Programmes & Partners
Women in Food, Drink and Hospitality
LDEI’s mission is to inspire, advance and support women across food, drink and hospitality and we are committed to creating lasting change in out communities through focused philanthropy. Here at LDE London, we fully funded a bursary for a student, Alex Beighton, to study for an Advanced Diploma in Artisan Baking at The School of Artisan Food. The course is accredited by FDQ and equivalent to Foundation Degree Level and is a full-time, intensive six-month course that boasts unrivalled tuition from industry’s most recognised producers and experts. It also includes an outstanding opportunity to explore setting up an artisan business.
This wonderful experience wouldn’t be possible without our sponsorship and funds raised by LDE London. It is also a huge step in one woman’s career in the food industry, as Alex works towards her dream of opening her own bakery.
Fundraising events are held throughout the year, many being small, member-only dinners or gatherings. In addition, LDE London hosts Edible London biannually: a 4-day extravaganza of London’s culinary offerings for our US sister Dames which helps to strengthen our transatlantic bonds as well as add funds. LDE London welcomes donations of any size – please use our contact page to get in touch, or simply click on the Donate button below.
The Kate Ray Memorial Bursary for Patisserie
This fund was established by Les Dames London in remembrance of Kate Ray, a New Zealander, following her early death from cancer in 2011. At a time when there were few women in their kitchens, Kate was a highly esteemed Roux chef, working alongside Albert Roux at Le Gavroche in the 80’s. She was particularly talented in pastry work and came to head Roux Restaurants Patisserie which provided viennoiserie and desserts for many London restaurants. She was known also for her specialised marzipan work and together with Michel Snr made a spectacular cake for Prince Charles’ 40th birthday!
She returned to Auckland and set up a pastry business supplying many restaurants and airlines before then turning her amazing attention to detail to a Fine Art degree where she was top student in each year. A multi-talented woman remembered fondly by her culinary peers in London.
Past recipients of the bursary include Hannah Cameron who spent a week at the Waterside Inn with Alain Roux and his team, and Jess Courtis who worked at William Curley Chocolatier honing her chocolate skills.
Two students of the Blue School’s Catering Programme in Wells, were assisted in joining an exchange with the Universita dei Sapori in Perugia.
Legacy Awards
LDEI augments the philanthropic work of its chapters by way of three awards: the Legacy Awards and the Grande Dame Award. All of these awards are open to members and non-members.
Legacy Awards are supported by the Julia Child Foundation and were established in 2009. They are aimed at offering mentorship opportunities for professional women in the culinary arts. Up to $2000 in travel and accommodation expenses are reimbursed and each Award-winner is invited to attend the LDEI annual conference with expenses paid.
The honorary Grande Dame Award is open to nominations from all 40 chapters of LDEI and is awarded biannually. Candidates are women with exceptional contributions within the worlds of food, wine and other fine beverages, hospitality, nutrition, and the arts of the table or other fields that relate to these disciplines. The title of Grande Dame may be awarded to members and non-members of Les Dames d’Escoffier.
Further information is available at www.ldei.org.