Good from Scratch

Blending rustic charm and professional culinary expertise, the Good From Scratch cookery school invites food lovers to reconnect with the origins of their meals while learning how to transform fresh ingredients into mouthwatering dishes.

After years of working in high-pressure kitchens and fronting TV shows like The Food Truck, Van de Elzen says he wanted to create something more personal – a space where he could share his love for food, farming, and sustainability.

The dream culminated in the opening of Good From Scratch in 2019. Set on a sprawling 15-acre property, the cookery school is also home to a working farm, complete with vegetable gardens, orchards, and free-ranging livestock. It’s a space where the farm-to-table philosophy isn’t just a concept but a daily practice.

“Everything we do here is about quality, sustainability, and respecting the environment,” he says. “We want people to experience food in its purest form—straight from the earth, full of flavor, and prepared with care.”

Visiting Good From Scratch is a feast for the senses. Guests, such as those attending an American Express and Bentley customer day, are greeted by the fresh aroma of herbs and the sight of lush, green fields. The experience begins with a tour of the farm, where Van de Elzen and his team share insights into sustainable farming practices and how they grow, harvest, and care for their produce.

From there, it’s time to head into the purpose-built cooking studio – a light-filled space outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment. Participants roll up their sleeves and dive into the art of cooking, guided by Van de Elzen or one of the school’s skilled instructors. The hands-on classes cater to a variety of skill levels, making them perfect for everyone from culinary novices to seasoned home cooks.

The recipes reflect the school’s ethos: simple, fresh, and bursting with flavour. Whether it’s handmade pasta with garden-fresh basil pesto, preparing succulent roast lamb with vegetables picked moments earlier, or crafting a decadent dessert with berries from the orchard, the focus is always on using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

Once the cooking is done, guests gather around a communal table to savour the fruits of their labour.

However, the school doesn’t just teach recipes; Van de Elzen says it is designed to inspire a deeper appreciation for where food comes from and how it’s grown.

Workshops delve into topics like composting, beekeeping, and preserving. Guests learn how to minimise food waste, make eco-conscious choices, and incorporate sustainable practices into their own kitchens.

In a world increasingly dominated by convenience and fast food, Good From Scratch offers a refreshing alternative. It’s a place to slow down, savour the moment, and rediscover the joys of cooking and eating mindfully.

For those seeking an unforgettable culinary adventure or simply a day to reconnect with the land in an inspiring location, Good From Scratch is both a mouthwatering and mindful destination.