We are delighted to introduce Dame Cathy Sloman as President of Les Dames d’Escoffier London.
Cathy was appointed to the LDE London Board in 2023 and became an active member of the Communications and PR Committee. In 2024, she took on the role of Vice President and, since early 2025, has served as acting Co-President alongside Dame Valentina Harris to support outgoing President Jacqui Pickles.
A dedicated and dynamic member of the Chapter, Cathy has been instrumental in organising and supporting a wide range of events, including the popular Taco Night, online learning sessions on Substack and cookbook publishing, and Dames Give Back volunteering initiatives with organisations such as Cooking Champions and HMP Send. She organised Edible Cork 2023 with Jacqui and was the lead organiser for Edible Cork 2025, contributed to Edible London. She is also an enthusiastic member of the Book Club.
Cathy’s engagement extends internationally through Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI). She has served on the committee for the Women of Purpose and Scholarships for Impactful Change awards, participated in the annual conference, and regularly contributes to the Feast magazine with our Chapter updates.
Professionally, Cathy is a culinary teacher with a specialism in baking and seasonal cooking, teaching at Bread Ahead and Cookery School in London and at Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland. She also works with Luminary Bakery, delivering masterclasses as part of its Employability Programme for women overcoming disadvantage. Cathy published her cookbook, Kitchen Confidence, in 2019.
Before her culinary career, she practised as a solicitor specialising in criminal and family law, later serving as a Senior Legal Adviser in the Magistrates’ Court Service. That background in law and justice informs her belief in the transformative power of education and community — principles she brings to both her teaching and her leadership within LDE London.
“LDE London is a vibrant and generous community of women, united by a shared passion for food, drink, and hospitality,” says Cathy. “As President, I want to continue building on our strong foundations — expanding our events, increasing our fundraising for bursaries, and ensuring that our Chapter remains a supportive and inspiring network for women at every stage of their careers.”
Under Cathy’s leadership, LDE London looks forward to a year of growth, collaboration, and purpose — continuing to celebrate and champion women across the food, drink, and hospitality industries.