Cookery courses – Learn new skills, make new friends and have fun

Cooking throughout the year

The winter months are very conducive to cooking as there are so many warming and hearty dishes that would happily keep us in the kitchen. Then the lure of summer with it’s own special produce, wonderful soft fruits and the best local seasonal vegetables, meat and fish make cooking simpler but equally pleasing to both the cook and the happy diner. So there are many reasons to keep cooking and to improve and learn new skills, not least that a home cooked meal brings a lot of pleasure to everyone lucky enough to come to your table.

Current courses

Past classes have included

Cooking with an Aga or heat storage cooker
Simple and delicious Summer foods
Confidence with fish cookery
Introduction to Japanese cooking
Bread making techcniques
Easy Winter food
Thai cooking

Supporting local suppliers

Victoria is passionate about promoting fresh seasonal ingredients and in particular “local producers and suppliers”:, of which there is an abundance in Herefordshire. There’s almost nothing this county doesn’t produce, with many farmers and shops now actively promoting their produce and selling direct to the home cook either at the farm or at farmer’s markets. We have a vast range of vegetables and fruit, and top quality meat from local livestock. Also regional cheese makers, good butchers and an excellent fishmonger.

A Relaxing day out

A day’s demonstration class at Pyon House encompasses a relaxing day in lovely surroundings. Coffee on arrival and lunch with wine are provided, along with clear recipes to follow during the class. The demonstration classes can accommodate 24 people and consist of a 2½ hour morning demonstration and an hour long session to finish in the afternoon. A convivial lunch in an informal dining room consists of tasting all the dishes featured in the class.

Practical and fun cooking classes

Adult and children’s practical classes are limited to 10, with 3 large work stations and cookers. All day at work in the kitchen is broken up for the children with some free time in the garden, and for the adults, a relaxing lunch in the dining room. A speciality Victoria has developed is “Men in the Kitchen” with complete menus to encourage men to improve their skills over a whole range of cooking styles and techniques.

Demonstration classes
Demonstration classes are held in Victoria’s own kitchen at Pyon House and numbers are limited to a maximum of 24 so everyone can see clearly. The day is split into 2 sessions with a relaxed break for a drink and lunch in the dining room. Everyone is encouraged to contribute or ask questions.

Practical classes
Also held in Victoria’s own kitchen and numbers are limited to 12 to allow plenty of space and personal attention. Students usually work in pairs. There is time for a relaxing lunch in the dinning room before a shorter afternoon session.

All the classes in this programme are daytime classes. Each day starts at 10 a.m. with coffee. All classes aim to finish by 3.30p.m. If a class is running late it is not a problem if you have to leave a bit early.

Private cookery days

Cookery classes here at Pyon House include demonstration classes on Wednesdays and practical classes on Saturdays. Specially arranged evening demonstration classes, or weekend practical classes can be organised for friends, colleagues and groups. Also if you have a group of children or teenagers who want a cooking day this can be arranged. So get in touch if you want to organise an event. My recipes are written for Aga, electric and gas cookers as I have these in my kitchen.

Cookware Sales

A selection of cookware as used by Victoria, is on sale at all classes.

Gift Vouchers

Valid for any class(es) are always available- ideal for Christmas, birthday or anniversary. The voucher can be for a particular class or valid for 1 year – ring and discuss what you’d like. These will be available online soon so please contact me to order your vouchers in the meantime.

Bed & Breakfast

B&B accommodation before or after a class can be arranged. Ring Victoria to discuss your needs.