Learn to cook chez Paul Ainsworth in Padstow
Paul Ainsworth has been quietly carving out his own patch in this picture-postcard Cornish harbour town for the last decade, which now includes the Mahé Cookery School & Chef’s Table.
The intimate, modern and well-equipped school run by chef John Walton hosts a range of courses, from the seasonal flavours of the Mediterranean and game cookery to the more technique-led pasta masterclasses. The maximum five-person classes are hands-on; John demos a dish or technique, then you repeat it. The Mediterranean course, for example, might find you filleting fresh Cornish mackerel, braising lamb or perfecting custard tarts. Refreshments are offered and lunch is a tasting menu from the restaurant, so you can take home what you’ve made.
If you’re not full from lunch, Paul now also runs iconic beachside boozer The Mariners, a short ferry ride across the bay. The menu pays homage to pub classics, but they’re elevated to their best. The same ethos applies to Paul’s chic boutique hotel, Padstow Townhouse – its six suites are named after treats such as rhubarb & custard and honeycomb, and are decorated in a matching palette. The annual Padstow Christmas Festival (this year on 5-8 December, padstowchristmasfestival.co.uk), showcases West Country wares like artisan bread, chocolates, cheeses, preserves and pickles, plus craft beers, ciders, local spirits and Cornish arts and crafts. Barney Desmazery
How to do it
Courses at Mahé run weekly from Thursday to Saturday and start from £195 per person, including lunch. Suites at Padstow Townhouse start from £280 a night for two, adults only. paul-ainsworth.co.uk
You might learn to fillet fresh mackerel, braise lamb or perfect custard tarts