By Emma D'Arcy
  • Copy link to share with friends

You’ll never forget the experience of dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Every detail has been considered, from the ambience as you enter the restaurant, to the attentive wait staff and excellent cuisine. Chefs and their teams spend years perfecting the details that transform their restaurants from good to great, and from great to the very best in the world for the ultimate sensory experience. Imagine if you were able to offer some of that cooking flair to your dinner guests. A delicious main course that wows your loved ones, washed down with an expertly paired bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. Or a dessert perfected with artistic presentation.

For those who haven’t dedicated their career to the art of cuisine, there is a way to capture some of the elusive Michelin magic through an exciting opportunity to learn from the best. Whether it’s an ingredient that transforms the taste of a dish, or a technique to create an aesthetically pleasing dessert, there is always more to learn about how to cook well, and where better than from a celebrated culinary expert. Jean-Christophe Novelli welcomes foodies to his kitchen to participate in a food education masterclass.

London cookery class Novelli

The Jean-Christophe Novelli Academy offers food lovers an interactive cookery class near London with the Michelin-starred chef during a fun-filled day, creating seasonal dishes whilst benefiting from his expertise. Held in Novelli’s Hertfordshire home, this is a unique hands-on opportunity for aspiring chefs to learn cooking tips and how to improve their food presentation skills. Guests will spend the day learning from live demonstrations hosted by Novelli and a guest chef during cookery classes, followed by a culinary feast accompanied by a selection of wines.

"

"For those who haven’t dedicated their career to the art of cuisine, there is a way to capture some of the elusive Michelin magic through an exciting opportunity to learn from the best."

London cookery class Novelli - City Quays

Jean-Christophe Novelli has built his global reputation following over thirty years of success in the culinary world. The award-winning celebrity chef has appeared in several TV programmes including Hell’s Kitchen and Culinary Genius in the UK, and Top Chef and Chef Academy in the USA. Famous for his healthy cooking techniques and cooking artistry, the multi-Michelin star and 5/5 AA Rosette-winning chef worked in restaurants in Normandy, London, and Cape Town before opening his cooking school in 2005. Keen to share his skills with others, the eponymous cookery school has continued to grow in popularity, with visitors keen to learn from one of the world’s culinary masters. Alongside the Novelli Academy, food lovers keen to sample Novelli’s cuisine can visit his restaurant at the Marriott Hotel in Belfast, the highly popular brasserie restaurant ‘Novelli at City Quays’. Novelli continues to wow guests and caters for Royalty, Heads of State and key figures around the world at private dinners, projects and his personally led cookery classes.

Champagne cookery school

The Novelli Signature Experience for Two offers a highly exclusive yet relaxed culinary experience with Jean-Christophe, who puts guests at ease through his informal yet professional teaching style. During the day, after a champagne reception, the celebrity chef showcases cookery techniques and guides foodies through each step of the cooking process to create a delicious meal, with tastings offered and questions welcomed throughout the experience. Guests of all skill levels can attend, and after their full day, they are rewarded for their efforts with a three-course sit-down meal and a Novelli Academy Masterclass Certificate to mark their achievement. As the Academy’s most popular course, this class is ideal for couples or friends looking for inspiration to improve their culinary repertoire and expert techniques to take their cooking skills to the next level.

"

"The course offers guests a fully immersive experience beyond the food itself through Novelli’s personal approach."

JCN in action

The cookery class near London takes place at Jean Christophe’s home in a welcoming 14th-century farmhouse near Luton Airport, easily accessible from central London and the surrounding counties. Inviting guests into his home offers a more intimate and relaxed experience, and it’s a novel way for Novelli to share his culinary tips whilst divulging stories about his fascinating career. It’s this highly personal approach and attention to detail that has secured the cookery school’s position among the top twenty-five in the world according to TripAdvisor.

UK Countryside

After spending a memorable day with Jean-Christophe and his team, guests can relax and unwind at their local accommodation selected by the Novelli Academy in the idyllic Hertfordshire countryside. The overnight stay offers an opportunity to enjoy the local area the following day, which includes exploring the scenic village of Ashwell or walking through the county’s popular countryside and ancient woodlands to finish a memorable weekend occasion.

Whilst there are a wide variety of cookery courses available, Jean-Christophe Novelli’s Academy offers a unique experience for guests who are looking for a special occasion to learn from one of the finest chefs in the world. The course offers guests a fully immersive experience beyond the food itself through Novelli’s personal approach. The school has earned a reputation for offering the finest dining experience in an engaging day full of tips, stories, and tempting tastings. When it comes to finding an experience to treat a friend or loved one who is keen to improve their cooking skills, Novelli’s Academy could be the culinary delight you’ve been looking for.

Emma D'Arcy

Emma D’Arcy is a travel writer based in the U.K. After working in London and New York in the media and advertising industries, she recently completed a round the world travel adventure. Alongside her passion for capturing her travel experiences through writing and photography, Emma is also interested in wellness, yoga and exploring the great outdoors. Emma’s mission is to bring the world to readers through her writing, providing inspiration and ideas for their next adventure.