Going to The Avenue was one of the best choices I have made in my gap year so far. It has also been the most fun. Mary brought out the positive and self-belief if ever we were pessimistic. With Diana’s ‘crazy’ attitude to everything, including cooking, and in a chilled environment where the most random conversations developed, I found that my confidence blossomed tremendously. I cooked well over 100 recipes in those four weeks and, naturally, I’ve had my fair share of disasters in the kitchen. But, now the mistakes have been made, I found myself geared up and ready to prepare and cook a three course meal at the end of the last week. This was an absolute success, just as the course was. One week can ignite excitement and confidence; a month can bring about miracles! I recommend The Avenue, without hesitation, to anyone who just wants a little more confidence to open a cookery book and give it a go.
Georgina - Complete Cookery (4 weeks)

The two week course was a brilliant opportunity to achieve a great level of confidence in the kitchen.  It was really useful to learn the basics of the kitchen, and to create amazingly delicious deishes.  The atmosphere was incredibly friendly, and the teaching helpful, professional and superb: we cooked 91 dishes in 2 weeks!  I really enjoyed my course and would gladly recommend it to anyone who is even remotely interested in cooking.
Nick - Basic to Brilliant Course (2 weeks)

Amazing course for those who can and cannot cook.  Diana is fantastic with her shortcuts and cookery tips.  I would recommend this to everyone.  Thank you!
Lucinda - Advanced Cooking Course (1 week)

I've been meaning to write this for ages but never got around to it. S… came to you in the summer of last year never having cooked anything willingly. Her attitude was ‘can't cook, won't cook!'. Now, since being with you for five days, there is no stopping her. She is keen and has proved herself very able. She thoroughly enjoys being in the kitchen and has produced some delicious meals. All thanks to you. It was definitely money well spent and I would recommend the course to anyone. There's no stopping her now and, to top it all, my husband thought the whole idea was a waste of money and he's now completely changed his mind. Something he does very rarely!!! Thank you so much. MCM

I can't believe the improvement in L's cooking which was a complete disaster before The Avenue.  Now there is no stopping her - in spite of my awful aga!

Rosy did so enjoy her time with you, and I am so pleased that she now feels confident enough in the kitchen to tackle the cookery book, and produce decent meals.  Many thanks.  She felt so at home with you all, and would happily have stayed for another week or two I think!!

J and W were on The Really Useful Course last month.  They had a great time, came back full of wonderful food and enthusiasm!  I was amazed at the contents of their goodie bags, full of really sensible kit.

Would you pass on my thanks to everyone for a successful week for J.  Information has slowly been trickelling out about how to repell stranglers (sic!), banking tips and all sorts.  And last night he cooked us Thai Green Chicken Curry which was delicious.  Today I think it's a Pavlova and a boiled fruit cake.  Result!

I have been meaning to let you know how much G. LOVED the course in January!  He tells me (quote) 'that I can now just pick up a cookery book and have a go....'.   He found the tips on travelling v. interesting, to the point that he wished he'd known a lot of that before he embarked on 3 months in South America!!  Anyway, thank you for looking after him and N.

 
Day Course Comments:

Hiya just wanted to say thank you so so much for such a brilliant day… I’ve come back thinking I’m masterchef! I’m looking forward to eating the tart tonight – I’m going to eat it with my mum who’s so impressed by the whole thing!

I thought that the structure of the course, along with Diana's professionalism and excellent entertainment value, all contributed to a thoroughly enjoyable and informative day. I also enjoyed meeting the other students, and I am now looking forward to trying out some of the recipes on my own. Once I am retired, or at least have reduced my work commitment considerably, I shall certainly aim to sign up for a longer more comprehensive course. In the meantime I shall certainly warmly recommend it to our friends and explore the possibility of sending one of my two daughters on a course.

I can't thank you all enough for such a great pre Christmas day. Pls say a big thank you to Mary and Diana. We had a hoot and learnt loads - was the perfect combo of relaxed and homely yet professional and efficient use of time, if I may say!

Very many thanks for inviting me to join the Men's Day Cookery Course - I enjoyed it immensely and surprised my wife when I arrived back home with a delicious fish pie which we devoured last night along with the excellent patè.