This London based fun, family-run cookery school will teach you one of life’s most valuable skills. Join them for a sociable cooking adventure that will start from the basics all the way to cooking a full roast!
In the school, there is always music playing to get everyone in the right mood and the atmosphere is always friendly and informal.

The Avenue’s Duke of Edinburgh Residential Course is a way to complete your DofE Gold Residential while learning an important independent life skill. As a Duke of Edinburgh AAP (Approved Activity Provider) they have been running their courses since 2004, so you can rest assured that you will be in safe and knowledgeable (although often flour covered) hands!

What separates them from the rest? They put emphasis on teaching their students about food, rather than merely following a recipe. They don’t believe in cookbook dependency, so by the end of the course they will make sure each student is full to the brim with spot-on culinary knowledge without a recipe in sight! They put the fun and imagination back into cooking!

Can’t boil an egg? No problem! Already cook a bit at home? They will break those bad habits and learn the foundations of cooking. Pick up tips and tricks of the trade that will make you the master of any kitchen!

The Avenue put an emphasis on affordable home cooking, while teaching students how to avoid wasted food and money. These transferable skills for life will benefit all students whether they’re still living at home, at university or living independently.

Each day will start with a demonstration of what is being cooked that morning. Then the students will go to their islands and cook a 2 course lunch. After lunch there will be another demonstration of what will be cooked in the afternoon and then an afternoon of cooking will commence! Each day is hands on and will teach new skills and recipes as well as continuing to practice those learnt the day before – after all practice makes perfect!

*On Thursday they hold a wine tasting and origins of alcohol talk.
Evening activities will be chosen by the students and can be anything from tennis, board games or even staying in for popcorn and a movie night.

For accommodation students will stay at one of the amazing family run B&B’s that they have worked closely with for years. Breakfast & dinner will be provided every morning and evening from Monday.

For those who live further afield there is an option of 5 nights’ accommodation, enabling you to arrive on the Sunday evening.