Richard Hughes is well-known not only in Norfolk and East Anglia, but across the UK – he is a member of the prestigious and exclusive Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, runs the regional centre for the Academy’s Adopt a School Trust and has trained chefs who now work across Britain, Europe and America.
RICHARD BAINBRIDGE
Richard opened Benedicts with his wife Katja in June 2015, which has since been named in The Times Top 100 Restaurants in the UK, Square Meal Top 100 and EDP Norfolk's Best Restaurant 2016. In 2015, Richard won BBC2’s Great British Menu and returned two years later as a veteran judge.
GARY HUNTER
Gary is an ambassador for Callebaut chocolate, a judge at the World Chocolate Masters and is head of the oldest, most prestigious cookery college in the UK, Westminster Kingsway.
An inspired and inspiring teacher, Gary's classes are filled with fun and offer students the chance to learn from an expert in the world's favourite sweet treat.
Steve Thorpe
Steve has more than 45 years catering experience both cooking and teaching, and has had a huge influence on the Norfolk hospitality trade, inspiring generations of enthusiasts to cook. Recognised with the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award at the Norfolk Food and Drink Awards in 2013, we are absolutely delighted to add Steve to our team.
MARK MITSON
With a career which spans Swiss patisserie training, lengthy stints at The Connaught, Claridge’s and as Head Pastry Chef for the Mayfair Intercontinental, Mark Mitson has a CV that reflects his passion, dedication and skill and makes him one of the leading pastry chefs working in the UK today.
We are hugely proud to have Mark on the team here at The Assembly House and delighted that he has agreed to open up his recipe book to share some of his secrets with students.
LAURA GRIX
Norwich-born Laura has been teaching in the best cookery schools in London and we’re delighted to welcome her home. At 14, Laura was working at the Norwich Cake Craft Centre…she ended up managing it! Laura studied art, design and photography focusing on sculpture and also brings these talents to the cake table!