Having attended a few famous name Cookery schools, I was intrigued to sample The Culinary Cottage which was just a few miles away from my holiday home in Abergavenny.

Well, to my delight, I learnt more in that day than I did at all the others put together!!!

Penelope's cottage cookery school is as divine as she is delightful, I can see why she is in hot demand to the rich & famous - her repertoire could not fail to impress, one that she freely shares along with all the 'tricks of the trade'. She is not too 'chefy' either, I left the class with genuinely useful recipes and skills. 

The culinary cottage is beautiful all round - literally! Beautiful place,host,surroundings & of course food! Well done Penelope for pursuing your dream and sharing your secrets!

Tania Fossey

Penny Lewis of The Culinary Cottage cookery school is a wonderful inspiration to her students.  She uses only the best local ingredients, seasonal whenever possible.  I found that her sense of humour and calm manner enabled me to relax as I learnt how to tackle recipes that I would have considered too complex. 

Penny soon had us skinning & boning fish (my friend had a phobia about touching fish, Penny produced latex gloves, showing us that there is usually a way of coping with a problem.  She is able to think on her feet - a fellow student mentioned a garlic intolerance, Penny suggested alternative herbs & spices as a substitute.  I was so inspired by her knowledge, skills & enthusiasm that I now provide more complex & adventurous meals for family and friends.  Food has now become one of life's pleasures, thanks to time spent working with Penny.  She really is an inspirational teacher.

Jennifer Dennis

I did the Dinner Parties made Stressless course at the Culinary Cottage in September 2011.  The course contained lots of hands on cooking and was both fun and informative.  Penny is a great teacher who takes you through all the techniques calmly and clearly and is on hand to put you back on the right path if you do go wrong.  We cooked loads of delicious dishes and I came out with a raft of new recipes which I've been cooking for my appreciative friends and family since I got home.

I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Penny and the Culinary Cottage.

Tara Stimpson

Of course, I’ll be delighted to offer something by way of a testimony but it’s a question of how to cram so much into a small space!
I guess what I’d like  to say is based upon my own much-valued measurement in business…

The only possible reason that you’d pay to go along twice is if you think you’ve had value-for-money. I’m looking forward to the 5th session!!
Simply put, 10 hours have never passed so quickly. Many things to learn every time in a really friendly and productive environment’.

Penny, I’m not suggesting you put up your prices (please don’t!) but if you consider a 90 minute football match - £50, a 3 hour music concert - £80, a I hour music lesson - £20, then it’s difficult to imagine why it’s not value for money. You buy all the ingredients, you feed me twice in the day (no mean feat!).

Oh, yes, and I’m a better cook! It’s a no-brainer.

Grant Barlow

My friends Louise and Julia and I have been to two of Penny's cookery days (so far): Entertaining Made Easy and, just last weekend, Temptingly Thai. We were fortunate enough to have Penny all to ourselves on both occasions, and what a great time we had. Penny is extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and imparts that knowledge and enthusiasm with a smile and great patience! The Thai dishes we prepared were so flavoursome and fresh, and we left not only full of delicious food but also full of ideas and good intentions to buy lots of gorgeous Thai ingredients and have a go ourselves - though how we will fare without Penny's expert guidance remains to be seen ...