A Week at The Ritz

What a week at The Ritz London taught me about great cooking

Last year, Dumfries chef Fraser Cameron secured a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity after winning the inaugural Scotland Food & Drink and HIT Scotland Legacy Scholarship Award, earning a coveted five-day intensive learning experience at The Ritz London under the guidance of Executive Chef John Williams MBE.

For Fraser, Head Chef at The Globe Inn, the experience made an immediate and lasting impression. “To put it simply, it was incredible,” he explained. “From the moment I set foot in the building, I was made to feel welcome and part of the team.” Stepping into the globally recognised two-MICHELIN-starred kitchen, he found himself immersed in an environment defined by precision, discipline, and an uncompromising pursuit of excellence. “The passion and hunger in the team were second to none; it was such a privilege and an honour to be part of that.”

The Scholarship, launched in 2025 to coincide with the MICHELIN Guide Ceremony for Great Britain and Ireland being held in Scotland for the first time, was designed to offer emerging culinary talent unparalleled access to world-class kitchens. And Fraser’s experience delivered exactly that. “John tailored my experience so that I could spend time on every section in the restaurant, along with a day in the pastry kitchen learning about the afternoon tea operation,” he said.

What stood out most was not just the technical excellence, but the openness of the team. “Across the whole week, every chef I worked alongside took the time to explain what they were doing, why it was done that way, and most importantly let me taste what they had made,” he said. For Fraser, this holistic experience – seeing how each section connects and flows – was invaluable in understanding the rhythm and cohesion of an elite kitchen.

The learnings were extensive: “I learned so much; my notebook is full. It’s difficult to pick my top three memories, but they are definitely varied. They would have to be, in no order, sauce making as the stocks are incredible; Chef’s advice to stay true to your craft and be honest in your cooking; and the way cress, micro greens and flowers are prepared for service.”

The most striking was the team’s commitment to classical technique, eschewing modern shortcuts. “All meat and fish were cuisson-cooked; there was no water bath cookery involved,” he notes. “The skill and precision to reach that level of consistency was mesmerising to observe.”

Beyond the kitchen, the experience also carried personal significance for Fraser. “I was in my element the whole week,” Fraser says, recalling a particularly memorable moment when John Williams presented him with a signed chef’s jacket, now framed as a reminder of the experience. “Chef also invited me into his office for a chat about everything from football to truffles, offering some fantastic wisdom and advice.”

Back in Scotland managing a busy service at The Globe Inn, Fraser reflected that “The scholarship has fostered a long-term project of self-improvement. There are methods, processes and techniques that I have implemented straight away, but there are also things that take time to work towards.” He added: “It is the gift that keeps on giving, providing new targets and standards to strive towards both personally and professionally.

“First and foremost, a lot of my learnings will be shared with my team, but I’m also excited to speak at events, hold demonstrations and work with students, helping to inspire the next generation of Scottish talent.”

The Legacy Scholarship is back for a second year, offering another ambitious chef the opportunity to follow in Fraser’s footsteps. This time, the stage will take place at The Dorchester – a globally renowned five-star hotel recognised for its excellence in dining and hospitality.

For those considering applying, Fraser’s advice is clear: “1000% do it. Give it your all and let your passion shine through,” he said. “This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime, money can’t buy experience. If you are serious about learning and growing, and are prepared to work hard and earn it, grab this opportunity with both hands.”

As Scotland continues to nurture and showcase its culinary talent on the global stage, initiatives like the Scotland Food & Drink and HIT Scotland Legacy Scholarship are proving vital – not only in developing individual careers, but in strengthening the future of the nation’s food and drink sector.

Find out how to apply for this year’s Legacy Scholarship here.