As LDE London celebrates its 15th anniversary, we pause to give huge thanks to the two remarkable women who brought this Chapter to life: Sue Carter and Valentina Harris.
They first came up with the idea of creating a London Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International back in 2009. When they gathered a small group of women to explore the idea, neither could have imagined the vibrant community that would grow from it: one that now stretches across the UK and Ireland, connecting, mentoring, and celebrating women in every corner of the food, drink, and hospitality world.
Sue Carter – The Creative Force and the Steady Hand
Sue, calm, imaginative, and deeply committed, she ensured that the London Chapter didn’t just begin — it endured and grew.
Returning from Austin, Texas, where she had co-owned a successful wine store and was invited to become a member of the local Les Dames Chapter, Sue was inspired by what she saw there and determined to bring that same spirit home. Her quiet leadership, creative vision, and steadfast commitment helped lay the foundations for what would become a thriving, inclusive, and resilient London Chapter.
Described by Mostly Food & Travel Journal as “the indispensable rock of the London Chapter,” Sue has been a guiding presence since day one.
Her “Five Minutes With” interview captures her perfectly. Asked what she might have done had she not worked in food and wine, she answered simply: “Painting.” That creative eye has shaped everything she’s done; from developing projects and events to nurturing the Chapter’s welcoming, collaborative spirit.
Her proudest career moment? “Starting LDE London and seeing it flourish”. And flourish it has ,thanks in no small part to her steady leadership and generosity of time and spirit.
Sue’s sense of humour and humility shine through too. She admits not every culinary adventure has been a success — “once was enough” when it came to trying cod tongues — and she finds joy in simple comforts like “mashed up egg when you need a boost.” She still remembers a perfect meal shared in the Loire Valley as one of her life’s highlights.
Through her creativity, steadiness, and kindness, Sue is proof that the soul of food, and of this Chapter, lies not in grand gestures but in the small, genuine moments we share.
Valentina Harris – The Storyteller and the Chef
Valentina’s journey is one of energy, humour, and heart. From her Italian childhood adventures; cooking on camping stoves and serving “mud pies and grass salad” to her endlessly patient mother; to writing over 50 cookbooks and becoming one of the UK’s most respected authorities on Italian cuisine, she has lived and breathed the joy of food.
She often says, “If I’m not feeling good, my food is less good.” It’s a reminder that cooking, like community, thrives when it’s full of heart. And her quick wit always shines through, especially in her belief that one should never start a risotto unless you’re ready to commit: “There are already so many disappointments in life — let’s not add to them.”
That same warmth and honesty are at the core of LDE London. Valentina’s vision was simple but powerful: to create a space where women who “get it”; who understand hard work, generosity, and the art of lifting each other up. They could come together and thrive.
Together, They Built Something Extraordinary
Sue and Valentina brought very different strengths to our Chapter and together they created something enduring. Because of them, LDE London is more than a network; it’s a community built on shared values, mutual support, and the joy of what we do.