London, UK – Restaurant Associates UK, the premium hospitality provider, has announced a major culinary partnership with world-renowned pastry chef and celebrated television personality, Cherish Finden. The move sees the Bake Off: The Professionals judge take on the role of Consultant Chef to drive patisserie innovation and excellence across the company’s vast portfolio.
The collaboration is built on a shared mission to elevate the art of patisserie, showcasing it as a true centrepiece of the luxury dining experience. Finden, celebrated globally for her meticulous precision and artistry in pastry, will bring her signature flair and passion to work alongside Restaurant Associates’ (RA) talented pastry chefs.
Elevating Craftsmanship and Mentoring Talent
In her new capacity, Chef Finden will focus on refining technique, setting a higher standard of creativity, and mentoring rising talent within the RA culinary team. This commitment goes beyond menu development, signalling RA UK’s significant investment in culinary learning and development.
“I am honoured to step into the role of Consultant Chef, bringing my expertise to drive patisserie innovation and excellence,” Finden stated. “Together, we will elevate patisserie across the business, refining technique, and setting a higher standard of creativity and craftsmanship. I look forward to shaping a stronger, more ambitious dessert offering and supporting the development of exceptional pastry talent.”
A Partnership Forged in Afternoon Tea
The partnership was successfully previewed during a special Afternoon Tea Week event where Chef Finden collaborated with the RA team, led by Culinary Director Adam Thomason. The event featured a show-stopping, Japanese-inspired menu that included extraordinary creations like the ‘3 Leafs’ Milk Tea Oolong Crèmeux and a Masala Chai Mousse—dishes described as breathtaking in both presentation and flavour.
Mr. Thomason praised the move, highlighting Finden’s influence: “Cherish’s energy, passion and meticulous attention to detail are unmatched. It is a privilege to have Cherish mentoring our chefs and collaborating with our clients to deliver experiences that are truly world-class.”
A Formidable Industry Figure
Cherish Finden’s impressive career spans over two decades, during which she has accrued numerous international awards, including leading the Singapore pastry team to victory in the 2000 IKA Culinary Olympics. She previously served as the Executive Pastry Chef at top luxury venues like The Langham and Pan Pacific London, where she opened her own patisserie, SHIOK!.
The appointment of such a high-profile figure underscores a growing trend in premium corporate hospitality to treat the dessert course as a crucial differentiator, ensuring every dining component—from bold flavour innovation to stunning presentation—meets the highest possible standard. Finden joins an already impressive roster of Consultant Chefs at Restaurant Associates, solidifying their position as a leader in culinary excellence.
