At our Letchworth Garden City location, we offer engaging and immersive cooking classes that are designed to help you unlock your full culinary potential. Whether you're looking to improve your cooking skills, learn new recipes, or simply enjoy a fun and educational culinary experience, our cooking classes are the perfect choice.
Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering adventure through the diverse flavours of Spain as we bring you an immersive Spanish Tapa Cookery Class. Over the course of 4 hours, you'll delve into the art of crafting a delectable array of iconic Spanish tapas. From traditional favourites to contemporary delights, this culinary experience will transport your senses to the vibrant streets and coastal shores of Spain. What you will make: Manchego Stuffed Padrón Peppers Pan con Tomate (Tomato Bread) Manchego, Almonds & Thyme Honey Ajo Blanco - Almond, Garlic, and Bread Dipping Sauce Chorizo Cooked in Cider OR Chorizo & Bean Stew Canarian Potatoes with Mojo Verde Salt-Baked Prawns with Charred Lemon Basque Cheesecake Class Details: Duration: 3 hours Skill Level: All levels welcome
What's Included: Hands-on instruction from our experienced chef All necessary ingredients and equipment Tasting of the dishes prepared during the class Recipe cards to recreate the magic at home
Step into the world of bold flavours, fragrant herbs, and perfectly balanced spice in this immersive Thai cookery class. Over three delicious hours, you’ll learn to create fresh, vibrant dishes from scratch, including handmade curry pastes, wok-fried street food classics, and the art of rolling delicate summer rolls. Whether you're a Thai food lover or new to this cuisine, this hands-on class will give you the skills and confidence to bring authentic Thai flavours to your own kitchen. What You Will Make: 🌿 Summer Rolls with Dipping SauceLearn how to wrap fresh, crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and prawns (or a plant-based alternative) in delicate rice paper, served with a deliciously punchy dipping sauce. 🌶️ Penang CurryMaster the art of Thai curry by making your own paste from scratch, balancing spice, sweetness, and umami. Penang Curry—a slightly thicker, nuttier, and deeply aromatic alternative to red curry. 🍲 Pad Krapow (Thai Basil Stir-Fry)A fiery, aromatic stir-fry made with fresh Thai basil, garlic, and chilies, tossed with pork. Served with jasmine rice and the all-important crispy fried egg on top! Class Details:
⏳ Duration: 3 hours of hands-on cooking
👩🍳 Skill Level: Suitable for all levels, from beginners to food enthusiasts
✅ What’s Included: Step-by-step guidance from our expert chefs All ingredients and equipment provided Aprons to wear during the class Recipe cards to take home A fun and interactive atmosphere
Take your taste buds on a trip to Malaysia in this hands-on cookery class, where you’ll discover the secrets of bold, aromatic, and perfectly balanced Malaysian curries. Over three delicious hours, you’ll learn how to blend spices, master traditional techniques, and cook up an incredible feast featuring fragrant curry, vibrant sides, and the ultimate sambal dish. What You Will Make: 🍛 Malaysian Chicken Curry (Kari Ayam)A rich, comforting dish infused with warm spices, creamy coconut milk, and tender chicken. You’ll learn how to build layers of flavour using fresh aromatics and authentic spice blends, creating a curry that’s both bold and beautifully balanced. 🥬 Cabbage & Egg Stir-FryA simple yet delicious side dish that complements your curry perfectly! Lightly spiced cabbage is stir-fried with fluffy egg, garlic, and a hint of chili for a dish that’s quick to prepare but full of flavour. 🌶️ Sambal TempehCrispy tempeh tossed in a punchy, spicy sambal sauce—this dish is packed with umami and a little heat! You’ll learn how to make a homemade sambal that you can use in all sorts of Malaysian dishes. Class Details:
⏳ Duration: 3 hours of hands-on cooking
👩🍳 Skill Level: Suitable for all, from beginners to confident cooks
✅ What’s Included: Step-by-step guidance from our expert chefs All ingredients and equipment provided Aprons to wear during the class Recipe cards to take home A fun and social atmosphere—perfect for food lovers!
