Mersea Island Cookery School

Mersea Island Cookery School is set in the peaceful and picturesque village of East Mersea, just over 9 miles south of Colchester town centre.

A good cookery school is always a fabulous find and the Mersea Island Cookery School certainly tops my list.  Whether you want to build your confidence and start off on the road to cooking prowess, hone your already adept skills by learning new techniques from the professionals, or just have a fabulous day out and enjoy excellent food prepared by your own fare hand, do try one of these classes, they are excellent.

The Cookery School is housed in a large, light and attractive, converted listed barn.  The long, open plan room is kitted out with wall to wall modern appliances, abundant cookware and enough spacious worktops to provide plentiful workspace for up to 10 people to practice and prepare with room to manoeuvre.

The classes are hosted by a number of acclaimed and award winning chefs, including Chris Gillard, head chef of the Michelin starred St.John restaurant, renowned for seasonal ‘nose to tail’ eating; Karl Goward, head chef of Fay Maschler’s Drapers Arms in Islington, and also responsible for setting up 'St.John Bread & Wine' in Spittalfields, London.  And Gerard Baker, a freelance chef with over 25 years experience, a regular broadcaster with Radio Four's the food programme and a columnist with The Kitchen Garden. 

The calibre of chefs may appear a little daunting; however be rest assured, the teaching methods are very down to earth, friendly, informative and enjoyable.  Think more of a day out, cooking, learning and building your confidence, whilst questioning, laughing and chatting - rather than being placed at a workspace and instructed.

The ingredients used for your delicious 3 course meal are superbly fresh and seasonal.  Being as The Mersea Island Cookery School is the sister business of ‘Ben’s Fish’ you are assured the freshest fish and seafood available, usually caught locally that very morning, as well as crisp fresh local vegetables and freshly picked herbs.

The menu you will prepare consists of straight-forward, sumptuous dishes that can easily be recreated at home; the emphasis is on fabulous ingredients, professional preparation and superb flavour.  After, selecting, preparing, cooking and learning, you will enjoy the fruits of your labours with a bountiful feast.

This is hands on cooking, using the finest of ingredients with tips, shortcuts and excellent tuition, individual attention and encouragement from a top chef.  I could not think of a better day out.

Our Summary
A good cookery school is always a fabulous find and the Mersea Island Cookery School certainly tops my list.  Housed in a large, light and attractive, converted listed barn the various classes are designed to suit beginners and professionals alike.  The classes are hosted by a number of acclaimed and award winning chefs that utilise very down to earth, friendly, informative and enjoyable teaching methods. This is hands on cooking, using the finest of ingredients with tips, shortcuts and excellent tuition and encouragement from a top chef.  I could not think of a better day out.