FORGET the Great British Bake Off because a top TV chef is causing a stir of his own in Cumbria with the set up of a new cookery school.

Peter Sidwell is passing on his expert knowledge to budding foodie enthusiasts keen to climb the culinary career ladder.

The Cookery School at Rheged, Penrith, opened on August 1 and Peter and his team are already in full throes of offering hand on practical advice on their day courses.

“I wanted to share my enthusiasm and passion for no nonsense food and my new cookery school gives me that opportunity,” said Peter. “It provides me with an ideal opportunity to share my knowledge with a huge range of people.”

The celebrity has trained with a range of top London chefs, produced his own retail range of food and drink, written recipe books, produced his own recipe app and is a columnist for a number of lifestyle magazines.

Current Executive Chef at Rheged focusing on menu development, Peter has even just finished presenting his second TV series of Britain's Best Bakery.

And rubbing shoulders with the stars means the foodaholic has been able to invite a number of guest chefs and artisan producers to help out with his venture.

The courses on offer will include a bread-making master class, crafting good cakes, gluten free cooking, being fearless with fish, how to create and cook with sausages, as well as a number of essential courses outlining knife skills and the baking basics.

“This is the perfect opportunity to champion the quality local produce available in the Lake District, which continually inspires my food,” added Peter.

Alongside this, the education team will also offer more industry-focussed courses for aspiring restaurateurs, such as how to go about setting up your own food business and making it a success.

The day and evening courses on offer at Rheged are specifically designed to be practical and packed with lots of great recipes.

Classes are also available for private parties, corporate days, product launches and demonstrations.

For more information and to take part visit www.simplygoodtaste.co.uk