The Journey of the Cocoa Bean: Talk & Tasting with Former Royal Pastry Chef Kathryn Cuthbertson - The Garden Rooms at Tennants

Kathryn, former Royal Pastry Chef to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II from July 2006 to December 2017, has dedicated a lifetime to pastry and the culinary arts. In 2017, she became a Member of the Victorian Order (MVO), awarded by The Late Queen in the New Year Honours List. Highlights of her time working for The Royal Family include creating and executing menus for State Occasions, Royal Weddings, Royal Christenings, Royal Ascot as well as Diplomatic receptions and Jubilee Celebrations. Examples of some of her work can be seen in the two Royal Collection publications 'Royal Teas' and 'A Royal Cookbook'.

During her 32 year professional career, Kathryn has been fortunate to work alongside some of the industry's leading chefs, pastry chefs and hotel general managers. She has worked in some of the world's most prestigious five-star hotels and Michelin starred restaurants, including London's Mandarin Oriental, Landmark and Intercontinental Hotels. Kathryn was a member of The Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire opening team as well as holding the position of Executive Pastry Chef at The Hotel Sofitel in Melbourne, Australia.

Kathryn having founded her own business in the Yorkshire Dales, now creates handcrafted luxurious chocolates, bespoke occasion cakes and holds masterclasses with various partners across the UK. Using world class craftsmanship, high-quality sustainably sourced ingredients and the utmost care to ensure yourspecial occasion is fit for royalty.

Kathryn will introduce guests to the journey of the cocoa bean, from harvest to production, focusing on the four main varieties: dark, milk, white, and ruby chocolate, explaining various flavours, pairings, and applications. The tasting and talk will be followed by a delicious 2-course lunch.