thackerys exclusive hands on cookery courses

Thackerys cookery school opened at the end of 2003 in the beautiful historic town of Lewes, East Sussex. It is owned and run by classically trained chef Graham Funnell with his wife Jaycee. Thackerys offers a range of relaxed and fun hands-on courses for food lovers of all abilities.

By the age of twenty Graham had completed a four year apprenticeship gaining a high grade City & Guilds certificate. He went on to work in London, and by the age of twenty two had risen to the rank of head chef, he then moved on to become personal chef to the chairman of a large merchant bank in the city, where he cooked for many of the country’s top business people including royalty.

At the age of twenty five Graham was ready to go it alone and together with Jaycee opened a very successful Restaurant in the Sussex town of Lewes. They traded for many years gaining a first rate reputation for many miles around some even traveling fifty miles for evening dinner.

In 2003, the idea of a cookery school was born. Graham wanted share his passion for food, teaching to small groups of no larger than four, the art of cooking wonderful and exciting food at home. It was decided that rather than have a purpose build cookery school they would devote the ground floor of their beautiful 300 year old home. During 2003 work started converting the ground floor into an open plan area with solid oak floors and polished hand made British terracotta in the Kitchen. The style of the property is now very contemporary but retaining many original features including, oak beamed ceilings, open chalk walls and large inglenook fire place. It still has a farmhouse feel which lends itself to cooking food that you will want to share around the table with friends.

Thackerys courses run throughout the year with Gift vouchers available, they make an ideal present suitable for any occasion.