Welcome to The Learning Larder, a unique culinary experience in York led by Heléne Schoeman, the first South African chef to be awarded a Michelin Star in the UK. As a classically trained chef, Heléne blends the elegance of French cuisine with the vibrant, bold flavours of her South African roots, offering you a cooking experience like no other.
Her professional journey began in Cape Town at the prestigious Silwood School of Cookery, where she cultivated her passion for refined, ingredient-led cuisine. Her career includes luxury event catering, fine dining establishments, and exclusive private chef roles for high-profile clients around the world. A significant milestone was when, at age 26, she was awarded a Michelin Star less than a year into her role as Head Chef at The Greyhound Inn in Stockbridge, Hampshire. This achievement made her the first South African chef to earn a Michelin Star and the youngest female chef in the UK to do so — an honour held by only five women at the time.
Raised on a family farm in South Africa, Heléne’s approach to cooking is deeply rooted in sustainability, nose-to-tail practices, and a deep respect for seasonal, locally sourced produce. Her classical French training, combined with experience working for culinary legends like Marco Pierre White, Richard Neat, and Warren Geraghty, informs her meticulous yet creative cooking style.
As a mother of four, Heléne is now based in historic York, the heart of Yorkshire. She shares her expertise through cookery classes and bespoke hands-on culinary workshops in her home kitchen. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced home cook, The Learning Larder offers tailored cooking experiences that empower you to cook confidently, sustainably, and with joy—creating delicious feasts for family and friends from locally sourced ingredients that evoke warmth and practicality. Heléne’s courses are ideal for food lovers aiming to: • Learn from a Michelin-starred chef in a relaxed, home-style kitchen. • Master essential cooking techniques and family-friendly recipes. • Prepare seasonal meals with confidence, using locally sourced produce. • Impress guests with beautifully crafted yet approachable dishes. Heléne’s Cookery Classes aim to transform the way you cook at home and for your guests. With Heléne’s expert guidance, you will acquire practical skills and inspiration to turn everyday meals into memorable moments bursting with flavour.Meet Heléne Schoeman – the first South African chef to be awarded a Michelin Star in the UK, the founder and chef at The Learning Larder in York.
Heléne’s cooking philosophy is rooted in sustainability and nose-to-tail practices, inspired by her upbringing on a family farm in South Africa. Her classical French training and experience working with renowned chefs, such as Marco Pierre White, Richard Neat and Warren Geraghty, bring a refined approach to her cuisine, combining precision and creativity.
As a mother of 4, Heléne is now based in historic York, the heart of Yorkshire. She brings her expertise to her home kitchen through Chef’s Table Cookery Classes and bespoke hands-on culinary workshops. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced cook, The Learning Larder offers tailored cooking experiences that empower you to cook confidently and sustainably. Cooking feasts for family and friends from locally sourced produce.
Heléne’s Cookery Classes are aimed at transforming the way you cook at home and for your guests. With Heléne’s expert guidance, you’ll gain the practical skills and inspiration to turn everyday meals into unforgettable moments bursting with flavour.
