Located in the serene landscapes of East Devon’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty lies the High Grange Fire School and Wellbeing Centre. This charming establishment is the brainchild of Sara and Luke Mackay, a dynamic duo passionate about culinary arts and holistic wellness.
Originally hailing from the bustling streets of London, Luke, a seasoned chef and wine connoisseur with over two decades of experience, brings his expertise to High Grange. Renowned for his mastery in outdoor cookery, Luke’s culinary journey includes prestigious roles at the Borough Market Demo Kitchen and The London Barbecue School. Having founded successful ventures like the Brompton Food Market and The Hour Glass in Kensington, Luke’s culinary prowess is undeniable.
In 2024 they won ‘Best Fine Dining Experience’ at the Food Drink Devon Awards for its outdoor barbecue cooking. Visitors buy advance tickets for Feast Nights, barbecue cooking Fire School Days and Wellbeing Events to enjoy a unique woodland food experience. In a rare first for a barbecue specialist venue where all food is cooked outside over fire and smoke, Luke and Sara Vandore-Mackay were delighted to have been awarded the Best Fine Dining Restaurant prize at the prestigious Food Drink Devon Awards ceremony in October 2024. The Food Drink Devon “mystery shopper” judges awarded the highest of awards to High Grange because “the cookery was of the highest calibre” and “it felt as if we were being served by friends”. They referred to the ‘magical dining experience’ where guests sit in Devon woodland around an oversized oak table, watching the sun set while your food is expertly cooked over fire.
Luke Mackay, known for his passion for using home grown and locally sourced ingredients, creates menus that elevate traditional wood-fired cooking. Initially inspired by Argentinian asado cooking, he promotes modern British barbecue techniques and his use of open flame and natural, sustainable firewood infuses each dish with a distinct, smoky flavour, highlighting the best of Devon’s seasonal produce. This award recognises High Grange for its innovative cuisine and immersive dining experience but more than that, it shows how cooking over fire can be as much fine dining as silver service restaurants.
Luke commented on the accolade, saying: “It’s an incredible honour to receive this recognition. At High Grange, we’re committed to creating something truly special – cooking over live fire is an ancient technique, but one that allows us to connect deeply with the ingredients and our environment, extracting the most flavour that I physically can from an ingredient that is exactly of its time and place, where generosity and deliciousness is everything. This award is testament to the dedication of our team and the beautiful produce we’re fortunate to work with in Devon.”
High Grange Devon has become an experiential destination for food lovers across the UK, offering guests an unforgettable dining experience in a rural, picturesque setting. Mackay’s menus, prepared almost entirely outdoors, blend modern culinary creativity with the primal allure of fire, bringing an elemental simplicity that speaks to the soul of the Devon landscape.
Outdoor fine dining experiences.
In 2019, the Mackay family embarked on a new chapter, relocating to Devon to pursue their culinary dreams. High Grange Fire School now stands as a testament to their passion, featuring a sprawling outdoor cookery school equipped with fire pits, a pizza oven, Vulcanus Grill, and an array of Kamado Joe grills. From Fire School days exploring the nuances of British outdoor cooking to enchanting feast nights in their woodland dining area, High Grange offers a culinary experience like no other.
Complementing their gastronomic offerings is a commitment to holistic wellness. Nestled within the tranquil confines of the ‘Shippen’ outbuilding, guests can partake in rejuvenating wellness events and classes, including yoga, massage, sound baths, and breath-work. High Grange also hosts creative masterclasses, ranging from dried flower arranging to vegetable cultivation, fostering a sense of community and creativity.
Spend a day in their beautiful woodland with a view of rolling Devon hills. You’ll be chopping logs, preparing fish, meat and vegetables, and learning now to cook on all manner of fire pits, ceramic Kamado Joe barbecues and even in the ground, as well as eating incredible food – they include breakfast, lunch and a feast supper on our communal oak table. Priding themselves on teaching as many women as men, and they are also perfect for hen and stag nights, birthdays and other special occasions.
The accolades garnered by High Grange underscore its commitment to excellence. Recognised as one of the ‘Top 5 Barbecue Schools’ in the South West by Food Magazine, the school has also received a prestigious Gold Award from Devon Food & Drink. Additionally, it has been named Best Training School and accredited as an ICSA Centre of Excellence by the Independent Cookery Schools Association. High Grange Fire School and Wellbeing Centre epitomise a harmonious blend of culinary artistry and holistic living, inviting guests to indulge in a truly enriching experience amidst Devon’s picturesque landscapes.
