History

The Association Culinaire Française is extremely proud of its heritage. It assumed the title in 1932 following the merger of the Club Culinaire, founded in 1845 and the Société Culinaire Française, founded by Mr Emile Fetu and the universally known Chef de Cuisine, Mr Auguste Escoffier in 1903

The importance of the ACF to the profession was quickly recognised by the Right Worshipful, the Lord Mayor of Westminster and His Excellency the French Ambassador, who both gave it their patronage. We are honoured that their successors continue this tradition to-day.

Nowadays, we have the benefit of modern ideas, but the Association also continues in the spirit of its founders. It was and still is a Society created and managed by Chefs, for Chefs. Our ideas have progressed with the times, but our aims remain unchanged. Principally, these are to maintain professional standards of Cuisine and to encourage Learning and Skills. We have a fine library, based at our offices in central London, which members can access (by appointment only). We work closely with many colleges nationwide and our accreditation of approved training courses underpins our commitment to young and aspiring chefs.

As you will see on our annual calendar of events, the ACF is involved in organising competitions, demonstrations and other events promoting the art of Cuisine.

We hope that you will become a regular participant at our social and instructive functions.

I look forward to meeting you in the future,

Mr William Hamelin
President