The Foodworks Cookery School

Basic Ingredients: Designed by the founder Harriet Elwes, this state-of-the-art kitchen housed in a voluminous purpose-built barn in the heart of the Cotswolds has an impressive roster of chefs and food specialists to match. Among them are MasterChef finalist, Ben Axford, master baker, Maurice Chaplais, cake-whiz, Pia Cato and award winning chefs, Paul Collins and David Kelman. There are several courses per month so plenty to choose from including Men in the Kitchen, Moroccan Nights and Game On & Knife Skills. Testimonials suggest the bread-making course is a particular highlight, which includes lunch, wine and a take-home bag of your baked bounty. Approximate pricing is £140 for 5 and a half hours and most courses include a complimentary glass of wine and 3-course lunch.

They say: I love the fact that people who come to the cookery school go away feeling uplifted. You’ll work closely alongside our chefs whose aim is to maximise your learning and fill you with confidence.

We say: The school also offers two and four-week intensive courses for people looking to pursue a career in food. They promise to hone your skills to a professional level and use their links with recruitment agencies to help place students in chalet and yacht catering roles. Accommodation is available at the nearby Colesbourne Inn and there are plans to hook up with Cowley Manor to offer courses for its guests.