Masterchef Finalist Swindon Dining Event. A SWINDON-based luxury retreat company are offering an evening of Thai food and conversation at their first event next month at No 4 Studios in Old Town.
At the end of 2025, small business professionals, Janet Shreeve, founder of Shreeve Care Services, Fiona Scott, founder of Scott Media, and media consultant Lauren Roberts from Chippenham, joined forces to create Enlightening Escapes.
The luxury retreat company aim to create smaller experiences that feel personal and easy to be part of rather than big conferences or rigid workshops.
2026 debut event
They are kicking off 2026 with their debut event. It’s the Cuisine Escape: Thai Edition. This is a Thai cuisine evening hosted by 2025 MasterChef finalist Sam Kaeokon, offering an insight into food, stories and making connections.
‘We’re elated to have Sam join us for our first ‘escape’, said Lauren. ‘We spoke to him on our podcast and were thrilled when he said he would take part in a private dining experience. One that allowed guests to try his favourite Thai foods.’
Sam has lived in Swindon for over a decade and the town is where his love of cooking has flourished. He appeared on BBC’s hit show, MasterChef in 2025.
‘My love for cooking started when I was young, with my gran teaching me the basics,’ said Sam. “When I first moved to the UK, I missed the bold flavours of Thailand, so I began recreating dishes from home. Over time, it’s become my way to relax, express myself, and share joy with others.’
Masterchef
Sam’s relationship with MasterChef started in 2024.
I honestly applied on a whim. I didn’t expect to even get on the show, let alone get an apron and reach the final four!” commented Sam. ‘It was an incredible experience and I’ve made some close friends as a result of it. It so pushed me to my limits and helped me believe in my cooking.’
Sam went on the show to challenge himself, learn, and share his love for Thai flavours on a bigger stage. This Enlightening Escapes’ evening brings together bold Thai flavours and creative fusion dishes all while Sam shares his experiences.
Thai food is in my DNA! I grew up surrounded by its vibrant flavours and aromas,’ described Sam. ‘It’s a cuisine that balances sweet, sour, salty, and spicy in true harmony. What I love most is how Thai food brings people together and you can buy great food on almost every street! Every dish tells a story of culture and tradition.’
This intimate Thai dining experience, hosted by Sam will also provide a real insight into Sam’s journey and love of cooking.
Sam’s top Thai tips
- Balance! Thai food is all about harmony between sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.
- Fresh herbs matter. Where possible use fresh coriander, Thai basil, and kaffir lime leaves for authentic flavour. Your local Thai or Asian shop is your friend here!
- Don’t be afraid of fish sauce! Yes, it’s a strong smell on its own but it’s the backbone of Thai seasoning. Start small and adjust.
- Preparation is everything. Traditional Thai dishes cook quickly, so it pays to have everything ready before you go.
- Use palm sugar for depth. This adds a subtle sweetness that white sugar can’t match.
- Finally, taste as you go and adjust flavours gradually. Thai cooking is about finding your perfect balance, especially with spice.
On the menu
The luxury five-course meal starts with welcome drinks to awake the senses. That’s followed by five courses of deep flavour. The five courses consist of:
- a Chicken Tom Kha
- Scallop Thai style
- Moo Ping
- Beef Steak Khoa Soi
- and concludes with the sweet treat of Thai Tea Panna Cotta.
With only 10 seats now available, this exclusive event provides guests a close-up experience with a cook who learned his craft on the UK’s biggest TV stage.
Enlightening Escapes kicks off the year with their The Cuisine Escape: Thai Edition on Friday 6th February at No4Studio, Old Town Swindon.
For more information about Enlightening Escapes and to book your space, visit https://enlighteningescapes.co.uk/product/the-cuisine-escape-thai-edition/
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