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 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

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

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 have attended two of Penny’s courses at The Culinary Cottage and have recommended them to friends and family. Penny’s style is informal and very hands on. Penny herself is very knowledgeable and you can ask her any question you like on all aspects of food preparation, cooking and what equipment is best. No time is wasted on the courses at The Culinary cottage and the big bonus is that you get to eat what you cook and you can bring home some delicious food and recipes to share with your family and friends.

Shelagh O’Loughlin