Cucina Povera V: A Hands-On Culinary Weekend November 2025
Thursday, 13th November to Sunday, 16th November 2025
This November, our fifth Food Symposium returns, bringing together chefs from Japan, India, Moorish traditions, Italy, and Great Britain to explore Cucina Povera – humble, resourceful, and deeply flavourful cooking born from simplicity and necessity.
For over 30 years, I’ve lived among Italy’s rural kitchens and discovered that the best food isn’t the elaborate fare of fine dining but “poor cooking”: seasonal, waste-free, and full of heart. Once born of necessity, Cucina Povera has become a global inspiration, honouring generations of cooks and women who shaped and preserved this culinary tradition and turned simple ingredients into extraordinary meals.
This weekend is a hands-on celebration: cook alongside talented chefs, learn traditional techniques, explore seasonal ingredients, and experience the creativity and wisdom behind this timeless culinary tradition.
Highlights:
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Interactive cooking sessions for lunch and dinner with international chefs
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Seasonal, zero-waste approaches to food
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Family-style meals in the castle dining hall
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Stories, techniques, and tastings of regional specialties
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Breathtaking beauty of the Tuscan countryside in the Autumn
To whet your appetite... a quick video of last springs Cucina Povera FUN.
Charlotte Horton is co-owner and winemaker at the castle.
Chantal Coady, OBE
Chantal Coady is a pioneering British chocolatier, founder of Rococo Chocolates, and celebrated for transforming the UK's chocolate landscape. Awarded an OBE for her services to chocolate, she is also a member of the Dames d’Escoffier and has dedicated her career to crafting exquisite, ethical, and innovative chocolate creations. Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Chantal serves as co-chair of the Academy of Chocolate, helping shape the future of fine chocolate.
Asia Chirdo
Asia Chirdo is a private chef and culinary guide based in the heart of Tuscany's Val d'Orcia.
Yuki Gomi
Yuki Gomi is a Japanese chef, food writer and cookery teacher. Her mission is to educate and share just how simple, nourishing and delicious Japanese food can be. Her first book Sushi at Home was published in 2013 by Penguin, and taught readers a more accessible way of making sushi.
Sam Clark
Sam is the successful mind behind Moro, London. After spending her honeymoon exploring the flavors of Spain and Morocco, she and her husband opened Moro in Clerkenwell, London, in 1997. Since then, the restaurant has received critical acclaim, and the Clarks have also opened Morito, an intimate tapas bar with branches in Clerkenwell and Hackney.
Avinash Shashidhara
Avi is an old friend of Potentino. He is a chef with over 18 years of experience in Michelin-starred kitchens, including Hibiscus and 10 years at the River Café, London, before opening his own restaurant, Pahli Hill. He is a regular guest on Saturday Kitchen and the winner of Great British Menu 2023.
To be confirmed...
Thursday, November 13
Friday, November 14
Saturday, November 15
Sunday, November 16
If you would like to stay for dinner and an additional night on Sunday, please contact Heather heather.percival@potentino.com
Please note: While the programme is broadly outlined here, timings and events may be subject to change.
If you are in the area and would like to join in for the cooking and meals, you are more than welcome- please contact Heather heather.percival@potentino.com
What’s included
- 2 full days and 3 nights
- Board and lodging at Castello di Potentino
- Meals
- All sessions and activities
What’s not included
- Flights
- Transfers to and from Potentino
Prices
Prices vary by room choice and number of guests sharing the room.
A single person is from €1,640
Two people sharing a room is from €1,475 per person.
Three people sharing a room is from €1,380 per person.
Please note (deposits and booking queries)
If you would like to pay a deposit
The payment system asks for payment in full. If you would rather pay a non-refundable 25% deposit at the time of booking, please enter the code DEPOSIT25 at checkout. The final payment will be due one month before the start of the course.
If you have any issues booking
Sometimes, it takes a few attempts to clear the cart if you need to make any changes to your room selection etc.
If you have any issues at all, please contact Heather Percival heather.percival@potentino.com
