Sizzling year of success for cookery school at The Grand

York-based hotel, The Grand, has reported that its cookery school has had 3,200 guests through the door since it was launched last year.

The 2,500 sq ft space is part of the five-star hotel, despite sitting separately with its own entrance. Designed by Mackenzie Wheeler, the contemporary-style school comprises 16 workstations offering full day, express, or evening classes.

Head chef Andrew Dixon explained that when he took on the expansion, he set out to create a fun, interactive experience where guests could relax, make friends and try new flavours.

He added: “We’ve welcomed more than 3,000 guests over the past year, proving there is absolutely appetite for what we are offering. Yorkshire is a culinary hub and we’re excited to have brought a unique event to the city’s food and drink offering.

“The expansion was a huge investment for the hotel, so came with its risks, but aside from exceeding booking expectations, seeing the cookery school go from a derelict space to an environment full of joy and laughter, has been extremely rewarding.

“Moving into the second year, we are looking at becoming an official cookery academy meaning we will be able to offer official qualifications as well as educational classes.”

As well as gathering local traction, the one of its kind school has featured on national television as part of Channel 5’s Hairy Bikers Chocolate Challenge and Mark Tiling’s Extreme Chocolate Making.

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