Signature Fire School
A full day of outdoor cooking, eating and learning in the woods
This is our flagship course – the one we’ve been shaping and refining since High Grange began. Signature Fire School is a deep dive into real barbecue and outdoor cooking, using live fire, wood and charcoal, with no gimmicks and no shortcuts.
You'll spend the day in our woodland kitchen with views across Devon’s rolling hills, learning to cook everything from fresh shellfish to big cuts of meat, from the ground up – literally. With Luke as your guide, you’ll light fires, handle beautiful local ingredients, prep, grill, bury, bake and smoke.
And then you’ll feast on the lot!
What the day includes
Cook with fire, eat like royalty, laugh a lot
We start with coffee, breakfast and a chat by the fire. Then it’s time to get stuck in. You’ll learn how to prepare your cooking space, light and manage your fires, and handle a range of outdoor grills and barbecues – including Vulcanus, Braai master and Kamado Joe ceramic ovens.
Throughout the day, you’ll work with seasonal ingredients sourced from Lyme Bay and our East Devon larder. Luke will guide you through different barbecue techniques – grilling, smoking, slow cooking and even pit roasting directly in the ground. You'll also cover butchery, sides and condiments to complete each meal.
Lunch is a shared table affair – shellfish, grilled meats, fire-roasted vegetables. Supper is a full feast on our oak table as the sun drops happily over the trees.
What makes it special
Relaxed, generous and designed for everyone
Don’t worry, this isn’t a classroom. There are no right or wrong answers, no pressure to be perfect. You can take part in every task or hang back with a drink and take it all in. You’ll learn as you go, from Luke and from each other.
We’ve welcomed guests of all ages and experience levels – including groups of friends, birthday guests, stag and hen parties, and first-time fire-starters. We’re proud to have just as many women as men attending our schools, and we believe great food should be accessible to everyone!
Luke's Approach
"It's a food experience, not a lecture"
“I firmly believe there are no stupid questions, and I’ll happily share all the daft mistakes I’ve made over the years. Some people like to get hands-on and dig a pit. Others prefer to soak it up with a drink in hand. Either way, you’ll eat well, learn something, and remember the day – not just the recipe.”
– Luke Vandore-Mackay, chef and tutor
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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