Sam Linford-Platt
Head of the Vegetarian Society Cookery School
Life-long vegetarian, now vegan, Sam is Head of the Vegetarian Society Cookery School. She has a wealth of experience, having worked in the catering industry for more than 15 years.
Originally from Liverpool, with a mixed European heritage, she has experimented with many different flavours and dishes throughout her career. She frequently leads cookery events at the school and across the country to teach people how to make fantastic vegetarian and vegan food. Sam says: “I love that I’m able to pass on my knowledge and skills through the cookery school. I always aim to inspire people to be more creative when preparing food for themselves and their families and to thoroughly enjoy cooking.”
Nikita
Chef Manager
Nikita’s passion for cooking began in childhood, with dreams of one day going on the TV show Ready, Steady, Cook. She said teaching at the Vegetarian Society Cookery School is the closest thing to that dream! Having always worked in hospitality, Nikita did her training at catering college. She has a particular interest for Asian cookery and world cuisine.
Nikita said: “I am looking forward to helping people discover vegetarian food and improving their skills.”
Maz Linford-Platt
Tutor
Maz has a passion for fantastic flavours! She teaches on a wide range of courses at the Vegetarian Society Cookery School including Thai and Vietnamese Cookery and Vegan Street Food.
She now uses her vast experience to teach on our Professional Chefs’ Diploma.
Maz has worked with big organisations, including the LGBT Foundation and Manchester University, and has catered for the England women’s cricket team too.
Danielle Maupertuis
Tutor
Danielle teaches students to make jaw-dropping vegan desserts.
Her Belgian heritage has given her a love of good chocolate, and she has been a pastry chef around the Mediterranean, from Greece to Lebanon.
After challenging herself to come up with a range of dairy-free desserts that beat the competition, Danielle decided vegan patisserie was her calling. Those who come on this course will discover how to make sweet treats look and taste as great as hers.
Lajina Leal
Tutor
Lajina Leal teaches our popular Indian classes.
An enthusiastic and passionate chef; Lajina loves to cook authentic, home-style Indian food. Her dishes are full of flavour, with a focus on health, so her recipes have a reduction of fat, sugar and salt.
Lajina’s love of cooking stemmed from wanting to cook nutritious meals for her son. She drew inspiration from TV shows and cookery books before deciding to set up her own company ‘Lajina Masala’.
Lajina believes that the key to delicious Indian food is in the spices. During her class, you will learn some perfect spice blends to bring your own curries to life!