Discover the secrets to a thriving gut and unlock the power of fermented foods at our upcoming workshop. Join us as we embark on an enlightening exploration of the amazing microbiome and its profound influence on our overall health and well-being. We'll start the session with an engaging deep dive into the wonderful world of microbes, uncovering the crucial role they play in supporting immune function, aiding digestion, and promoting vibrant health. We’ll then delve into the captivating process of fermentation. You'll learn about the diverse benefits of fermented foods, from their ability to enhance nutrient absorption to their potential to modulate inflammation and support a healthy immune system. You'll have the opportunity to get hands-on and create your own fermented masterpieces to take home. Under Lois’s guidance, you'll prepare a sauerkraut, a flavourful kimchi, and a sourdough starter. We'll also explore the art of making a ginger bug, a naturally carbonated beverage that can serve as the foundation for a variety of probiotic-rich drinks. To round out the workshop, Lois will demonstrate the preparation of other beloved fermented foods, such as milk kefir, water kefir, and kombucha and we’ll discuss how to incorporate probiotic foods into recipes you can make at home. Prepare to leave this event feeling inspired, equipped, and ready to elevate your health through the power of fermentation! About Lois Tirell - Our expert in all things fermentation: Lois is a registered dietitian based in Hitchin, Herts. She began her career in 2011 as part of the gastroenterology team at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge which first ignited her passion for gut health. Today, as a freelance dietitian, Lois specialises in personalised dietetic consultations for individuals with a range of nutrition related conditions. She enjoys inspiring others to embrace nutrition as a vital component of overall wellbeing
BriJoin us for a luxurious Beef Wellington Cookery Class, where you'll master the art of creating this iconic dish alongside a selection of delicious sides. In this 3-hour class, designed for adults, you'll learn how to prepare a show-stopping Beef Wellington with tender fillet steak, encased in flaky puff pastry, and paired with rich accompaniments like dauphinoise potatoes, glazed carrots, and a rich gravy. Perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a gourmet meal at home!
What You Will Make:
1. Beef Wellington
Under the guidance of our expert chef, you’ll learn how to make the perfect Beef Wellington from scratch. From seasoning the fillet to preparing the mushroom duxelles and wrapping it all in buttery puff pastry, you’ll master each step to create a dish that's both impressive and delicious.
2. Dauphinoise Potatoes
Learn how to make creamy, indulgent dauphinoise potatoes, the perfect complement to your Beef Wellington. Our chef will guide you through layering potatoes with garlic-infused cream and baking them to perfection.
3. Glazed Carrots
These sweet and tender carrots are a simple yet elegant side dish. You’ll learn how to glaze them to achieve a rich, shiny finish that’s full of flavor.
4. Rich Gravy & Horseradish
What’s a Beef Wellington without a rich, flavorful gravy? You’ll also make a delicious homemade gravy, perfect for serving alongside your dish, as well as a fresh horseradish sauce to add a tangy kick.
Class Details:
Duration: 3 hours
Skill Level: Suitable for all levels
What's Included:
Expert instruction from our chef
All necessary ingredients and equipment
Hands-on preparation of Beef Wellington, dauphinoise potatoes, glazed carrots, and rich gravy
Recipe cards to take home and recreate the dish
Aprons provided
Embark on a delicious journey to Portugal in this immersive, hands-on cookery class! Over three hours, you’ll master the art of classic Portuguese dishes, from crispy salt cod croquettes to a rich and aromatic cataplana, all topped off with the nation’s most beloved dessert – the famous pastel de nata. Expect bold flavors, exciting techniques, and plenty of fun along the way!
What You Will Make:
🔥 Salt Cod Croquettes (Pastéis de Bacalhau)Crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside—these golden bites of salt cod, mashed potato, and fresh herbs are a true Portuguese staple. You’ll learn how to shape, season, and shallow-fry them to perfection.
🍅 Portuguese GazpachoLight, refreshing, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors! This chilled soup is a vibrant mix of sun-ripened tomatoes, fresh peppers, and fragrant herbs—perfect for a taste of summer all year round.
🍖 Pork & Clam AlentejanaA true showstopper! Cooked in a traditional Portuguese cataplana pot, this dish brings together succulent pork, juicy clams, and a rich, aromatic sauce that’s packed with bold, warming spices. We’ll guide you through every step of this comforting and flavour-packed dish and show you how can make this at home in regular pans.
🥧 Portuguese Custard Tarts (Pastéis de Nata)Flaky, buttery pastry. Silky-smooth custard. A perfectly caramelized top. Need we say more? Learn the secrets behind making the ultimate pastel de nata and take home a treat that will impress family and friends!
Class Details:
⏳ Duration: 3 hours of hands-on cooking
👩🍳 Skill Level: Fun and engaging for all experience levels
✅ What’s Included:
Expert guidance from our passionate chefs
All ingredients and equipment provided
Aprons to wear during the class
Recipe cards to take home so you can recreate the magic
A friendly, welcoming atmosphere with plenty of foodie chat!
