James Knight-Paccheco is opening a new cookery school in Dubai
Fancy getting better in the kitchen without signing up for culinary school?
A new cookery school from award-winning chef James Knight-Paccheco is opening in Dubai on 31 October, and it’s designed for people who love food but want a little more confidence behind the hob.
The Chef JKP Cookery School will run every Saturday from a purpose-built demonstration kitchen, with small-group, hands-on classes led by James himself.
And yes, that means actually cooking rather than sitting at the back and watching someone else do all the work.
James brings more than 20 years of experience across kitchens in the UK and Middle East, having worked alongside chefs including Gordon Ramsay, Raymond Blanc and Michael Caines.
His own career has included leading the kitchen at Ryba in Abu Dhabi, which earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand and Michelin Opening of the Year recognition.
The first classes are aimed at getting the basics right, with sessions covering Dinner Party Classics, Breakfast Essentials, and Basic Fish and Meat Cookery.
Think about knife skills, preparation techniques and practical tips that can make everyday cooking feel considerably less intimidating.
Rather than simply demonstrating a dish and sending everyone home, the classes are properly hands-on.
Guests will prepare the food themselves before sitting down to enjoy what they’ve made at the school, or taking their creations home to share. Each participant will also receive a recipe pack and a selection of gifts.
For James, the idea is to make cooking feel less daunting and a lot more enjoyable.
“This is about making good cooking feel more approachable and giving people the opportunity to learn directly from a chef in a relaxed and enjoyable setting,” says Knight-Paccheco.
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“It is not aimed at professionals. It is for anyone who loves food and wants to develop the skills and confidence to cook well at home.”
And if the thought of cooking with professional kit has you interested, HexClad is coming on board as the official cookware partner. The brand will equip the kitchen with its signature hybrid pans, giving guests the chance to use the cookware throughout their sessions.
There’s plenty more planned beyond the opening programme, too. Future classes will bring in guest chefs and explore different cuisines and culinary themes, alongside special sessions focused on family cooking and health-conscious recipes.
Private classes, corporate events and bespoke experiences will also be available for groups and special occasions.
James is also the creator and host of the Chef JKP Podcast, now in its eighth season, where he chats to hospitality professionals from around the world about their careers and experiences in the industry.
The school opens on 31 October, with classes taking place every Saturday. Whether the kitchen is already a favourite place to spend a Saturday afternoon or the place where dinner usually involves opening an app, there should be something here to learn.
Bookings are now open at Chef Teach Me.
