NOT one to rest on his laurels, even after a gruelling two-week reality television stint, celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli has added two new ventures to his business porfolio.

The sultry Frenchman, a hit on ITV's Hell's Kitchen in May, is chef patron at both the Auberge du Lac restaurant at Brocket Hall near Welwyn Garden City and at London's Novelli in the City, but is clearly keen to share his skills in as many ways as possible.

The chef has just launched his own cookery school, the Novelli Academy, at his 14th Century farmhouse in Tea Green, near Luton. The academy currently operates four days a week and later in the year will be offering 24-hour residential courses. Would-be kitchen wizards are taught in groups of a maximum of 12 and every programme is tailor-made to suit their needs.

The chef guides his pupils through a range of his signature dishes during the day, teaching them about the subtleties of balance and introducing them to unusual ingredients. As well as cooking techniques the pupils enjoy wine matching and cheese tasting, and learn the skills of creative presentation.

And it's not just Jean-Christophe's wealth of experience that the academy taps into. British chef Keith Floyd is also on board, working alongside his French counterpart in some classes and spearheading others.

Jean-Christophe said: "Cooking is not merely an academic or scientific process but more about feeling what's right and sensing what's needed to make a dish sing. You can't just read about perfumes and textures, you have to experience them, and that's what I do here. My clients feel, smell and observe the process and then finally taste the result."

As well as the academy, Jean-Christophe has also branched into event catering with Novelli Events, in partnership with hospitality management firm msl:global. The chef personalises Michelin Star-standard menus to suit the needs of the event and also supplies an event planner to guide and oversee the arrangements. A fleet of state-of-the-art support vehicles has been commissioned by msl:global to provide Jean-Christophe with the perfect cooking environment in any locations.

For more information on the Novelli Academy or Novelli Events visit www.jeanchristophenovelli.com