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 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

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

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