A Taste of River Cottage with Hugh
Join Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall for an unforgettable one-day course and supper at River Cottage HQ
This exclusive course, limited to just 10 guests, offers a unique opportunity to cook alongside River Cottage founder Hugh. Throughout the afternoon and evening, you’ll explore the River Cottage philosophy, work in the Kitchen Garden, and create a delicious feast.
After arriving, you’ll be personally welcomed by Hugh, enjoy a chat over coffee, and select seasonal ingredients straight from the garden and farm. From there, you’ll dive into hands-on cooking sessions—one with Hugh and the second led by a River Cottage tutor-chef.
As the day wraps up, you’ll sit down for a memorable supper with Hugh, along with drinks, book signings, and photo opportunities to top off your experience. Everybody will get to choose a River Cottage book signed by Hugh to take home, as a memento of this unforgettable day.
Scroll down to see the full course itinerary and book your place today!
Highlights
- Explore the River Cottage Kitchen Garden and Grounds with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall
- Hands-On Vegetable Cookery Session with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall
- Cook a Meat or Fish Dish with a River Cottage Tutor-Chef
- Fizz and Canapés to enjoy with your fellow guests
- Three-Course Feast featuring dishes you’ve helped create
- Personal Time with Hugh – Have your books signed and capture photos with him
- Coffee and Petit Fours to round off your day in style
Your day
11:30 - 20:00
Make yourself at home
You will meet your host (and Hugh!) and begin the day with a light lunch fresh from the kitchen.
SESSION ONE
Take a walk with Hugh around the Kitchen and Market Gardens, collecting ingredients as you go.
SESSION TWO
Head into the Cookery School as Hugh guides you through a vegetable-based cooking session, where you'll learn to make the most of your freshly picked produce.
SESSION THREE
Under the guidance of one of our skilled Chef Tutors, you'll create a meat or fish dish that will become part of your feast later in the day.
RELAX WITH A DRINK
The River Cottage Kitchen team will put the finishing touches on your dishes while you relax with a glass of fizz and canapés. Now is the perfect opportunity to get a book signed or have a photo with Hugh.
DINE
Hugh will join you at the table as you tuck into a three-course feast of the finest seasonal food, including the dish you made earlier.
TO FINISH
After dinner, you’ll unwind with coffee and petits fours (if you still have room) before heading home.
Further Information
Directions
This course is run from River Cottage HQ on the Dorset/Devon borders. Full address details of HQ will be provided once you have booked.
Licensed Venue
We are a licensed venue. We have a wide selection of the finest organic wines available to purchase.
Accommodation
If you would like to stay at the heart of River Cottage, we offer overnight accommodation at River Cottage HQ in our beautiful 17th century farmhouse. We have three stylishly refurbished bedrooms for B&B plus The Gardener's Cottage, a private self-catering alternative. These get booked quickly so for more information go to rivercottage.net/stay to book. Alternatively, we have put together a list of our local accommodation which includes B&Bs, self-catering, hotels and camping.
Suitability
We would advise that this course is only really suitable for 12 years of age and upwards. Under 16s must be accompanied by a paying adult. We put these guidelines in place for the safety, comfort and enjoyment of all our guests.
Allergy Advice
Sorry, we’re afraid this course is not suitable for those with allergies or specific dietary requirements. However we do run courses that are gluten free, vegetarian and vegan friendly. Please get in touch if you have any questions or need further details.
