Calling all foodies! If you didn’t know Cambridge had a cookery school, you’ve been missing out!

Since 2008 Tine Roche and her team have been running courses for adults, teenagers, children and University students in their state-of-the art kitchen unit near Hills Road Sixth Form College. Championing a healthy, sustainable lifestyle they source only the best local and seasonal ingredients for their classes. Having built up a network of talented professional guest chefs who run courses around their specialist fields, the school is able to offer a wide range of classes.  You can prepare yourself for independent living with the  ‘Cook For Life’ course aimed at students, get festive with a ‘Christmas cake decorating’ session and even speed date with their ‘Singles Supper Club’ (to name but a few.)

Arriving to take part in the two hour ‘Breaking Down Bread Making’ class, I was in awe at what seemed to be a deserted semi-industrial unit transformed into a modern, stylish and bustling kitchen. Before the awe had worn off however, we were getting stuck in preparing and kneading two doughs – a focaccia and rye bread rolls. Whilst the doughs were rising and proving, Tine explained the process of bread making and gave her best tips on how to seamlessly sew bread making into a busy schedule. Science writer Sarah Castor-Perry then delved into the nitty-gritty of the science behind bread in a thoroughly researched and surprisingly funny presentation.

Once proved, the doughs were baked and soon emerged from the oven looking tempting, with their wafting smell and fluffy texture. And, as if the evening couldn’t get any better – the lights were dimmed and we sat down and tucked into our bread, accompanied by a delicious celeriac and apple soup.

Straightforward and clearly presented, the recipes are thoroughly fool-proof. Not only does the school provide exciting opportunities to hone your culinary skills, it also acts as a fantastic hub for Cambridge’s foodie community. Food lovers – this is a must!