Kent's First Purpose-Built Cookery School Opens
There is now no excuse for not being able to cook as Kent’s first purpose-built cookery school officially opened its doors on Thursday 9 June at The Secret Garden, Mersham-le-Hatch, Ashford, with a champagne reception attended by 200 guests.
The school, which is located in the heart of rural Kent in a peaceful cobblestone courtyard, will offer both novice and 
enthusiastic cooks a choice of 21 different courses which will run all year round.
Courses will include; Italian and French cooking, patisserie and preserving, fish and fishmongery, meat and butchery, preparing and cooking seasonal game, bread-making, dinner party entertaining, knife skills, barbecuing, foraging, children’s cookery lessons, a taste of Kent using the finest local ingredients and preparing for Christmas - a must for anyone keen to avoid disaster when cooking their Christmas dinner!
Each course, which caters for up to 12 people, is run by a trained head chef and includes practical demonstrations, advice and tips, recipe ideas and seasonal inspiration, plus the all important hands on preparation and cooking time.
Some courses will include a delicious and leisurely three course lunch with wine and the opportunity to taste treats cooked throughout the day.
The Kent Cookery School has been set up by Stephanie and Douglas Wanstall, owners of The Secret Garden restaurant, Kent’s Restaurant of the Year 2011.
Cooking has become an increasingly popular passion and hobby for many people and the best way to learn and improve your skills is to watch how the professionals do it and to have a go yourself.
We have a range of courses for all levels of cook and it is a great way to meet like-minded people from the local area and further afield all in a tranquil and beautiful setting.
All our courses are very hands-on and very practical, and maximise the use of the best local and seasonal produce.
Stephanie Wanstall
For further information, a full list of cookery courses and dates, or to book a course, please visit: -
www.secretgardenkent.co.uk
info@secretgardenkent.co.uk
01233 501586
Day courses start at 9.30 and finish around 4pm and cost from £39.
Evening courses and half-day courses are available too.