Chocolate Foundation (Workshop 1.0)

Beverley Dunkley has been sharing her passion for chocolate at the UK Chocolate Academy™ since its concept started 10 years ago.

She has contributed extensively to develop a full range of innovative courses in confectionery, bakery, hotel and restaurant sectors. Her love for teaching goes beyond physical classes as she regularly completes tutorials on the craft of chocolate for Callebaut® and other medias such as Staff Canteen. She has also featured in college manuals such as “Patisserie” by John Hanneman and in professional magazines such as Chefs Magazine and Squires Sugar Craft magazine.

Always keeping at the forefront of latest news in the pastry and confectionery world, she regularly travels across the UK and Ireland to provide technical support to confectionery and bakery businesses with their latest developments. This constantly strengthens her knowledge in product innovation and trends evolution.

Julie Sharp has been sharing her chocolate expertise at the UK Chocolate Academy since 2011.

Her career led her to be Head Pastry Chef at prestigious venues in London, including the Regent Four Seasons ( Landmark) Hotel and the Mandarin Oriental.

Driven by her passion for travel, Julie accumulated experience in prestigious five stars venues overseas.

 Firstly to the Bahamas as Pastry Chef for the Lyford Cay Millionaire’s Club, then to Canada to Chateau Lake Louise and lastly to the Sofitel in Melbourne, Australia.

Then she moved back to one of London’s most  iconic hotels: Claridges.

Recognised for her contribution to the Pastry world, Julie was invited to become a member of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and was awarded Pastry Chef of the Year by the Craft Guild of Chefs.

After completing a Certificate of Education, an opportunity arose for her to combine her love for pastry, travel and teaching and she joined Barry Callebaut as Chocolate Academy Chef.

Being recognised as a leading Pastry Chef in the UK, Julie regularly features in judging panels for the highest competitions in the industry such National Chef of the Year and Annual Award of Excellence.

More recently she was honoured as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and also invited to be a Fellow of Westminster Kingsway College.

Not only does she teach at the UK Chocolate Academy, but she also shares her craft via many tutorials online and regularly appears in major British hospitality publications such as The Caterer.

Mark has had an extensive career as a pastry chef and chocolatier and is currently Head Chocolatier and Development Chef at Squires Kitchen, Surrey. He has great passion and enthusiasm when working with chocolate and has gained many accolades, gold and silver medals in different competitions over the years and in 2006 he became UK Chocolate Master and for a second time in 2008. He also represented the UK at the World Chocolate Masters Competition 2007 and again in 2009 where he was placed 7th in the world. Mark has also written two books “working with chocolate” and “working with macaroons” also writing for Squires kitchens many magazines.