Rosemary Shrager Cookery School

Basic ingredients: Celebrated culinary all-rounder Rosemary Shrager brings a wealth of experience to her new cookery school in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. She fronts the school alongside John Rogers, a former chef  at Swinton Park, in Yorkshire, from a three-storey Regency building kitted out with a comfortable “home-style” kitchen with all mod-cons and an eco-friendly professional kitchen. The latter will run apprenticeships throughout the year for those looking to gain nationally recognised qualifications as a stepping stone towards a catering career. Regular courses include half-days with John Rogers, at £105, on themes such as Indian Cookery, Sushi, Knife Skills and Canapes. There is a wide variety of day courses and masterclasses – Butchery, Mediterranean, Gluten-Free, Beginners and Intermediate, for example – ranging from around £160 to £260. A three-course lunch and goody bag is always thrown in. Junior Gourmets provides tuition for 9-11 and 12-15 year-olds at £55.  Chef’s Table is a more ‘hands-off’ experience, with a complimentary glass of champagne and a tasting menu prepared by Rogers, who answers culinary queries during the three-and-a-half-hour feast.

They say: Rosemary’s passion for cooking and desire to impart her knowledge, which she does with warmth and verve, cannot fail to fire those fortunate enough to be her pupils.

We say: Look out for Guest Chef of the Month slot, which is Great British Bake Off 2012 winner John Whaite on 28^th August 2013, and the opportunity to pick-n-mix courses across two or three days, arranged by cookery style or ability.