What a first year! Just over a year ago, Jacqui Derbyshire opened the doors of The Limpsfield Cookery School in the Old Printworks on the picturesque High Street of Limpsfield Village (opposite Memorial Stores).
Having completely renovated and refurbished the old building to create a modern teaching kitchen for up to 8 students per class, the school quickly became very popular, offering classes for all levels by top chefs from around the country. But about 6 weeks later, everything changed!
“It was a real baptism of fire,” said Jacqui, owner of the Cookery School. “We quickly booked up all sorts of fabulous classes with some incredible chefs, but with the first lockdown, everything came to a grinding halt.”
Not one to rest on her laurels, Jacqui set about adapting her business for the pandemic, and like many other hospitality businesses such as the local cafes and pubs, created her own “takeaway” option, ‘From Our Kitchen to Yours’.
“We knew we had to adapt our offer quickly and keep our business going, so with everyone getting sick of their own cooking, we started creating delicious homestyle ready meals, perfect for the freezer and we deliver free within a 6 mile radius of Limpsfield.”
The meals can be ordered online at www.thelimpsfieldcookeryschool.co.uk or over the phone, 01883 818383. Drop-ins are also welcomed 10-4pm weekdays (and some Saturdays).
“Luckily our meals were an instant hit and we have continued to add to our menu ever since. We now have a wide range of family favourites – mains, sides and desserts – to keep the locals happy and healthy!”
In between lockdowns, Jacqui also managed to build up the cookery school, hosting some popular classes, taught by world class chefs including former River Cottage Head Chef, Andy Tyrrell, Italian TV Chef, Valentina Harris, Master Chocolatier and Patissier, Lucie Bennett, vegan/vegetarian author, Jenny Chandler, West Country based executive chef, Ollie Thompson, well known Indian chef and restaurateur, Jaya Malani and Limpsfield based chef, Fausto Eppinger – all of whom will continue to teach at the school this year as soon as restrictions are lifted.
“It’s been a very tough year, said Jacqui, but we have been so heartened by all the amazing support of the local community. We hosted a fabulous Christmas Gift & Artisan Fair that was really well attended and are are looking forward to doing much more in 2021. We are ready to get back into classes as soon as we are able”.
The Limpsfield Cookery School has a load of great classes coming up from April onwards. Check out their schedule on the website. You can also order food and book classes online order meals at: www.thelimpsfieldcookeryschool.co.uk.
Call 01883 818383 for more information on classes or ready meals.
Follow them on FB/Instagram @thelimpsfieldcookeryschool
Limpsfield, Surrey 