Kent Cookery School

The staff team in the courtyard at Kent Cookery School

Basic ingredients Based in a beautiful cobbled courtyard five minutes from Ashford in Mersham, Kent Cookery School has large vaulted ceilings and a beautiful separate dining room known as ‘The Pantry’. The school, which has a purpose-built kitchen fully equipped with six induction stoves and ovens, was bought by husband and wife James and Autumn in 2016. James has been a chef for 15 years working in a number of high-end restaurants and was the executive chef for a large award-winning pub group in the south east. The ethos of the school is using the freshest seasonal ingredients to produce the best dishes, coupled with using the best tutors who are friendly and expert in their fields. Courses range from short evening classes to full-day and weekend courses; topics include Macaroons, Bread, Fish, Knife Skills, Indian, Thai and much more. The monthly Chef’s Table is a unique dining experience and usually fills up months in advance. It offers a five-course seasonal menu for guests and includes prosecco and canapes. The school also has an impressive offer for corporate away days. Classes can accommodate 12 participants; prices start from £50/£65 for an evening class and rise to £120/£145 for a full-day experience.

They say: We pride ourselves on our high repeat custom at the school. As such, we always keep our offer varied, have expert and friendly tutors lead classes and encourage people to have fun and enjoy food in all its forms. From learning new skills to meeting like-minded foodies we think our friendly, relaxed environment is the perfect place to learn something new in the kitchen.

We say: The school, which boasts cracking views beyond its cobbled courtyard and over its large Victorian walled garden, is one of the best in this corner of England. It has an exciting range of courses, including cuisines and street foods from around the world, and is a lovely environment in which to learn and eat together. There are also good links to London and some great B&Bs to stay at nearby.