I left the north east at a tender age of 18 to pursuemy career at the prestigious Savoy Hotel, whereI workedmy way up through the kitchen being trained in classical cookery.
Also having the experience of assisting the head chef Anton Edelman in many special events,I helped him with the chefs conference dinner being his beautiful assistant, we would then taxi over London to the BBC radio station where he would be interviewed and I would wander in with home-made chocolates covered in dry ice to wow the station presenters.
After the savoy I had a short time at the Dorchester before a phone call came asking if I wanted to work for Jean Christophe Novelli, well who would say no!! I started worked at his new Bistro W8 in Notting Hill, where we received 3rd best restaurant in London and receiving a “Red M” before moving to his new restaurant at Mayfair, Les Saveurs, working for Novelli gave me an insight to a more relaxed informal style of cooking which I enjoy today. Later on I worked for a host of other chefs, Bruno Loubet at L'Odeon, Rhubarb the exclusive Outside caterers/ party planners, which later inspired Neil and I to set up Wilkins Fine Dining... which we are proud to say is where we are today, catering for some fabulous brides and grooms on the wedding side and helping some of our great clients plan for their parties.
All of this has given me a craving for entertaining people and sharing my knowledge in the comfort of your own home or someone else’s if you choose.
I have spent the past 5 years running succesful cookery courses across Northumberland,browse the latest classes below or visit my website www.marywilkinscookery.co.uk.If you have a venue you would like to hold classes in or would like a private class please do contact me.
The following classes are just a taste of thecourses Mary will be running in 2017, please visit www.marywilkinscookery.co.uk to book.
Join Mary for an informal lunch time treat on Valentine's Day,bring a friend and learn everything you need to know to recreate thesedishes for your loved ones at home, bring your partner or maybe treat them to this classas a Valentine's gift. Sit back and relax with a glass of fizz while Mary shows you all the skills required to recreate a decadent 3 course meal at home. £55 per person
Cragend Farm, Rothbury
Just for Blokes, A class where gentlemen can learn some new skills and increase their confidence in the kitchen.Join Mary for an italian afternoon, making pasta & saucesto impress your loved ones with at home! Price includes taking everything you have made on the day home with you to enjoy. £49 per person.
Outcook Home Cookery School, Alnwick
'At Home with Mary Wilkins.' Join Mary for a Thai lunch at 8 Silverton Terrace. From steamed dumplings to sticky ribs theres is something for everybody to enjoy. Sit back and relax while Mary takes you through everything you need to know to recreate these oriental dishes with friends or loved ones then enjoy tasting the fruits of her labour. £50 per person.
8 Silverton Terrace, Rothbury
Join Mary to learn everything you need to know about making fresh pasta from start to finish, delicious fillings and sauces will allow you to recreate the real taste of Italy in your own home. £55 per person
Cragend Farm, Rothbury
'At Home with Mary Wilkins.' Join Mary for a Summer'slunch at 8 Silverton Terrace. We will be using fresh in season & local ingredientsto create dishes perfect for a Summer's evening entertaining with friends. Sit back and relax while Mary takes you through everything you need to know to recreate thesedishes with friends or loved ones. £55 per person. 8 Silverton Terrace, Rothbury
'At Home with Mary Wilkins.' Join Mary for an Autumn lunchat 8 Silverton Terrace. We will be using fresh, in season & local ingredientscreate delicious dishes perfect for those colder Autumn evenings. Sit back and relax while Mary takes you through everything you need to know to recreate thesedishes with friends or loved ones then enjoy tasting the fruits of her labour. £55 per person
8 Silverton Terrace, Rothbury
'At Home with Mary Wilkins.' Join Mary for a Gamelunch at 8 Silverton Terrace. We will be using fresh, in season & local Gamecreate delicious dishes. Sit back and relax while Mary takes you through everything you need to know to recreate thesedishes with friends or loved ones then enjoy tasting the fruits of her labour. £55 per person
8 Silverton Terrace, Rothbury
As the days get shorter and the temperature begins to drop, a day cooking with Mary around the roaring wood fired oven in the cosy comfort of the Crag End farmhouse kitchen is just the ticket. Mary will take you through a class of hearty winter warmers that you will love recreating at home and will make your winter table a firm favourite with family and friends alike. £55 per person
Cragend Farm, Rothbury
'At Home with Mary Wilkins.' Join Mary for in preparing for Christmasat 8 Silverton Terrace. Mary will take you through some hints and tricks to make cooking over the festive season that little less stressful, with make ahead dishes and preperation tips. Sit back and relax while Mary takes you through everything you need to know to recreate thesedishes with friends or loved ones then enjoy tasting the fruits of her labour. £55 per person
8 Silverton Terrace, Rothbury
Once December begins, we all get caught up in the Christmas whirlwind. This class takes some of the pressure off by ensuring that you are party ready with a set of reliable and practised canape recipes to see you through any entertaining you have planned – and even those impromptu gatherings that you didn’t plan for! You will learn some fabulous new ideas for entertaining - and enjoy tasting them all!£55 per person.
Cragend Farm, Rothbury
Join Mary for a morning of cooking healthier dishes to kick start 2018! Cooking healthier dishes does not always mean boring salads and soups, learn the best way to make the most of your healthy ingredients whilst sitting back and enjoying the demonstration. £55 per person.
Cragend Farm, Rothbury
Mary also runs very successful private cookery classes; she will come to your home with all the ingredients required to teach you how to create dishes from a tailor made menu. During the class, you will be taught knife skills, any dietary requirement information related to your menu, the best way to use your herbs and spices and plenty more chef's tips.
The classes are 3 hours long and Mary will leave you with everything you have made during the class, which will be enough to feed 2 people. The cost of this is £195.00 per class based on one person being taught. If you require a longer class, extra hours are charged at £45.00 per hour, not including any extra ingredients that may be required. Travelling costs may also be charged depending on your location.
As all the private cookery classes are bespoke, please contact us directly and let us know what suits your skills and tastes, from a 3 course dinner party to a student’s guide to easy dinners we will tailor make a menu that will suit your needs perfectly.
If you're interested in our cookery classes drop us an email using the form below or alternatively visit www.marywilkinscookery.co.uk