Ashburton Cookery School

Ashburton Cookery School was founded in 1992 by Stella West-Harling MBE, who chose the town of Ashburton on the edge of Dartmoor National Park for its beauty and proximity to outstanding local food producers. Over three decades later, the school has established itself as one of the UK's leading culinary institutions, consistently ranked among the country's best cookery schools. The school operates from a purpose-built facility designed specifically for culinary education. State-of-the-art kitchens feature individual workstations (16 students per kitchen), demonstration areas with high-definition screens, and a relaxed theory and dining room opening onto a terrace patio. A second Fusion Kitchen accommodates ten students in an airy, church-ceilinged space. More than 50 courses cater to every level and interest. Half-day and full-day classes focus on specific cuisines — Indian, Italian, Greek Meze, Tapas, Modern British — or ingredients, from sourdough and patisserie to seasonal game. Weekend and week-long residential courses allow a deeper dive into culinary technique. For those seeking professional qualifications, the Chefs' Academy offers an intensive 4-week Foundation Course, a 17-week accredited Culinary Arts Diploma, and a 15-week Patisserie Diploma — all recognised internationally. The school champions Devon's exceptional food culture, working exclusively with local, seasonal and ethically produced ingredients. Every course is entirely hands-on: participants cook full meals from scratch, eat what they make, and leave with recipes and skills they can replicate at home. Chef Director Darrin Hosegrove leads a team of professional tutors who have worked in some of the UK's most prestigious kitchens.