Caitlin Walsh

Bio
Caitlin is a Pastry Chef de Partie at Harrods where she has been working for the last 5 years, where she has produced high-end cakes and patisserie on a large scale for the shop floor as well as multiple restaurants within Harrods. Caitlin currently works in the Chocolaterie, producing a range of bonbons, bars and tablets for the shop floor. 

Life before Leiths
“I joined Leiths just after I finished school, where I studied Food Technology for both GCSE’s and A-Levels. I’d had a passion for food from a very young age and throughout school it was a career that I was persistent to follow.” 

What inspired you to enrol at Leiths?: 

“I knew I wanted a career in food but I wasn’t completely sure that I wanted to become a chef. I loved that Leiths opened up a whole range of opportunities in all areas of the food industry and allowed me to discover what avenue I wanted to pursue. The open evening at Leiths also had such a positive and welcoming atmosphere with loads of success stories that really inspired me to enrol.” 

Life after graduation: 

“Since leaving Leiths in 2018, I took up a job as a pastry chef in Harrods where I have worked ever since. I’ve progressed from Commis to Chef de Partie and have learnt various skills in pastry and chocolate, as well as how to manage a large team. I also took park in the Annual Awards of Excellence competition and won Young Pastry Chef of the Year in 2022. Working at Harrods has allowed me to take on various roles and given me many opportunities to learn and progress in my career.” 

Any wise words for future grads?: 

“Work hard and learn from everyone around you! I’ve spent the last few years really absorbing the knowledge from those more experienced than me which has enabled me to learn so much and progress quicker. It can be a difficult industry to navigate but keep working hard and say yes to every opportunity until you get the career you want!”