After nine years at the helm as President of Les Dames d’Escoffier London, Dame Jacqui Pickles has handed over the baton to our newly appointed Board. We are deeply grateful to Jacqui for her leadership, energy and commitment, and for all she has done to strengthen and grow our Chapter.
Jacqui has been instrumental in shaping LDE London into the vibrant, connected and forward-looking community it is today — championing collaboration, mentorship and opportunity for women across the food, beverage and hospitality sectors. Alongside our co-founders, Sue Carter and Valentina Harris, and long-standing Board member Fiona Richmond, Jacqui has helped steer the Chapter through a period of great momentum and purpose.
We’re delighted that Jacqui will continue to be an active part of our community as Immediate Past President, an honorary and advisory role — and we look forward to seeing her at future events (and no doubt picking her brains!). We’re also excited to follow her next projects and endeavours.
Jacqui’s contribution has been remarkable. Together with Sue Carter, she has led our International Women’s Day events, which have become a highlight of the LDE London calendar. This year’s event, hosted by Dame Sheila Dillon and featuring Dame Sally Abé and a panel of industry leaders, sparked an inspiring and timely discussion about working in male-dominated kitchens — and raised valuable funds for the Chapter.
Jacqui and Sue also co-created our flagship Edible London events — the cornerstone of our fundraising. These immersive food tours have become legendary, drawing Dames from across the US and Canada to experience the very best of London’s culinary scene (and, more recently, Cork and Scotland too!). The 2025 Edible Tour alone raised a very healthy sum, which will be used to continue to support women in our industries.
Beyond London, Jacqui has been a tireless ambassador for our Chapter, representing us at LDEI international conferences and helping to forge strong relationships with our sister Chapters across the globe.
From everyone at LDE London: thank you, Jacqui, for your generosity, leadership and friendship. You have left an incredible legacy — one that will inspire and empower future Dames for years to come.