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

A Tasting Time - Morrocan and Thai.  A fantastic cookery course run by Penny at the Culinary Cottage and I have come away with lots recipes that I will be trying again at home.  My favorite dishes included Spiced Tuna Steaks, Saffron & Cardamon Creme Caramel and Asian Chicken Soup.  Penny's cookery courses offer excellent value for money,  always enjoyable and suitable for all levels of cooking experience.  I look forward to returning again and again.........

Thank you Penny for another wonderful day at the Culinary Cottage.

Having come from a non-cooking orientated family, we took the unusual step of opening a restaurant. After working with some chefs, I realised that I needed to learn how to cook. After speaking to family and friends in the trade, I knew there was only one place to go, "The Culinary Cottage" in Pandy.

So I spoke to a lovely lady Penny on the phone and booked a 3 day course and a 5 day course to learn different things. What I learnt was amazing, I went from someone who couldn't really boil an egg confidently to a master cook. I was able to cook with confidence, and should the volatile chefs decide to "walk out", I could quite confidently take charge and knew exactly what I was doing. The course came complete with the recipes we had cooked so I could make these in the restaurant, one of the particular favourites is the Cheese Sauce, also the Almond Tart goes down a treat with our restaurant guests (when there is any left, I do have to force myself to stop eating and lock it away from staff).

I cannot thank and recommend the Culinary Cottage enough, we cooked, tasted, cooked, tasted and so on! It is a must for anyone who is a beginner and I would even recommend it to a master chef. Thanks Penny!!!

Regards

Jeff Smith

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.

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