Devin Jones takes the helm of the Cookery School at The Grand, York

Fancy recreating The Grand’s award-winning afternoon tea yourself? York’s five-star hotel is giving us foodies a brand new reason to roll up our sleeves, with a new chapter and a new head of the Cookery School.

Chef Devin Jones has been appointed Head of Cookery School after almost four years at The Grand, where he’s helped refine the hotel’s pastry offering, including its afternoon tea, named Best Afternoon Tea at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2026.

Now, he’s swapping the pastry kitchen for the classroom, planning to introduce a new programme of hands-on experiences inspired by the talent behind the hotel’s kitchens.

First up is an Afternoon Tea class, teaching us how to recreate some iconic elements of the award-winning experience. There’s also a Beef Wellington class on the cards, adding something a little more substantial to the mix.

And this is only the beginning. Working alongside Culinary Director Kevin Bonello and the hotel’s multicultural team of chefs, Devin hopes to make the Cookery School an extension of The Grand’s restaurants, with experiences spanning different cuisines, techniques and dishes from across the hotel.

Devin Jones, Head of Cookery School at The Grand, York, said: “I love interacting with guests and sharing my passion for food, so taking on The Cookery School feels like the perfect next chapter for me.

“I want people to come here and experience the incredible breadth of talent we have across The Grand, whether that’s learning techniques from our chefs, exploring different cuisines or recreating dishes they’ve enjoyed elsewhere in the hotel.

“More than anything, I want people to leave feeling confident. Cooking can sometimes seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Food should be fun, creative and personal, and if someone leaves excited to experiment at home and make a recipe their own, then we’ve done our job.”

Born and raised in South Africa, Devin’s passion for food began at home, inspired by his mother’s self-taught cooking and baking and his father’s love of barbecue. That upbringing has shaped his relaxed, generous approach to food,  something he’s keen to bring to every class.

His philosophy? Cooking should be fun, not intimidating. Whether you’re a confident home cook or still need a little encouragement in the kitchen, the aim is to leave feeling inspired to experiment at home.

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The appointment comes as The Grand continues to develop its culinary scene, with Kevin Bonello promoted to Culinary Director and Manoj Nair to Executive Head Chef.

The Cookery School is now fully integrated into the hotel’s Food & Beverage division, opening up even more opportunities to learn from the expertise behind its restaurants.

Further experiences are due to be announced later this year, so watch this space for your next five-star cooking lesson!

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The Cookery School at The Grand York, Station Rise, York YO1 6GD – 01904 380038 – https://www.thegrandyork.co.uk/

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The Cookery School at The Grand York