Gretchen Oldland has run Woolsgrove Cookery School from her farmhouse kitchen for over 8 years. September 2010 sees the opening of her brand new cookery school kitchen, housed in the old bake house in the courtyard. It is a beautiful space as well as a functional one, combining traditional style with state-of-the art equipment. Despite the generous space, Gretchen’s cookery days are limited to 15 attendees, as it is the personal approach that has remained the Woolsgrove hallmark as it has grown.

Woolsgrove lies in rolling rural Devon countryside, less than half an hour from Exeter. Woolsgrove Farm is a 17th Century listed farmhouse and the new cookery school kitchen and venue rooms are refurbished using traditional materials, incorporating 21st century comforts. The end result is a beautiful place to relax into food, wine, business, entertaining – the possibilities are endless.

A day at Woolsgrove Cookery School starts at 9:30 am, with drinks and a freshly-baked bite to eat. Gretchen then demonstrates 8-12 recipes on a theme until 4 pm, with guests tasting all of the dishes. The demonstration format and recipes provided mean that guests can simply relax, or take a turn, as they wish. The atmosphere is more the club than the classroom, and many friendships have been forged over food and wine on Woolsgrove cookery days! All you need to bring is a hearty appetite and a sense of humour.

As well as the courses listed on the annual programmes, Gretchen runs Bespoke days for groups. The organiser convenes a group of their choice, coming on a preferred date and exploring their own specified theme – some have been as general as seasonal recipes, some have been as specific as far eastern vegetarian non-gluten dishes! The beauty of the bespoke day is that the choice of company, date and theme is yours. Just ring Gretchen to discuss the possibilities.

Gretchen also teaches wine appreciation classes, on a weekly basis with a theme per term, and one-offs. Please see the wine page for what is currently on offer.

Gretchen grew up in America, England and France, and has travelled extensively. After visiting many cookery schools as a keen amateur cook, Gretchen attended Ballymaloe Cookery School where she was taught by Darina and Rachel Allen. She obtained diplomas in Cookery and Wine Appreciation. As well as teaching cookery and wine classes, Gretchen cooks for private clients and functions.

Gretchen understands that delicious, confident cooking can and should co-exist with hectic modern living. She believes that the pleasure of food starts in its choosing, so prime local and seasonal ingredients are the stars of the show, coupled with world-wide flavours and techniques. She feels strongly that everyone can produce fantastic food, children and novices as well as the experienced cook. Constantly developing new recipes ensures classes are original and fresh, and the cooking philosophy is ease and fun, as opposed to labour and toil. Gretchen aims to give invaluable tips in an atmosphere that is informal and jolly – chat and participation are welcome. If the lecture theatre is what you are after, you have come to the wrong place!

Woolsgrove occasionally offers one-off classes with guest chefs and the new rooms offer teaching possibilities for all sorts of visiting teachers and their skills. See the On Offer – Off Programme page in the News section.