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!

Tea towels for good

Say hello to our new fund-raising tea towel featuring artwork by artist Dame Elisabeth Luard.

Printed on high-quality 100% cotton, it features a beautiful full-colour image of a tasty bunch of Chard and will make a gorgeous gift for anyone, including yourself! 

All profits fund our Scholarship Programme, supporting women entering the food and hospitality industries.

Shipping to UK addresses only.

Edible Tours 2025

The London Chapter welcomes our fellow Dames to some amazing culinary adventures this May – in London, Cork and Scotland.

Edible Cork – May 7th – 11th
Edible London – May 14th – 19th
Edible Scotland – May 19th – 23rd

Our bookings are now open – see here for more details.

International Women’s Day 2025 Leading the charge – Top Chefs Shaping the Future of Women in the Kitchen

Tuesday March 4th from 18:00

58 and Co at 329 Acton Mews, London E8 4EF (Haggerston overground station)

Join LDE London for an inspiring panel discussion with some of the most celebrated women in our culinary world.  Curated by new Dame Sally Abé, and President Jaqui Pickles, the panel will be led by Dame Sheila Dillon.  Her guests are: Sally Abé, renowned chef now at The Pem; Michelle Trusselle, semi-finalist in Master Chef: The Professionals and founder of the Myristica Supper Club; April Lily Partridge, Roux Scholarship winner and, until recently, Sous Chef at The Ledbury; Sabrina Gidda, champion of women in food and hospitality.

The evening is generously sponsored by Open Table, 58 and CO and Nespresso Professional.  Ticket price includes drinks curated and supplied by 58 and CO.

*TICKETS ARE NOW SOLD OUT* 

We are operating a waiting list – so don’t despair!  Register here

Dame Kate Howell 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.

Dames Gift Guide

Our Dames are a creative lot and there are lots of ways we can support those who make delicious cheese, chocolates and beverages as well as book publishers, cookery teachers, caterers and more.

Our Dames pour their heart and souls into everything they do, so why not make your gifts extra special by shopping from their businesses.