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

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 have known Penny Lewis for over 10 years. During this time Penny has cooked for parties of corporate guests here at Catton many times, and my family have attended her cookery courses at the Culinary Cottage.

Penny is a top-class chef in her own right. She has creative ideas and produces delicious and attractively presented dishes. Our discerning clients and guests never fail to remark on the delicious taste of Penny’s food. Penny is also efficient, well-organised and incredibly hard-working, always with that delightful smile!

Everybody enjoys and appreciates the courses at the Culinary Cottage. There is an interesting variety of choice and the welcome is always warm.    Penny is a highly practical person and, having gauged the standard of her students, teaches at an appropriate level so that everybody leaves with newly acquired knowledge and confidence. She is so organised that even the most nervous student finds themselves in a conducive environment for learning the joys of creative cookery.

The Culinary Cottage will continue to thrive under Penny’s guardianship. She never fails to look forward, and to be inventive and intuitive about her range of courses and dishes.

Katie Neilson