Alice Through The Year Cooking School
Today we are featuring a great business in Worcestershire, Alice Through The Year Cooking School, let’s learn a bit about her.
I run a little cookery school from my cottage kitchen on the border of Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. I teach a range of classes from “Mid Week Meals” to “Pasta Making” all of which focus on cooking simple, delicious seasonal food. With a maximum of 4 per class, each workshop is tailored to suit the needs of each group. All the classes are very hands on, but informal, I always recommend people bring there slippers or most comfortable shoes to make themselves feel at home.
How did you start your business?
January 2019 (part time) June 2019 (full time)
How did you get into this industry?
I have always loved food, my Dad is a keen cook and gardener so cooking and eating delicious seasonal food has been something I have been doing since I was very small. However my professional training began when I was at school I took a two year Leiths Diploma along side my A-Levels, then I went to study “Professional Culinary Arts” (very fancy way of saying cheffing!) at Bournemouth University. I have worked in the food industry ever since, my adventure into my business actually cam from writing a seasonal cookery blog back in 2015, where I wrote a seasonal recipe every week for a year.
What do you enjoy most about being in your business?
I love people, they are really what makes my make job so amazing. It is such a joy to welcome people in to my home and share with them my recipes and tips and of course to see there delight and enjoyment when they are sitting down to eat their amazing creations.
What top 3 words/phrases describe you best?
People Pleaser – Creative – Passionate (especially about food, and knitting!)
What is the best USP about your current business?
That it is a totally unique and personal experience. It is not like any other cookery school with stainless steel side tops and chef hats, it is my home (with a 5 star cleanliness rating I would like to add…) I give each customer the choice of what they would like to make so it is tailored to their group, It really is a bespoke experience.
What is your favourite local restaurant and shop?
I don’t eat out that much so I couldn’t say a restaurant but I do love The Old Post Office in Kemerton, it is a magical little coffee shop surrounded by wonderful antiques. My favourite shop has to be Woody’s Grocer in Tewkesbury, they supply amazing seasonal produce all year round.
What exciting things are happening in your business?
I have got a lot going on at the moment, I have just started up a “Bake Along” series, which I host through my Facebook and Instagram page every week, I have also just launched my YouTube Channel. I am also expanding to work with larger groups hosted through external venues, which will be a challenge, but I am really looking forward to it.
What motivates you?
Making people feel more confident in the kitchen
What demotivates you?
Criticism – I do not take criticism at all well, it is something I really need to work on.
What would you say would be your biggest achievement to date?
Leaving my job and starting “Alice through the year” as a full time job.