As you know, Gyps got me that Thai cooking lesson for my Birthday...the laydee who does that does it part time (she has a full time job) She loves cooking, so loves doing it...if you specialise in something, Soozy...and you love doing it....I think its a great idea!!

I think it's a fab idea Soozy, the only thing is, in this economic climate some might think it a luxury they could put on hold until more prosperous times. 

Good luck if you decide to do it 

I think if thats what your interested in, go for it. But before you go to all that expense of fitting out a kitchen why not do it in other peoples homes or contacting hotels, local guest houses and places like the WI for ideas on where you can teach classes and workshops.

As you may know, the woman i just got in to do zazz's birthday present did that, she just had a website and she comes armed with teh tools and the ingredients to show you how to cook in your own home, then you get to eat after she goes (she goes quickly after you have finished). It was great, and id have it for a party etc.

a web site to start with and some local press advertising would be cheaper than buying a kitchen.

BTW this laydee goes to peoples houses...so you wouldnt need a venue

Ok, we are like surround sound...**lets Gyps do the talking**

the local college only offers vocational stuff.

Have you looked into other colleges near by? I used to teach adult learning courses for the college and its quite good pay. I have a few friends who still teach some courses, ive never heard of vocational courses.

LOL sorry soozy, im done ...

I think you need to specialse sooz - otherwise you compete with everyone else.

There is a cookery school down here that does a course specifically for Gap Year students who are going to do the Chalet Season. They teach them budgeting, portion control, cooking at altitude etc. 

They also do corporate days out.

They are always fully booked 

Oooooooooooooooooooooooh - I'm not an experienced chef - we are looking to employ specialist chefs/cooks for different classes. I've looked up on some cooking schools - they seem to charge a premium and seem popular. I know I need to do a lot of research but .............this place is as good a place as any to run the idea round!

Or ... and now here is an idea ... why not run courses to show people how to cook the perfect fish and chips

You presumably have a great reputation, good history etc.

You could do parties, kids parties, teens ..

ahh, i thought you wanted to teach well i think thats a great idea. I initially found that nonny woman (thai lessons) because i was googling a pasta making lesson for my father in laws birthday.

There was NOTHING like that down here, so had you offered something like an afternoon pasta making course id have booked it.

If you went down that road, you could do a deal on groupon to get your name out and get lots of customers. word of mouth and all that

get in touch with the hairy bikers 'soozys fish and chips' could be in their next book!

I thought you wanted to teach too ... in fact I think you should

Yep - fish and chips could be on the menu but - it needs to be more than that.

Thank you everyone - we have off the wall ideas - it's really great to gauge opinion on here. Personally I think there are loads of people out there who want to learn cooking skills (where I live there is a shortage). Vouchers for birthdays/christmas etc.

a friend of ours owns a restaurant and has started going around cooking for people in their homes for dinner parties, or teaching them to cook a full 3 course meal, seems to be taking off

good luck in whatever you decide to do soozy

I'd want a big town nearby.

It's fun researching stuff like this though and I wish you all the best Soozy.

Brilliant idea ! You're right, the colleges are stopping doing non-vocational stuff as the cuts bite , but there's still a market .. I teach in FE, and loads of our classes have been cut, despite shedloads of applicants. I'm actually thinking of going it alone too, different subject area though, and I'm looking at hiring space as and when ( mainly cause I can't afford premises right now) 

There's all sorts of possibilities with your idea! I think it sounds magic .. as does the " proper fish and chips" class  

Yep - I'm a little bit excited TBH ................it's gonna be a long term project - finding the right place and the right people but ...........................I'm looking forward to investigating. I really do think there is a market. Also thinking of creating a nice eating area for about thirty and holding once a month specials .................ie, Italian/Thai/Mexican'Fish and Chip evenings.

Are you going for a licence? Wine "classes" might work .And patisserie classes and workshops . 

Book me on a course!  

Soozy, did you see Village SOS this week? Well worth watching given your idea: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/e...llage_SOS_Tideswell/