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

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 ...

Penny delivered her high professional standards to a newcomer to cooking like me,with patience,professionalism and person-ability.
She made preparing and delivery of high quality cuisine a seamless exercise transforming the rank amateur into a cook that can and does deliver very acceptable dishes to all tastes.

It is difficult to recommend her to highly as  given her role as chef to the aristocracy, she is still able to summon the humility and patience to teach those who hitherto have had little clue as how to cook semi-professionally.

Therefore i should like to recommend Penny as the all-round master chef that can and will prepare and teach high class cuisine to one and all thus bringing down any barriers to those wishing to prepare and deliver high quality food without intimidation.

Learning under Penny has been a life-changing experience for me and I would recommend her qualities without reservation or hesitation.

with thanks,

Ben Maxted

I first was introduced to Penny's school through a Christmas present voucher from my husband ( I am still not sure if he was sufficiently sensitive to understand that cooking has always been my unrequited passion or if it was a commentary on my efforts to date ...). I so enjoyed this day that I subsequently returned 10 times, and have introduced many of my friends to this wonderful experience.

Penny does not merely teach us cooking skills, she empowers us to be able to tackle what we previously would have thought to be beyond our capabilities and ensures that we enjoy ourselves along the way.  Her cooking days are very busy, informal and relaxed, and we all end up eating way too many calories! Penny's recipes are simply the best, offering new twists on traditional classics, which are fun, easy to make (when you know how!) and most importantly absolutely delicious - try her chilli jam. I cannot recommend this cookery school highly enough.

Gwyneth Steddy

I was lucky enough to attend one of Penny Lewis’ five day courses in March 2012, it has changed the way I will cook for the rest of my life. What an inspiring course it was. It was not just the cooking but the very helpful handy hints and recipes.

Being there for five days I covered the whole spectrum of dishes and methods, from bread making, dinner parties, healthy nourishing meals, great cakes and wonderful desserts. Penny was able to fit in particular things I wished to try but did not have the confidence to try at home such as souffles and sauces for fish dishes.

My family where amazed and delighted when I arrived home with a wonderful selection of my dishes, they particularly appreciated the Hot Cross buns, which I went on to make many more batches before and after Easter.

I cannot praise Penny enough, she is a wonderful patient teacher, truly inspirational. This course had to be the nearest thing to a religious experience I have ever had. I left the course feeling I could cook anything!

Should you require any further information please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Kindest Regards,

Alyson Taylor