Meet
Chef Eric
Owner & Executive Chef at The Walnut Grove Cookery School
Founder of Le Gourmet French Chef
Get to know the remarkable journey of Chef Eric Duvin, a classically trained French chef with over 40 years of culinary experience in fine dining, private service, and culinary education.
His journey began in the heart of Paris and led him across Europe — from Michelin-level kitchens to private estates, embassies, and royal households. Along the way, he has had the honour of cooking for European aristocracy, ambassadors, heads of state, and high-profile families.
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Today, Chef Eric brings the world of refined French gastronomy online through Le Gourmet French Chef — a structured, step-by-step course designed to make professional-level French cooking accessible to home cooks anywhere in the world.
A Life in Gastronomy
Eric’s culinary path has been defined by precision, elegance, and service at the highest level:
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Private Chef to the German Ambassador in London, overseeing formal state functions and intimate private dinners.
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Private Chef to His Grace, the 11th Duke of Beaufort, at Badminton House and his London residence.
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Founder of Du Pain Duvin Ltd, a celebrated delicatessen and catering company in London, known for fine French cuisine and bespoke events.
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Personal Chef to royalty and dignitaries, including European aristocracy and heads of state.
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With decades of elite experience, Chef Eric now shares the time-honoured techniques of French cuisine in a way that is relaxed, authentic, and deeply inspiring.
From Chef to Teacher
Chef Eric is the owner and Executive Chef of The Walnut Grove Cookery School in France, where he teaches students from around the globe, how to cook classic French dishes using local, seasonal ingredients.
Tucked away in the tranquil French countryside near Normandy and Brittany, the school embraces a farm-to-table philosophy.
Many ingredients come directly from the on-site garden and small farm — a place where fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruits thrive just steps from the kitchen.​
Whether teaching in person or online, Eric’s approach is hands-on and encouraging.
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His online course, Le Gourmet French Chef, is designed for beginners and passionate cooks alike, offering video lessons, step-by-step tutorials, and chef-level insight you won’t find in a recipe book.
Philosophy & Values
"For me, food is more than recipes — it’s passion, creativity, and respect for ingredients."
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Eric believes that the foundations of French cuisine are both an art and a craft. His teaching focuses on:
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Mastering classical techniques
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Understanding ingredients at their peak
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Building confidence to cook with freedom and flair
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French cooking, he believes, should be elegant yet satisfying — and always grounded in simplicity, seasonality, and respect for tradition.
A Passion for Copper
Chef Eric is also a lifelong admirer of copper cookware — not just for its timeless beauty, but for its unmatched performance in the kitchen.
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As part of his passion project, he founded www.frenchcopper.fr, a curated collection of vintage and antique copper pots, lovingly restored by expert artisans in Villedieu-les-Poêles, the historic capital of French copper.
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These pieces aren’t just cookware — they’re heritage items, combining craftsmanship, durability, and culinary excellence.
Whether you're a collector or simply a cook who appreciates quality, you’ll find timeless treasures in every pot.
LEARN FROM CHEF ERIC
​If you’ve ever dreamed of mastering French cuisine — not just following recipes, but understanding the "why" behind every step — Chef Eric is here to guide you.
With decades of real-world expertise, a deep love for teaching, and a passion for making classic French techniques approachable, he invites you into his kitchen, wherever you are.
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Join the course today and start your journey into the world of French culinary excellence — one lesson at a time.