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 spent two and a half wonderful days at the Culinary Cottage. Penny welcomes you in to her beautiful home just outside picturesque Abergavenny. From the moment you arrive you feel that nothing is too much trouble and you are treated as a friend rather than a stranger.

The course itself is very hands on and intensive. Every dish is made from scratch and you cook lots of dishes from Penny's vast repertoire. Although intensive you find the time flies by and you learn so much. Everything you prepare is from a recipe sheet and these are in a binder that you take home with you. Penny has infinite patience and has the rare gift of making everyone feel at ease and also an excellent teacher.

If anyone had told me I could bone and stuff a poussin before going to Abergavenny I would have laughed them out of my kitchen! But bone and stuff it I did and even if I say so myself it looked pretty good.

All in all a great experience for anyone with an interest in cooking. There are plenty of other cooking schools out there but very few that offer the personal, caring tuition of Penny Lewis at her lovely cottage.

Gavin Steer, Saundersfoot - Pembrokeshire.

Waitrose is delighted to be involved with The Culinary Cottage, particularly as we both share a real passion for quality food. Penny’s calm approach to preparing excellent meals is an inspiration to all who cook with her.

Waitrose looks forward to a long and happy relationship with Penny and The Culinary Cottage.

Waitrose ABERGAVENNY

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

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