Meet AJ And Maria of Truro School Cookery
cornish coastal foodie getaways with truro school cookery
We’ve teamed up with Maria Taylor and Alistair Turner (AJ) to introduce our brand new Cornish Coastal Foodie Getaways. The two culinary connoisseurs aim to inspire more creativity in the kitchen at Truro School Cookery. They are leading exciting cooking classes to guests booked onto the foodie getaway.
Head of cookery – maria taylor
Maria Taylor started her career as an environmental health officer in Cornwall. She then moved to local education authority in 2000 where she was responsible for inspecting school food and cookery provision. Maria nurtured an interest in teaching and embarked on a teacher training course in Gloucestershire.
Quickly recognised for her combined skills in food health and hygiene, she was offered a number of roles to revive flagging cookery departments, or set up new learning establishments.
Maria returned home to Cornwall in 2018 to set up Truro School Cookery, in conjunction with Leiths School of Food and Wine. Aiming to rekindle the enjoyment of cooking from scratch, her passion for food and learning is undeniable.
Her mission is to equip people with the life skills necessary to prepare nutritionally balanced, homemade dishes.
ASSISTANT HEAD OF COOKERY – ALISTAIR TURNER
Alistair Turner (AJ) switched from a career in architecture after discovering a greater passion for food and drink. A graduate from Leiths School of Food and Wine in London, he joined Rick Stein at The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow.
AJ worked with Rick Stein for nearly five years and was awarded the ‘Star of the Future Award’. He was part of the launch team at a new restaurant in Dorset and also tested recipes for new books. As sous-chef, he took part in several celebrity chef events too. These included a Pop Up Cinema in Cliveden House with Tom Kerridge and Rick Stein.
In 2019, AJ joined Truro School Cookery as Assistant Head of Cookery. He is responsible for creating and delivering a series of courses for the general public. His energy and enthusiasm transfers into the delivery of the courses. His aim is to teach simple-to-prepare dishes and new skills to all ages for everyday cooking.
fancy a food-filled weekend?
Find out the full details of this appetising offer here. To book your stay, please email marketing@greenbank-hotel.co.uk.