Whether you’re a foodie looking to expand your repertoire or are a newbie in the kitchen and keen to learn some new skills and dishes, our highly experienced chefs, Ben Kingdon and Gavin Castle, will walk you through some easy steps to build your confidence in the kitchen.
Classes will take place on selected days throughout Autumn and Winter and are limited to just three people per class.
To learn more or to join our waiting list, please email jenny@newtonabbotracing.com or call 01626 353235.
Ben Kingdon
Ben started his career as a Chef 18 years ago. After training at hotels in South Devon he became Head Chef at the Cary Arms in Torquay at the age of 24. Whilst there he won a number of awards including:
He joined Newton Abbot Racecourse in the Spring of 2019 and soon brought his passion and high-quality cuisine to the racecourse. Fish and seafood are his favourite things to cook.
Gavin Castle
Gavin is an Edinburgh-born chef who moved to Devon 10 years ago. His love of food started at an early age and continues. He was a finalist in the Devon Food and Drink Awards in 2016 and 2018 and has also won awards in Edinburgh for his pastry work. Gavin joined the racecourse in July 2019 working alongside Ben.
They make a great team with an immense sense of humour and produce delicious meals for our many raceday restaurants, conferences and events.
For more information and to book the Two Chef Cookery Classes at Newton Abbot Racecourse, please contact Jenny Paton on 01626 353235 or email jenny@newtonabbotracing.com
Abigail who joined us on our recent Fish & Seafood Course said:
”I didn’t really know what to expect when I arrived at the race course yesterday. I was pleasantly surprised by what I learned and the fact that it was informative but informal and relaxed. It is great that there is a three persons limit so that the chefs can make sure they spend enough time with each course attendee.
”It was really insightful to be in a proper working kitchen and makes you realise the pressures they face and the dangerous nature of a chef’s job – hot surfaces, sharp knives…
”I learned so much and gained a huge amount of confidence with using and cooking fish and seafood. Previously I would only have fish in a restaurant due to not knowing how to use fish to make it taste fresh and tasty, without overpowering the fish flavour, but now I have many ideas and an increased confidence in cooking fish at home. I am looking forward to sharing my new dishes with my family!”
Catherine who joined our Fish & Seafood Course said:
”A truly entertaining day learning new skills and applying them when creating the dish! My confidence in producing a bowl of mussels has massively increased… even though I don’t like eating them myself! Both Chefs were brilliant to work alongside!”
To book your Cookery Class, please contact Jenny Paton today on 01626 353235 or email jenny@newtonabbotracing.com