T.Y.D.C.S

Lionel, a chef with classical French training and author of culinary books like “From Alsace to Yorkshire” and “The Dining Club of Interesting Occurrences,” is the proud owner of the Clarendon Country Pub in Hebden. Over the past decade, Lionel transformed this once modest pub into one of Yorkshire’s premier establishments. Situated in the heart of Yorkshire National Park, a stone’s throw from the River Wharfe, the Clarendon is a testament to Lionel’s commitment to local produce and sustainability.

 

The pub, blessed with an abundance of excellent local produce, aligns harmoniously with the rhythms of nature and the changing seasons. By sourcing ingredients from devoted local farmers, gamekeepers, and estates, the Clarendon’s menu boasts 80% locally sourced items, reducing its carbon footprint and celebrating Yorkshire Dales’ finest offerings. Lionel’s dedication has earned the pub numerous accolades, including best rural pub, best use of local produce, and best chef.

 

Expanding on this philosophy, Lionel has established the Yorkshire Dales Cookery School to provide cookery courses in Yorkshire. This initiative mirrors the pub’s ethos, focusing on local, seasonal products. Students are immersed in hands-on experiences, from farm visits to understanding seasonal changes and quality produce. The school doesn’t just teach cooking; it offers a comprehensive journey from farm to table, including foraging and sourcing directly from nature.

 

Cookery courses in Yorkshire are seasonally structured and personalized for an intimate learning experience. The signature two-day “Ultimate Hunter Gatherer” course is an immersive adventure in hunting, stalking, fishing, and foraging, emphasizing respect for nature and sustainable practices. As a gesture of giving back to nature, each participant plants a tree at the course’s end, symbolizing the school’s ethos of balance and sustainability.