Le Cordon Bleu to visit Leeds

Chef Conor Cockram has over 17 years of experience specialising in patisserie. His journey began as a Commis Pastry Chef at the Michelin-starred Mint by Dylan McGrath, following his graduation from the Dundalk Institute of Technology in Ireland, where he discovered his lifelong passion for the culinary arts.
 
From there, Chef Conor honed his skills as a Pastry Chef de Partie at the three Michelin-starred Sketch by Pierre Gagnaire in Mayfair, London, known for its exquisite modern French dining concept. In 2011, he returned to Ireland to become Head Pastry Chef at Aniar Restaurant, where his leadership and innovative approach were instrumental in earning the restaurant its first Michelin star. His meticulous attention to detail also played a crucial role in ensuring Loam Restaurant secured its Michelin star in 2014, just 10 months after its opening. In 2018, Chef Conor became Pastry Chef de Partie at celebrity hotspot and three Michelin-starred Per Se by Thomas Keller, New York, known for its exceptional New American and French cuisine. He has also carried out several stages at 2 Michelin-starred Maaemo in Oslo, 2 Michelin-starred Ledbury in London and 3 Michelin-starred Balzac by Pierre Gagnaire in Paris.
 
His most recent tenure was at Maison Pierre Marcolini in Brussels, where he spent three years as a pâtissier and chocolatier under the mentorship of Pierre Marcolini, named Best Pastry Chef of 2020 by the World Pastry Stars. This experience allowed Chef Conor to master the delicate arts of chocolate work, confiserie, sugar work, and décor, elevating his remarkable skills to new heights. Beyond his work in professional kitchens, Chef Conor’s versatility has been underscored by his role in hosting the Irish Embassy in Tokyo in January 2020, where he showcased the finest Irish produce to an audience of dignitaries. He has conducted chef training demonstrations at culinary institutions across Ireland and has also been recognized for his innovative pastry techniques in both local and national press.
 
Chef Conor Cockram joined Le Cordon Bleu’s team of Patisserie Teaching Chefs in 2024.