chef Patron of the two Michelin-starred Le Gavroche until it closed in January 2024, Michel has worked in the culinary world across multiple mediums since leaving school at 16 to start an apprenticeship with Pâtissier Hellegouarch.
Since taking over Le Gavroche in 1993, Michel has also contributed to the culinary world through several cookery books and television appearances, helping to further cement him as a household name across the UK and internationally.
Find out more about Michel Roux and Le Gavroche here.
Part of a culinary dynasty, with his father Albert and uncle Michel first opening Le Gavroche before Michel Roux Jr took the reigns, and his cousin Alain as Chef Patron of the three Michelin-starred Waterside Inn. Now his daughter follows in the Roux family tradition with her own restaurant Caractère, which received a Michelin star in 2025.
The winner of the Le Cordon Bleu Scholarship will receive a one-to-one mentorship session with Michel Roux Jr. Drawing on his extensive experience as one of the world's most prominent chef patron's, Michel will provide advice and guidance which will help them as they embark on their culinary career.
Michel Roux commented on his involvment in the Scholarship, “I am delighted to be a part of the Le Cordon Bleu Scholarship and help nurture the culinary talent of the future. 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.”
Chris Galvin has been working in the culinary industry for over 30 years, working with the likes of Antony Worrall Thompson, Michael Quinn, Terrance Conran and Jeremy King & Chris Corbin, opening The Woleseley for the latter. Since 2005, Chris has ran Galvin restaurants with his younger brother Jeff, achieving much acclaim along the way, including Michelin-stars for Galvin at Windows and Galvin La Chappelle.
The winner of the Scholarship will undertake a day of work experience at one of Galvin Restaurants’ London locations, where they will gain an insight into operations at one of the best restaurants in the country.
Executive Chef Karl O’Dell heads the passionate brigade of chefs at CORD by Le Cordon Bleu. A skilful and creative chef, Karl uses his unique and innovative culinary style to execute seasonal menus, reflecting the best produce and flavours available all year round. He works alongside Chef Justine Bordet and his brigade of chefs to refine each and every dish to the highest standard.
The winner of the Scholarship will experience the Cord restaurant kitchen following their successful completion of the Grand Diplome, working under Chef Karl for 3-months.
Student Accommodation are sponsoring one room for the winner of the Scholarship Award for 12 months. Londonist DMC is the UK’s leading destination management centre company, offering the widest choice of tailor-made services in every area of London as well as other cities in the UK. They can provide both short term and long-term accommodations, from 2 weeks up until 24, 36, 43 and 51 weeks.
For more information about Londonist visit the Londonist website.
At No. 9 Conduit Street stands sketch’s home, a Grade II* listed townhouse first drawn into being by James Wyatt in 1779 as the residence of James Viner. Over the centuries its walls have sheltered many lives and ideas: the Royal Institute of British Architects once called it headquarters, the Suffragette movement found voice here, and later, Christian Dior stitched dreams within its atelier.
The Mayfair venue continues to contribute to the building’s heritage as a destination for experimentation. The site consists of our three-Michelin starred restaruant the Lecture Room & Library; the Gallery, our gastro brassiere restaurant; the Glade, our enchanted forest restaurant; the Parlour, our neo-90s room; and the East Bar. Collaborating with multiple designers and artists, restaurateur Mourad Mazouz has created a unique and ethereal experience in each room.
Over the past twenty years, due to Mazouz’s commitment to art and design, the venue has hosted works by hundreds of artists - Chris Levine, Ron Arad, Carsten Nicolai, Jonas Mekas, Mary Ellen Bute, Tracey Emin, and Turner prize Winner, Martin Creed and Nominee, David Shrigley and Yinka Shonibare CBE RA, as well as a raft of new and emerging talent.
For more information about Sketch visit the Sketch website.
Founded in Vienna in 1923, Phaidon has developed into the premier global publisher of the creative arts, working with some of the world's most influential authors, covering topics from art and photography, to fashion and travel, and, of course, food. Publishing cookbooks and culinary encyclopedia's for some of the world's most prominent chefs, Phaidon have worked with the likes of Ferran Adria, Enrique Olvera, Clare Smyth and Le Cordon Bleu alumnus's Virgilio Martinez Veliz and Gaston Acurio.
Phaidon have a long-standing relationship with Le Cordon Bleu, hosting events such as book launches for acclaimed chefs, including Virgilio Martinez’s The Latin American Cookbook.
Find out more about Phaidon on its website.
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Michel Roux Jr
Cord by Le Cordon Bleu
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