CULINARY ARTS EXPERIENCE PACKAGE (LONDON, UK)

Our featured institution for this sabbatical is Le Cordon Bleu London. Founded in Paris in 1895, Le Cordon Bleu is a world leading institution with a rich history and global reputation for culinary excellence. Catering to professionals and enthusiasts, the school’s instructors are Michelin-starred chefs or winners of prestigious competitions. Focused on authentic French techniques with modern innovations, the school has several notable alumni, including Julia Child, Bobby Flay, Mario Batali and Giada De Laurentis. The top of world-class schools, it has locations on Bloomsbury Square next to the British Museum and on Fleet Street in the City.

We have 2 options based on aim and availability that last 1 to 3 months:

• “Basic Cuisine" is a certificate program that covers classic French gastronomy techniques through lectures, demonstrations and hands-on cooking in world class kitchen facilities. This course is intensive, culminating in an examination as part of certification (7 weeks, full day classes, with Summer and Winter intake; alternatively 3 months at a slower pace, year round)

• Short courses, if Basic Cuisine sounds too intensive, Le Cordon Bleu also offers many short courses every week, so it's possible to design a dynamic learning program around your interests and schedule. Courses include classic French cooking as well as international cuisine (Italian, Mediterranean, Indian, Lebanese), patisserie, boulangerie, etc (from half-day to 15 days, year round)

• Sabbaticals.com will prepare and submit your application to ensure acceptance into the school's programs.

With both written and practical exams throughout the course, this program will no doubt raise your cooking game. By passing, you will achieve a Basic Cuisine Certificate. At this point, you will have mastered knife skills, vegetable cuts, butchery, stocks, sauces, soups, egg preparation, doughs, and French culinary terminology. Many will go on to the intermediate level, followed by superior, to attain the full Cuisine Diploma, usually with the aim to advance in the culinary world.

Owned by Sabbaticals.com, this recently renovated flat is located on a quiet street in South Kensington, in what feels like a friendly village within walking distance of Kensington Gardens. With private entrance, it has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a large living room and outside terrace. Of course, the kitchen is also first class :-). The commute to Le Cordon Bleu takes 40 minutes by underground transportation.

As for shopping, Whole Foods is a pleasant 10 minute walk away on Kensington High Street, while Waitrose is even closer on Gloucester Road, connecting to the Gloucester Road tube station.

If this flat does not suit your purposes, we will provide a selection of alternatives from Expedia (VRBO) with similar premium quality.

Sabbaticals.com will also provide you with a mentor and concierge who will both be based in London.

Your mentor is a culinary arts professional with close knowledge of Le Cordon Bleu London's programs. They can advise and encourage you along the way, while introducing you to the culinary arts community in London, including the best markets, restaurants and "off the beaten path" experiences.

Your concierge is a hospitality professional who can help you in a range of areas, including airport transfer, settling in to your chosen accommodation, neighborhood highlights and general advice for living in London. They can also help you arrange side trips and other travel activities.