Lee Groves, head chef of Seagrass Restaurant in St Ives and 2010 semi-finalist in MasterChef: The Professionals, has teamed up with the owners of Lanyon Holiday Cottages in Hayle, to offer competitive cooking afternoons for groups of friends.

Seagrass Restaurant and Lanyon Holiday Cottages are offering guests the chance to learn cookery skills from Lee, in the comfort of Lanyon Manor or Coswyn Barn. You can choose from either a Cookery Masterclass, ideal for those looking to learn some of the techniques and ‘tricks of the trade’ from a professional chef, or if you woud like to challenge your friends to a Masterchef-style cook off you can opt for the Chef Challenge.

During the Cookery Masterclass Lee guides guests through the preparation and cooking of a variety of dishes, whether they are looking for ideas for a special dinner party, an alternative Christmas dinner or more specific meat or fish preparation skills. The Masterclass is ideal for those passionate about food and wanting to learn new skills in the kitchen.

The Chef Challenge has a more competitive edge; Lee introduces guests to a table piled high with local delicacies in the style of a 'Ready Steady Cook' reveal, before dividing the group into pairs, asking them to divise and cook a menu in two hours and setting a timer. At the end of the two hour session comes the judging - where Lee, along with Seagrass Restaurant's owner, Julia, and Marie from Lanyon Holiday Cottages, give advice and constructive comments about the dishes before naming the winning team. 

Prices start from £65 per person, plus cost of ingredients for an afternoon cooking session, or why not stay 2 nights and make a weekend of it? Private dining, with dishes cooked by Lee, is also available. Group sizes 4 - 6.

For more information please contact Lanyon Holiday Cottages.