Asado Fire School
Whole-lamb fire cooking in the open air, Argentinian style
Asado Fire School is a slow, immersive day of outdoor cooking that celebrates simplicity, patience, and great food. Inspired by Argentinian fire cookery, this course centres around the asado cross – a traditional frame used to cook whole animals over flame and embers.
It’s all about truly understanding the fire, tending it properly, and working with the elements to produce truly extraordinary food. We cook outside all day – building the fire, managing heat, preparing beautiful sides and snacks, and ending with a long feast around the oak table as the sun sets.
A day built around fire
Fire-pit breakfast, all-day cook, sunset feast
Your day starts with coffee and breakfast by the fire. Then we prepare the lamb – loading it onto the asado cross and securing it above a carefully managed flame. This is a long, slow process that takes focus and attention, but it’s never rushed. The cooking takes most of the day.
As the lamb roasts, you’ll work with Luke to prepare a series of seasonal side dishes and snacks. You’ll eat along the way and learn the rhythm of fire-led cooking – part instinct, part technique, always deeply satisfying.
We end, as always, with a full feast shared together – sitting down to incredible food, cooked entirely outside, surrounded by the beauty of nature.
For those drawn to fire
Inspired by tradition, grounded in real experience
There’s a particular satisfaction to this kind of cooking. It takes time. It responds to the weather. You don’t control it – you work with it. But when it’s done right, it’s unforgettable.
“There is an art to cooking this way – ensuring your meat is cooked through without burning the outside, and in managing whatever weather comes your way.”
If you’ve seen Francis Mallmann’s Chef’s Table episode and felt something click – this is the day for you.
A High grange setting
Open skies, Devon hills and slow food done properly
There’s no better place for asado-style cooking than our woodland kitchen. The space is quiet, open, and well set up for a long day around the fire. From the surrounding trees to the wide skies and rolling Blackdown Hills, it’s a setting that encourages you to slow down and enjoy the process.
You’ll leave well-fed, more confident, and with a renewed respect for what food and fire can do together.
Fire School Testimonials
“The food was truly remarkable. Listening to you talk about wood, charcoal, steak cuts – honestly, we learnt so much and in such gorgeous surroundings.”
– Fire School guest, 2024
“I learnt so much and had a brilliant time. Not to mention all the fantastic food consumed! The birthday sea bass was also very much appreciated!”
– Charlie, August 2024
Award-winning Fire Schools
We are thrilled to have received multiple awards for our Fire School! We have been awarded Best Training School and a Gold Award from Devon Food & Drink, and we won a Bronze Award at the South West Tourism Awards.
ICSA CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
We are an Accredited ICSA Cookery School by our inspectors, achieving our highest award of ‘Centre of Excellence’ for Outdoor cooking and fire experiences.
High Grange Gift Vouchers
Give the gift of fire to a loved one!
High Grange is run by Luke and Sara Vandore-Mackay, who swapped city life for three acres of woodland and built something personal, rooted and award-winning.
With a background in food, wine, law, writing and wellbeing, they’ve created a venue where fire cooking, feasting and rest all come together to create something truly memorable. Learn about their story, their team, their awards and what it’s like to hire High Grange for private events or shoots.
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