Olivia Hall: Talented Redditch chef in scholarship finals

Le Cordon Bleu, renowned for shaping culinary careers globally for over a century, has announced Olivia Hall as one of the sixteen finalists for the 2024 scholarship. 

After a rigorous selection process, sixteen talented individuals have been chosen from an exceptional group of semi-finalists.

These finalists will compete for the prestigious scholarship, which offers a life-changing opportunity to study at one of the world's most renowned culinary institutions. 

The Le Cordon Bleu Scholarship offers a comprehensive culinary education providing the winner with unparalleled training and exposure to the culinary arts.

It is a prestigious culinary scholarship (Image: Le Cordon Bleu London)

The winner will receive a fully funded place on the Grand Diplôme® programme including a nine-month course combining Diplôme de Cuisine and Diplôme de Pâtisserie.

The prize also includes a three-month internship at CORD by Le Cordon Bleu, accommodation for a year at student accommodation Londonist, mentoring from renowned chef Michel Roux, work experience with Galvin Restaurants, and a trip to visit Andros' site at Bairs-sur-Cère, France.

The total prize worth over £60,000.

Emil Minev, culinary arts director of Le Cordon Bleu London, said: "We are incredibly proud of all the applicants and the high standard of talent we have seen this year.

"Our finalists have shown exceptional promise, and we are excited to see them progress in the final stage of the competition."

The full list of finalists for the 2024 Le Cordon Bleu Scholarship are:

Andy Apollo, London

Bettina Jin, Oxford

Caoimhe O’Neill-McGuinness, Eastbourne, East Sussex

Chiara Kon, London

Christopher Chafer, Hambleton

Daria Sopelkina, London

Deb Milligan, Ruislip, Middlesex

Fiona Fitwi, Belfast

Hibiki Kono, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

Olivia Hall, Redditch, Worcestershire

Olivia Swash, Greater London

Shenaz Mohamed, Harrow Weald, London

Sunita Rayler, Gerrards Cross, South Bucks

Tsvetomira Oblashkova, Manchester

Valerie So, London

William Walker Hardie, Edinburgh

The scholarship process began with hundreds of applications, showcasing the passion and dedication of aspiring chefs from all over.

The semi-finalists were narrowed down after a series of challenging tasks, including interviews, quizzes, and sensory evaluations.

It was a rigorous application process (Image: Le Cordon Bleu London)

Salina Campbell, Le Cordon Bleu Alumna and founder of Joli, said: "I was honoured to return to Le Cordon Bleu as a judge for the semi-finals.

"It was a pleasure to speak to so many passionate contestants who no doubt made this selection incredibly challenging."

The final stage will see the selected candidates demonstrating their culinary skills and creativity before a panel of esteemed judges on September 16, 2024, at Le Cordon Bleu London.