James Martin to head up new cookery school at Chewton Glen

Celebrity chef, James Martin, is set to run a new cooking school at Hampshire's Chewton Glen after building plans were approved.

Planning permission for the cookery school to be built on the site of the old gatehouse at the award winning hotel were passed by Christchurch Council last week. The new school will boast to having cooking stations overlooking the kitchen garden and cookery classes taught by former Chewton Glen alumni, James Martin.

Managing Director of the five red AA star hotel, Andrew Stembridge, said the new addition is a great way to kick off the hotel's 50th anniversary celebrations as well as benefiting the surrounding community.

He said: "2016 is a very significant year for the hotel as we celebrate our 50^th Anniversary as a luxury country house, which is highly respected throughout the world. Chewton Glen is a significant business in the area and the cookery school will create 20 new jobs. The additional turnover will also further benefit the 150 local businesses that already enjoy working with Chewton Glen.

“We are delighted that James Martin has agreed to partner with us in this exciting project, which will bring a new kudos to the gastronomic profile of Highcliffe and Christchurch. With planning permission secured, work will commence very shortly on the cookery school, which we hope to open in the autumn of 2016."

It's hoped the new academy will help students develop their skills and give them valuable experience in the restaurant and hospitality business. Courses will be overseen by James and taught in small groups.