cookery school

IMPROVE YOUR COOKERY SKILLS

 

FUN WITH FRIENDS LucyCooks, Mill Yard, Staveley, near Kendal, Cumbria (; lucycooks.co.uk) Set in an old mill yard in a quaint Cumbrian village, LucyCooks is an open-plan, modern space that can accommodate classes of up to 24 and runs courses for cooks of all abilities. Owner Lucy Nicholson started her food empire in 1989 with a deli, Lucy’s of Ambleside, and now has a café, restaurant and wine bar.

On the menu My course, ‘Fish — the best fast food’, was appropriate for the Lakes location. Fisherman Kevin began by demonstrating how to fillet fish, then chefs Nick and Dale took us through the day’s menu: Thai-style baked black bream, Salmon with vanilla nut butter and Mussels with orange & thyme.

How hands on? The atmosphere is relaxed, yet fast-paced, with the chefs on hand at all times to assist. The menu covers a range of techniques, from cooking with delicate fib pastry to baking shellfish in foil, something I hadn’t tried before. All the dishes were quick and simple enough to re-create at home.

What else can I do? Situated in the heart of the Lake District and 10 minutes from the M6, LucyCooks is perfect for an activity day while on holiday.We stayed at the Lakeside Hotel on Lake Windermere (lakesidehotel.co.uk).

Cost From £120, plus you can bring a friend for half-price. My day-long course included coffee and scones, a two-course lunch with wine and a LucyCooks apron to take home.

Verdict Good fun, yet practical and useful.

Suzanne Lindfors

BBC Good Food Magazine

May 2008