Learn the art of outdoor cooking..

Last week I introduced you to Jim Kenyon, who owns Forton Outdoor Cooking, in Knutsford. If you want to up your outdoor cooking game, Jim is the man to help you achieve this, with his extraordinary selection of outdoor cooking equipment.

However, having the very latest outdoor grill, pizza oven or oven is all very well, but there’s a reason why the phrase “all the gear, no idea” is so well-known. I had visions of Jim’s customers firing up a brand new, very sophisticated barbeque and still producing no more than the charred sausages so often seen in back gardens in the summer months.

‘It is a risk,’ Jim agreed, ‘which is why I have introduced Forton Grill School. When customers come to the showroom to view the various products and brands we have on sale, they are always offered an opportunity to see the kit in action – we cook something for them and eat together. However, this really isn’t enough to show the full range of dishes that can be produced – really delicious dishes all year round.

‘So, I introduced Forton Grill School.’

What is Forton Grill School?

‘Forton Grill School is a premium hands-on outdoor cooking experience based at our premises adjacent to The Lambing Shed, in Knutsford.

‘I created the school for people who want to learn properly, gain confidence and get the very best from their barbecue, pizza oven or live-fire equipment. Sessions are designed to be enjoyable, relaxed and interactive, where guests learn by doing rather than simply watching a demonstration.

‘I have planned a series of topics that will include barbecue fundamentals, live-fire cooking, pizza ovens, smoking, roasting, entertaining at home and seasonal specialist events.

‘They’re open to everyone, not just our customers – and you don’t need to worry, I won’t be the one leading the demonstrations. We work with specialist chef, Tom Harper, of bbq_rum_shack, who is absolutely superb and uses meat, vegetables and dairy produce stocked at The Lambing Shed, much of which is grown on the farm here.

‘We keep group sizes small to ensure everyone gets involved and gets genuine value from the experience. It may be a cooking lesson, but it’s also always a lot of fun.

‘People leave feeling a lot more confident in their outdoor cooking skills, whether they have the equipment at home we sell here, or equipment they’ve had for years.’

I’m certainly signing up for a Grill School session. I’ve seen live fire demos they do at foodie festivals and they are all well and good, but it’s not easy to really learn anything useful in that kind of crowded environment and impossible to recreate in my own back garden. Learning to cook really special food outdoors will help me get the best from my current barbeque set up, while I discuss my progression options with Jim.

‘Outdoor cooking isn’t just a summer sport,’ Jim adds. ‘Once you know how to use your equipment, it opens up year-round opportunities.

‘We have customers who send photos of their latest creations – from cakes and bakes to full roast legs of lamb. I just know we’re going to get photos of roast turkeys this Christmas.

‘Outdoor cooking isn’t just a summer hobby: it’s a lifestyle change that our customers are really embracing and our Forton Grill School has played a strong part in that, which makes me really proud.’

To find out about upcoming Grill School classes, follow the Forton Outdoor Cooking Facebook page or call in to the showroom.

Eddie – Friday 1st May 2026.