Royal Academy of Culinary Arts explores Leckford Estate

The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts (RACA) spent two days exploring the Leckford Estate, gaining hands-on experience of Waitrose’s flagship farm and learning about regenerative farming practices.

The trip brought together top achievers from RACA’s 2025 Annual Awards of Excellence alongside Academicians.

The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts recently enjoyed an exclusive two-day educational visit to the Leckford Estate. (Image: Tom Smith)

Lisa Jenkins, chief executive officer of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, said: "One of the academy’s core objectives is to inspire and educate the next generation of hospitality professionals by giving them access to the very best examples of excellence across the food supply chain.

"Our visit to Leckford Estate has been a truly exceptional learning experience, demonstrating how innovation, sustainability and outstanding farming practices are shaping the future of British food."

Guests began the visit with a guided tour of Longstock, the historic home of John Spedan Lewis, founder of the John Lewis Partnership.

They then enjoyed a tasting of six Waitrose Champagnes and sparkling wines, including the estate’s Leckford Brut Vintage 2021.

The day ended with a celebratory dinner prepared by Waitrose development chefs Stephen Parkins-Knight, Paul Gamble and Will Torrent.

The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts recently enjoyed an exclusive two-day educational visit to the Leckford Estate. (Image: Tom Smith)

Dishes showcased estate-grown beef, sparkling wine and produce from the Waitrose No.1 and Duchy Organic ranges.

A continental breakfast featuring estate-grown produce opened the second day, followed by a presentation on Leckford’s sustainability ambitions and a dedicated Farming for Nature session.

RACA members then toured the 2,800-acre working farm, learning how Waitrose is advancing sustainable food production as the only UK supermarket to own and operate its own farm.

Will Torrent, senior development chef at Waitrose and Royal Academy of Culinary Arts Academician, said: "As a former Highest Achiever in the awards, this educational experience held a real personal connection for me.

"It was an absolute pleasure to welcome members of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts to the Leckford Estate, where great farming and great food come together.

"We hope they leave feeling inspired by what's possible when sustainability and quality sit at the heart of everything we do."

The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts recently enjoyed an exclusive two-day educational visit to the Leckford Estate. (Image: Tom Smith)

Guests also visited the estate’s vineyard, orchards, rapeseed oil facility and its award-winning biomethane plant, which converts manure from 500 cattle into tractor fuel.

Originally purchased by John Spedan Lewis in 1929, the estate has been managed by Waitrose for the past 25 years.

The visit forms part of the academy’s ongoing commitment to expanding the knowledge and experience of its members and annual award recipients.