No processed foods in sight at this wonderful cookery school in Essex! A warm and welcoming environment awaits at this school run by MasterChef contestant Ann Hood, who is joined by a whole roster of professional and celebrity chefs all eager to impart their passion for food to you.
Head Chef is French 'traiteur' Franck Pontais, who arrived in the UK to work at the food hall in Harrods, before heading to Selfridges to set up their delicatessens and food halls. A fervent fan of cooking with fresh and local ingredients, Franck will have you enthralled with his enthusiasm for creating great dinner party food.
Food with a French flavour isn't the only cookery style on the menu in Essex, there are also classic Italian, specialist seafood courses, quick and easy dinner parties, Indian food master classes and even chocolate courses, all just waiting to tempt you into the kitchen. There are such good taster menus!
Whether you choose evening, half or full day cookery courses at this school in Essex, you're sure to learn a lot about food, all in an informative and relaxed way as you marvel at how the professionals work that kitchen!
All classes include a welcome and introduction to your professional chef with tea and coffee as you receive a brief overview of the course you have chosen. You will be provided with an information pack, recipes and a pen and cookery school notebook to make notes. Each class allows for plenty of hands on time as you learn a variety of kitchen skills whilst being served a selection of dishes, wines and refreshments throughout the class. (No alcohol before noon) You may be joining part of a class of 10 on the day. Courses available include:
Evenings: Pasta, Sicilian, Chicken, Seafood, Chocolate and Curry Class.
Half Day: Teen Cuisine, Cooking for Beginners, Quick, Easy and Impressive, Fish and seafood Extravaganza, Vegetarian, 3 Course Gourmet Dinner, Easy Entertaining and Italian Masterclass
Full Day: 5 Course Masterclass, Beginners Gourmet Cooking, Dinner Party Masterclass, Vegetarian, Chocolate Making, Italian Masterclass, Express Dinner Party, Indian Masterclass, Real French Cuisine and Easy Entertaining.
Classes are available on selected weekday and weekend dates throughout the year. Evening classes begin at 6:30pm and end at around 8:00pm. Half Day classes run from 10 am (morning session) or 2pm (afternoon session) and last for three hours. Full day classes run from 11am and last for five hours. Loan aprons provided.
The cookery school is located in the village of Danbury in Chelmsford, Essex. The cookery school is small yet cosy and welcoming. You will feel as if you are spending an evening with friends as you wine and dine in this relaxed environment.
There is a minimum age of 16 years old to attend these cookery classes. A nut free environment cannot always be guaranteed therefore these courses are not suitable for those with a nut allergy.
Unfortunately due to the intimate nature of this experience, spectators are not permitted. The venue is cosy and intimate with a lot of character, you are made to feel at ease as if you were in your own kitchen. The kitchen work stations face directly onto the dining station meaning there is constant interaction between those cooking and eating.