The Refectory Cookery School

This Easter holidays will see the launch of the much anticipated Refectory Cookery School at The Refectory Café in Frome.

If you are very lucky you could be one of the few who nab a space before the sessions become fully booked.

The Refectory Cookery School is the brainchild of David and Faye Penfold, Frome foodies behind The Old Bakery Supperclub, The Roti Shack and The Refectory Café. David Penfold is an ‘outstanding’ primary school teacher who left full time education in 2014 to start a family.

David said, “Working such long hours at a primary school meant I would never have seen my son, so I really believed that something needed to change.

“Starting a children’s cookery school was an idea I had been mulling over with Faye, my wife, since I was a contestant on Masterchef in 2013, until then it had felt like an improbable dream. I decided it was time to ‘go for it’.

“I really believe that education on nutrition and locally sourced food should be a core part of the curriculum, and it isn’t. Children should be taught about growing food, about the difference in taste between locally sourced ingredients and ingredients shipped in from the other side of the world, it’s important to discuss these things and offer choice. We specialise in street food, world street food, using locally sourced ingredients where ever possible.”

The first session dates have been announced and cater for two different age groups: 4 – 8 and 8 – 13 and above.

The sessions on 29th/30th March will focus on West Indian street food and the 5th/6th April will focus on Thai street food. Sessions will be two hours long, from 3.00pm – 5.00pm, and pre booking is essential.

David added, “Your children will be very hands on and after the cookery session we will sit down and taste the food together. Each child will also bring home some recipes, tasters and special treats for their parents.”

David and Faye plan to extend their offering and run a toddler session in the coming weeks and adult cookery sessions.

They said, “The adult sessions will be longer, more in depth and end with a sharing feast, and matching wines. This is very exciting and we can’t wait to get in the kitchen.”

To book your place or hear more please call 07968 587 351 or email faye@always.cooking

Find them on facebook @Fromecookeryschool