Claudio Covelli worked in the family restaurant in Trieste for ten years before his marriage to an English woman. Arriving in England in 1972, he gained wide experience working in restaurants and hotels around the country. In 1981 he opened The West House Italian Restaurant in Biddenden, Kent. The restaurant became very successful and popular, with customers prepared to travel from London and all over the South East to taste Claudio's food. At the end of 1997 Claudio retired to Umbria, where former customers continue to visit him.

The cooking practices taught on our holidays are rooted firmly in the traditional practices used in this region of Italy for centuries – on cucina povera, using delicious local ingredients and the ancient knowledge handed down from generation to generation of Umbrian families.

Whatever your level of culinary ability, the lessons will offer the opportunity – through hands-on practice – to dramatically improve your skills. In the kitchen, working together with like-minded people under. Claudio's expert guidance, you will learn new recipes and techniques, and develop a well-roundedunderstanding of both local food and local culture and an abundance of good humour.

Teaching takes place in Claudio's beautiful home which is situated approximately 1 1/2 miles from the hotel. It can be walked slowly in 30 minutes. It is a beautiful walk along the brow of a hill with the Italian countryside falling away on each side.

Transportation to and from Claudio's house is arranged every day. After preparing your own
lunch in the morning, guests eat the product of their efforts on Claudio's lovely terrace - again with stunning views.