Women Leaders in Food, Drink and Hospitality
An affiliate chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International
Welcome to the London Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International
LDE London (Les Dames d’Escoffier London) is a dynamic group of forward-thinking and successful female leaders in the food, beverage and hospitality industries. Located in the best city in the world, LDE London is a chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI), a non-profit organisation which supports its communities through grants, scholarships and mentorship.
Visit our events page to learn about our events, which are open to members and many also to the general public.
Mission:
We are founded on the principle of creating a supportive culture within our community through:
- Sharing knowledge
- Supporting our members
- Providing leadership, educational opportunities and philanthropic events for the community at large
Letter from the President
Hello and welcome to LDE London.
For those visiting us for the first time, we hope you gain an insight into our Chapter, affiliated with the larger organisation, Les Dames d’Escoffier International.
Please take time to see what we do, get to know our membership here and consider how you can be involved in our welcoming community. We look forward to hearing from you or seeing you at one of our events!
5 minutes with . . . Kim Hanks
Kim Hanks, a dual chapter member, is Co-Founder and Creative Director for Whim Hospitality, an award-winning multi-service company encompassing hotels, restaurants, a full service spa, and an Event Services company in Texas.
Here she shares some quick-fire answers about what makes her tick and how she got interested on food and,ultimately, LDEI.
To reveal some of your own innermost secrets, contact Dame Jen Greenhalgh for more information – twodogsldn@gmail.com
Save the Dates in 2025
Our 2025 Edible Tours have officially been announced at the LDEI Conference in Phoenix.
These tours are open to our sister Dames within north America and Europe, but there will be events available to our members – plus opportunities to volunteer as chaperones.
Edible Cork – May 7th – 11th ~ Edible London – May 14th – 19th ~Edible Scotland – May 19th – 23rd
Our bookings will open later this year once our itineraries are complete
Olive Chocolate Tapenade
As entertaining season draws close, this super quick recipe from Dame Chantal Coady adds a new ingredient to the classic Mediterranean dish of Tapenade.
LDEI Conference Report
Dames Kate Howell & Catherine Sloman
We were delighted to represent our Chapter and Board at this year’s conference in Phoenix, Arizona.
Even the locals had been finding the weather unbearably hot just a couple of weeks before, so we were relieved that it had “cooled down” a little by mid-October.
Dame Kate Howell officially appointed to the LDEI Board
Dame Kate Howell, LDE London Board member was appointed Third Vice President of the LDEI Board at the LDEI Phoenix conference. This position, covering the international brief, is for a strategic communications expert specialising in food, markets and community inclusion. Kate is passionate about how food can bring people together and her commitment to LDE London and LDEI are driven by her belief in equity in the food industry and a personal commitment to supporting other women in the industry.
Taco Tuesday – LDE London Special Report
Jen worked her taco magic and hosted a Taco Tuesday fund-raiser for us on US election night.
Christmas Social Update
Date: Tuesday 10th December from 18:00-20:30
Where: Divertimenti lower floor, 227 Brompton Road SW3 2EP
£30
Join us for a fun evening with drinks and nibbles courtesy of Valentina Harris and Divertimenti.
There will be a Secret Santa Recipe Swap and a ‘Passing on of Previously Loved Pages’ – a book swap in other words.
Contact Sue Carter – sue.ldelondon@outlook.com – for tickets.
< Dames Only Event >
Support us
Donations go towards our beneficiaries – these range from food charities to educational funds for women entering the worlds of culinary arts, fine beverage or hospitality.