Who is Who at Coghlans
Simon Lilley
As founding Head Chef of Coghlans Cookery School, Simon and Janet have now worked together for over 15 years, firstly at the Manor House Hotel and then at Coghlans. Simon is a Master Chef of Great Britain - a position which he has held for the past 10 years and is one of only 300 chefs in the country.
Simon trained at Sheffield Catering College.
Bryan Thompson
Janet Coghlan
Founder of the Coghlans Cookery School Janet has over 25 years experience in the catering industry. She developed the cookery school to work hand-in-hand with the family wine business which was started over 35 years ago by her husbands family.
Janet is passionate about everyone being able to cook good, nutritional food. The cookery school has expanded over the past several years and is now very proud to be working with Miele - the Rolls Royce of kitchen appliances.
Janet trained at Turnberry in western Scotland, one of the bastions of service in the British Isles, as well as keeping her 5 star pedigree as the opening front of house manager of the multi award winning Swallow Hotel Birmingham, AA Hotel of the Year.
Andrew Coghlan
Andrew Coghlan heads up the wine division of the company and is actively involved in tutoring WSET wine courses within the organisation. Andrew trained as an Hotelier with Hilton International in Germany, being responsible for the Rheingoldhalle on the banks of the river Rhine in Mainz, the largest banquet hall in Germany catering for 3000 guests in one room. Those exacting 5 star standards were followed through when Andrew opened the Swallow Hotel Birmingham in 1990, a hotel that won over 50 industry awards including AA Hotel of the year.
Cheryl Rooney
Cheryl is our chocolate and gift wrapping expert - always busy behind the scenes helping our cookery courses go without a hitch on the day.
Mark Price
Having worked with the Coghlans previously at the Manor House Hotel, Mark started his career in the restaurant sector and now has some 20 years service in. Graduating to a roll in the sister wine business Mark is still actively involved with the front of house operations at Coghlans. Now regarded as an expert wine advisor, Marks main role is to look after the numerous wine trade accounts
Matt Thompson
Another member of the team to originally join coghlans at the Manor House Hotel, Matt is now in his second stint with Coghlans, having rejoined 2 years ago. Matt takes responsibility for the front of house areas and the retail selling at Coghlans and barrels and Bottles, the wine division of the company. Matt is an enthusiastic member of the team who will gladly be on hand to give advice on wines and will also be involved with service during your cookery day.
Pauline Mitchell
Pauline runs the accounts department.
Lisa Minor
Course Administrator Lisa is a keen cook and recently completed our own 8 week general cookery course, so is well placed to advise clients as to what they might learn.
John Higgins
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