Magnificent 17th Century Country Estate Carlton Towers, Yorkshire is delighted to announce the launch of their very own School of Food, 'Cooks', opening on Thursday 1st May 2014.

Hailed as 'a place to discover food' - Cooks at Carlton Towers invites guests to step back in time to discover the art of traditional cooking yet also focus on foods of the future, with a variety of classes for guests of all ages and abilities.

The School of Food will be situated in the original kitchens of the Grade I listed house which is now the ancestral home of Lord & Lady Gerald Fitzalan Howard and their three children. 

Cookery School Manager at Carlton Towers, Nicola Shann said: "We are thrilled to be launching Cooks in the magnificent setting of Carlton Towers next year.

"There has been a revival of traditional cooking methods over the last several years and we hope 2014 is going to be the year that Cooks makes its mark as a unique School of Food".

"We will be bringing in artisan food experts and chefs who share in our passion for sustainability and seasonality, creating a range of unique classes within a fun and magnificent historic environment".

The décor of Cooks will take original features and ambience of the 18th century kitchen, whilst introducing all the latest modern technology.

Original features such as the magnificent 17th Century range agas, the butler's pantry have been regenerated and new oak furniture has also been designed by local craftswoman Karan Main from The Main Furniture Company, Yorkshire to combine authenticity with top-of-the-range 21st century facilities.

Guests can also step back in time and see authentic pieces of history - including the original 'Carlton Hall Table' built in circa 1614 - which at almost 400 years old has remained in the house since it was built.

Cooks classes will be available for up to 12 guests and prices for non-residential classes will start from £145.

Residential packages will be available at special rates for guests attending The Carlton School of Food. Guests can stay in the beautiful gothic stately home and discover the history of food in these magnificent surroundings.

Some examples of the classes available at Cooks range from: Back to Basics, Classical Techniques, Seasonal and Wild Cooking, Heritage & History and Food Photography and Writing.

Cooks welcomes everyone, from those learning the basics of cooking, to specialist groups focusing on the history of food, or corporate groups wanting an alternative team-building experience, The Carlton School of Food aims to be informative, inspirational and fun - a place to discover food.

For media enquiries, high-res images and press trip opportunities, please contact Sophie Hardy, Perception Sales & Marketing Ltd. T: 0845 293 2552 E: pr3@perception-uk.com

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Notes to Editors:-

Cooks - The Carlton School of Food will be opening to the public on May 1st 2014.

Carlton Towers is an exclusive-use Grade I listed estate based in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside owned by Lord and Lady Gerald Fitzalan Howard.

The striking 17th century stately home is set in 250 acres of stunning private parkland in Carlton, Yorkshire. With magnificent architecture, a distinct family heritage and a beautiful tranquil setting surrounded by an estate kept going through the ages; Carlton Towers offers a unique exclusive setting for any celebration, wedding or event.

The unique country estate is available for exclusive hire all year round including weddings, family celebrations and Fitness retreats.

The house itself features 16 luxurious bedrooms, three large State Rooms spanning 150ft with a maximum capacity of 200 guests or as little as 20 guests. Carlton also boasts a minstrel's gallery, beautiful light-filled drawing room and large entrance halls. 

Carlton Towers also boasts its very own on-site treatment room, Lusso, and is open to the general public all year round.

Carlton Towers is ideally situated just outside of Selby and a 10 minute drive from the M62 and M1 motorways, with close links to York and Leeds.