Mary Cadogan

is a renowned food writer and stylist and author of 14 cookbooks. She was Food Director of BBC Good Food magazine for 12 years and was on the launch team of Olive magazine. In 2005 she made the move to the Charente area of France seeking new inspiration for her work and a different way of life. She continues writing features for Good Food magazine as well as other publications including a regular column in Living France magazine.

Over the years Mary has worked with many top food photographers on advertising campaigns and editorial assignments and continues to work on photographic shoots from her riverside home and on location.

In 2008 Mary and her husband Mick opened Tasting France, a small cookery school with the emphasis on cooking with locally sourced seasonal ingredients. She particularly enjoys sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for good food and excellent home cooking. New projects for this year include gastronomic weekends and food photography courses in conjunction with award winning photographer Roger Stowell.

Mick Rogers

has been in teaching for a large part of his life, first in primary schools in the south west of England, and later working with difficult adolescents in Surrey. In between, he was for a spell a furniture maker and carpenter, indulging in his love of working in wood to produce bespoke pieces for private clients.

After moving to France in 2005 he fulfilled a lifetime ambition to bring the lovely old French village house back to life,and his fluent French meant he was also able to offer private English lessons to local French speakers. He has recently spent time teaching English in Colleges and Lycees, and his enthusiasm for motivating and encouraging children and adolescents in their learning continues undimmed.

Since he and Mary opened Tasting France,Mick has handled all the administration, organises trips to local artisan food producers and looks after the guests to ensure they have the best time and go home with only good memories.