Basic ingredients: This Essex-based cookery school was started in 2008 by Ann Hood, an ex-MasterChef contestant. The varied expertise of her and an assortment of chefs means that the school offers courses on everything from Indian classics to an Italian blow out with Valentina Harris. Most classes are held in their modern timber-roofed cook shop, with just six places, ensuring lots of individual attention. For larger groups and corporate workshops there are half a dozen luxurious locations to choose from nationwide.
They say: We are an intimate dining and learning experience, where you can gain insider tips and tricks of the trade from specialist and celebrity chefs, in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. The ingredients used are fresh, local and delicious, the tuition is professional and down to earth, and the completed dishes, sublime.
We say: The laid-back atmosphere and lack of pressure make it a fun and relaxing experience. The recipes are easy to replicate, so many of the “trainees” are able to put their new found skills into practise when they get home.
01245 227 527; www.thesmartschoolofcookery.com
We didn’t have a great experience with this school. Think it’s a case of they have probably expanded their business too fast and they don’t seem to be able to keep track effectively of their bookings. We had paid £200 for my girlfriend and I to attend a three course lesson. Had to wait 3 months for the first available lesson and it had to be mid-week so we took the day off work. Just before the lesson they cancelled on us (no reason given) and to top it off it’s another 3 months plus wait to get onto the next lesson. We’ve found it pretty poor customer service to be honest so we’ll be looking to other cookery schools instead.
Chris
Attended the Thai and Asian course today. Excellent customer service, excellent half day course. Learnt a hell of a lot in 2.5hrs, well worth the money. Ann knew her food and knowledge, always willing to advise and explain different parts of the cooking process along with why we used each ingredient. Sorry to hear about your experience Chris, must have had an off day. Thanks Ann and hope to attend a course again soon
Chris in reply we too had a poor experience, my daughters lesson had it’s start time changed a few days beforehand. The lesson appeared to have flaws in it. When I sent an E mail giving feedback I was told it was my Daughter who was to blame and then threatened that a solicitor would be involved. She stated she had 100% positive feedback until my email? Strange that we try to support local businesses and were polite in our e mails and were treated in such a fashion.