RESTAURANTS
The Savoy announces new Executive Pastry Chef , Nicolas Houchet
- THE SAVOY -
The Savoy is delighted to announce the appointment of Nicolas Houchet as Executive Pastry Chef . Nicolas has joined the team from Le Cordon Bleu , the world-renowned culinary institute , where , as Deputy Head of Pastry , he led the pâtisserie team .
Originally from Nancy in France , Nicolas ’ love of the culinary arts , and in particular pâtisserie , dates back to his teenage years and an Easter work placement with a local pâtissier , when he spent the holiday making celebratory eggs and chocolates . Nicolas subsequently spent five years training under award-winning mentor Jean-Claude Hammerer , at Restaurant Hammerer , and then to his first five star , the Grand Hôtel de la Reine , both in Nancy .
In 2005 he made a move to the UK to set up his own pâtisserie , Macaron , which was judged Time Out ’ s Best London Pâtisserie within its first year , then in 2010 Nicolas then took the opportunity to join Le Cordon Bleu London as a pâtisserie teaching chef , rising to team leader .
One particular challenge that will face Nicolas early in the New Year is the grand finale of the Pastry World Cup , being held in Lyon in January 2023 , where he will compete as a key member of the UK Pastry Team . Nicolas is a seasoned award-winner , having recently been awarded the European Pastry Cup 2022 as part of the same team .
‘ Nicolas ’ career has been characterised by perseverance , dedication and attention to detail ,’ said Franck Arnold , The Savoy ’ s Managing Director . ’ These qualities will stand him in good stead not just for the upcoming competition , but as a pivotal member of The Savoy ’ s culinary team . We are proud to welcome him amongst us and look forward to seeing the benefits of his focus learning and development .’
‘ It ’ s so exciting to join The Savoy ; I have inherited a great team with a huge appetite for learning and innovation , and we are supported by an ambitious and charismatic leader in the shape of Franck Arnold , The Savoy ’ s Managing Director , and an able and dynamic senior leadership team ,’ commented Nicolas .
You don ’ t just stay at The Savoy , The Savoy stays with you . www . thesavoylondon . com
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