A TWO-MICHELIN-STAR chef, who has catered for the likes of Michael Douglas, Tom Cruise, Ted Turner, Liza Minnelli, Elliott Erwitt and the Dutch Royal family in private parties, will be passing on the wealth of his knowledge in Times Territory.

No. 7 Cooking Academy in Welwyn is being run by executive chef Dennis Van Golberdinge, a Dutchman who is hoping to improve techniques so that residents can cook with confidence and impress their friends and family.

The academy was launched by Welwyn Hatfield deputy mayor Carl Storer, and Dennis told the Welwyn Hatfield Times the opening event made for “an amazing day”.

He said: “If people wanted to go for cooking classes in the past they had to go to London, now we have this little place in Welwyn, which is designed for me to cater for exactly what a learner needs, which is really great.

“So far we have been working by word of mouth and it’s been really popular, so hopefully it will continue to grow and grow.”

The official opening, which featured canapes and a tour of the glamourous High Street building, marked Dennis’ two months of business in Welwyn.

Previously he has run a culinary support consultancy in New York for 10 years and more recently the Prestigious Rhubarb Food Design, in London.

Futhermore, his back catalogue of work stretches to cooking in renowned hotels from The Waldorf Astoria in New York, Intercontinental, Hilton, Ritz-Carlton and the Four Seasons.

With an extensive knowledge of the art of gastronomy, Dennis added: “I think that what makes us different is that you can customise your own lessons here.

“If a group wants to learn how to cook a souffle or Beef Wellington or whatever, I will show them.”

There are two three-week classes, one for beginners on Thursdays (level one) and one for intermediates on Tuesdays (level two).

Both are �325 each and run at 7.15pm.

No.7 will also be running individual days.

Upcoming in January is Talking Italian – learn to make your own fresh pasta, risotto, pesto and tiramisu – as well as Master Class, learn how to cook a Michelin-star three-course menu.

For more information and bookings call 01438 712622.