Specialities
Situated in the city centre, a few seconds’ stroll from the station, The Grand, York proudly claims to be ‘the only five-star hotel in York city-centre’ and has the bells and whistles to prove it: glitzy spa, gourmet restaurants, knockout afternoon tea – and a cookery school. Every bit as grand as its name proclaims, the Grand doesn’t hold back where any of its facilities are concerned – including the school, where both hotel guests and culinary-minded visitors are treated to a broad array of classes, up to five days a week.
The school is run by Head of Cookery School, Devin Jones. The team cultivate a professional but friendly teaching style, ensuring the Grand’s classes are as welcoming to nervous novices as they are to more confident cooks. The emphasis is very much on having fun and making friends, but the teaching quality and equipment definitely don’t compromise on quality to deliver it. The purpose-built Cookery School is the perfect balance between home-kitchen comfort and restaurant-level kit, with 15 top-flight workstations (one for wheelchair users), a large dining room, chic chefs’ table events and a state-of-the-art lecture theatre. Outside, there’s a small kitchen garden to grow herbs for use during classes, with space for alfresco dining in summer.
There are currently more than 50 classes on the curriculum, from single-dish sessions such as Pork Pie, to more technical affairs including sushi and dim sum. The classes are available in various formats, from express classes, half-day and full masterclasses. Two-hour express classes are available in the evening for those hoping to enjoy a gastronomic experience after work!
