A house once used as an arts college has re-opened as a community cookery school.

Cordon Verve in Walthamstow will teach a variety of kitchen skills, with an emphasis on using local produce.

The building, in Orford Road, formerly housed the Modern College of Music and Drama, which opened in 1937.

Sarah Gau and her partner, Nat Di Maggio, have renovated and adapted the house and are now looking forward to sharing their culinary passion by creating an informal, home-based learning experience.

Ms Gau, who lives in the property, said: “I was working with female offenders and addicts – it was a very hard job.

“This has always been my dream, cooking is my passion.

“When we bought the house, I always knew I was going to do something for the community, and that is why the owner chose us, over someone who wanted to build flats here.

“I very much wanted this to be as if someone was cooking in their own kitchen, there won’t be £2,000 pieces of equipment which people would not have at home.”

Mr Di Maggio owns a catering business and has worked in boutique hotels and pop-up restaurants.

He said: “We share a love for food and a love for the community.

“It’s a chance to get to know people, learn something new and eat a meal with strangers. There will be a chance to grill the chef afterwards.

“There is so much talent around here. We are using local butchers, local green grocers and local chefs.

“Our ingredients will be locally sourced and the chefs all have local connections.”

The opening will be on Thursday, between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.