Imagine: waking up in a luxurious country manor, surrounded by rolling hills, and then heading to a state-of-the-art kitchen to learn the secrets of gourmet cooking. This dream can become reality at some of the UK’s finest hotels, which boast top-notch cookery schools. Prepare to be tantalized by the prospect of learning from renowned chefs, using the freshest ingredients, and honing your culinary skills in a stunning setting. Let’s explore these culinary havens!
Yorkshire Dales: Swinton Park’s Culinary Charm
Nestled within a converted Georgian stable block, Swinton Park’s cookery school offers an idyllic setting for culinary exploration. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales while picking fresh produce from the hotel’s extensive kitchen garden. Under the guidance of Cookery School Tutor, Kevin Hughes, you’ll learn the art of crafting delicious dishes using local ingredients. After a day of learning, unwind in this luxurious castle hotel, renowned for its award-winning food and rejuvenating spa. Swinton Park is a true gourmet getaway for food lovers seeking a luxurious retreat.
Welsh Wine Country: Llanerch Vineyard’s Culinary Delight
Escape to the romantic charm of Llanerch Vineyard in the Glamorgan countryside. Nestled among the vines, Angela Gray’s Cookery School offers a relaxed and intimate culinary experience. Angela, a celebrated figure in the Welsh food scene, welcomes small groups to her demo kitchen, where she shares her culinary expertise in a friendly and informal atmosphere. Treat yourself to one of her masterclasses and savor the flavors of Welsh cuisine in this idyllic setting. Don’t miss seeing Angela at the annual Abergavenny Food Festival in September, a vibrant celebration of Welsh food.
Hampshire’s Culinary Gems: Lainston House & Chewton Glen
Step into the elegant world of Lainston House, a 17th-century country house hotel set amidst 63 acres of Hampshire parkland. Within its grounds lies The Season Cookery School, where you can delve into the world of culinary delights using fresh produce from the hotel’s kitchen garden. The course offerings are as varied as they are inspiring. Learn to cook traditional Hampshire fayre, master the art of chocolate making under the guidance of a former UK chocolate master, or embark on a culinary journey through Japan.
Just a short distance away lies Chewton Glen, a 5-star country house hotel, renowned for its award-winning restaurant, luxurious spa, and impressive grounds. The hotel’s new cookery school promises an unforgettable culinary experience. Learn from celebrity chef, James Martin, or be inspired by the talent of guest chefs and the mastermind behind the school, Chef Tutor, Rob Cottam. The cookery school’s focus on fresh, local ingredients, including produce from the hotel’s own kitchen garden, ensures a truly authentic culinary experience.
Bath’s Culinary Elegance: Lucknam Park’s Cookery School
Escape to the splendor of Lucknam Park, a spectacular country-house hotel outside Bath. At its Cookery School, you’ll be surrounded by state-of-the-art facilities and a team of expert instructors. Learn new techniques through full or half-day courses, including the enticing ‘Michelin Star Cooking at Home’ course. This course takes you on a historical journey through the world of Michelin, culminating in the creation of a gourmet 3-course menu. After a day of culinary exploration, relax in the spa or explore the hotel’s 500-acre estate. Lucknam Park offers a truly unique blend of luxury and culinary excellence.
Isle of Skye’s Culinary Retreat: The Three Chimneys
Escape to the remote beauty of the Isle of Skye and immerse yourself in the culinary wonders of The Three Chimneys. This gourmet hotel offers a unique blend of Scottish hospitality and culinary excellence. Enjoy the finest Scottish food, roaring fires, and the warmth of whisky on tap, all within the comfort of a luxurious hotel. But the culinary experience doesn’t stop there. At the Michelin-starred restaurant, you’ll savor a symphony of flavors, while chef Marcello Tully provides bespoke cookery classes, offering guests a glimpse into the art of Skye cuisine. Alternatively, watch the culinary artistry unfold through a glass panel at the chef’s table. The Three Chimneys offers a truly immersive culinary adventure, blending the beauty of the Isle of Skye with the passion of renowned chefs.
