The Mistley Kitchen

Basic ingredients:  Something of a culinary polymath – self-taught chef, restaurateur, food writer and now cookery school tutor – Sherri Singleton opened Mistley Kitchen in 2001 after 20 years industry experience both in the UK and her native California. The cook school overlooks the beautiful River Stour and is located next door to her award winning restaurant with rooms, The Mistley Thorn in the eponymous historic coastal village. Due to its location, fish is a serious concern at the school and features in many dishes taught in various workshops that include Taste of Mexico, Inspired Italian and Tapas, Sangria and Paella!  Workshops range from £85 – £110, all are run from 10am to 3.30pm and you’ll be taught many different dishes in that time, which all adds up to great value for money.

They say: The nice thing is you get maybe 10 or 12 strangers, though some people come with friends, and by the end of the day they are all sitting round the table like they have known each other for years. 

We say: As the website suggests, this is a sleek, professional operation with an appropriate balance of demonstration and hands-on cookery. They also offer bespoke courses that can be tailored to match an individual’s level of expertise.