THE FACTS ABOUT PATA NEGRA

Spain

WHAT'S COOKING? Writer Maria Jose Sevilla and chef Sam Clark (among others) teach the methods behind Spanish, Spanish-Mexican and Basque cuisine. Lots of organic ingredients. MENU Gastronomic holidays, with one hands-on cooking class a day as well as plenty of visits to organic producers, markets and sherry bodegas or ham curers. ADDED INGREDIENTS Swimming, golf, riding in the Coto de Donana; walking and sightseeing, depending on location. WHERE AND WHEN Six-night courses in spring and autumn. Accommodation is typically in country-house hotels on private rural estates. CONTACT Pata Negra, 28 Parsons Green, London SW6 4UH (020 7736 1959; www.patanegra.net).