Immerse yourself in the rich flavours of Italy with our immersive 3-hour Risotto and Arancini Cookery Class. From mastering the art of creamy risotto to crafting golden Sicilian arancini, you'll embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the heartiness and comfort of Italian cuisine. Course 1: Wild Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Dressing Begin your gastronomic adventure with the luxurious Wild Mushroom Risotto. Under the expert guidance of our chef, you'll learn the art of achieving the perfect creamy consistency while incorporating the earthy flavours of wild mushrooms. Elevate the dish with a truffle dressing that adds an element of sophistication, creating a risotto that captures the essence of Italian elegance. Course 2: Butternut Squash, Sage, and Hazelnut Risotto Delve into the heartiness of autumn with a Butternut Squash, Sage, and Hazelnut Risotto that's both comforting and flavourful. Our chef will guide you through the process of infusing the risotto with the sweetness of butternut squash, the earthiness of sage, and the crunch of hazelnuts. Discover the art of balancing flavours to create a risotto that pays homage to the bounty of the season. Course 3: Sicilian Arancini with Spicy Tomato Sauce Transport yourself to the sun-soaked shores of Sicily as you master the art of crafting Sicilian Arancini. Learn to create the perfect golden crust that gives way to a savoury rice filling. Under the skilled guidance of our chef, you'll explore the traditional method of making arancini and pair them with a spicy tomato sauce that adds a kick of Southern Italian warmth. Class Details: Duration: 3 hours Skill Level: All levels welcome
What's Included: Hands-on instruction from our experienced chef All necessary ingredients and equipment Tasting of the risottos and arancini prepared during the class Recipe cards for risotto variations and arancini
As we step into the warmer months, join us for a plant-based foodie special designed to elevate your summer hosting skills! Led by expert chef Tara, this class will introduce you to five vibrant, flavour-packed dishes, showcasing how to cook without meat, dairy, or eggs—without compromising on taste or texture. Throughout the session, you’ll gain essential plant-based cooking skills, from achieving the perfect tofu texture to creating creamy dairy-free alternatives and mastering egg-free baking. Whether you're a seasoned vegan cook or just looking to expand your veggie repertoire, this class is for you! What You Will Make: 🥦 Rainbow QuicheLearn how to make a buttery, flaky vegan pie crust from scratch and fill it with a vibrant, veggie-packed savoury filling using clever plant-based egg replacements. 🥔 Tzatziki Smashed Potato SaladMaster this creamy, refreshing summer side dish, featuring crispy, golden smashed potatoes tossed with a garlicky, herby, dairy-free tzatziki. 🍑 Peach, Lime & Chilli Tofu SkewersA BBQ season favourite! Discover how to transform tofu into something utterly delicious and full of texture, paired with a sweet, tangy peach salsa and a hint of chilli heat. 🍍 Pineapple Upside Down CakeA showstopping, ultra-moist vegan cake with caramelised pineapple, proving that plant-based baking can be just as decadent and indulgent as the classic version. 🥭 Mango MilkshakesWhizz up a refreshing, creamy, dairy-free shake that perfectly captures the essence of summer, using fruity, tropical flavours and clever milk alternatives. Class Details: ⏳ Duration: 3 hours of hands-on cooking 👩🍳 Skill Level: Suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks ✅ What’s Included: Expert guidance from Tara All ingredients and equipment provided Aprons to wear during the class Recipe cards to take home A relaxed, fun, and interactive atmosphere
Sicilian Culinary Voyage: Caponata and Parmigiana di Melanzane Cooking Class Embark on a sensory journey to the sun-kissed island of Sicily, where vibrant flavors and ancient traditions come together in a symphony of taste. In this immersive 3-hour cookery class, you'll immerse yourself in the heart of Sicilian cuisine as you master two iconic dishes: Caponata and Parmigiana di Melanzane. Prepare to ignite your taste buds and celebrate the soulful flavors of this enchanting Mediterranean region! Caponata: A Symphony of Sweet and Sour Delve into the world of Sicilian antipasti with Caponata, a captivating melange of flavors that dance on your palate. Guided by our expert chef, you'll sauté and blend eggplants, tomatoes, olives, capers, and a hint of sweetness into a harmonious sweet-and-sour medley. Discover the art of balancing flavors as you create this iconic dish that embodies the essence of Sicilian gastronomy. Savor each bite of Caponata as it transports you to the sun-soaked shores of Sicily. Parmigiana di Melanzane: Layers of Comfort Uncover the secret behind one of Sicily's most cherished comfort foods, Parmigiana di Melanzane. Under the watchful guidance of our skilled chef, you'll learn to layer thinly sliced eggplants with rich tomato sauce, creamy béchamel, and a generous dusting of Parmigiano-Reggiano. As you assemble this tower of flavors, you'll appreciate the simplicity and elegance that make this dish a beloved classic. Watch as the Parmigiana bakes to golden perfection, filling the air with an irresistible aroma that beckons to be savored. Class Details:
Duration: 3 hours
Skill Level: All levels welcome
What's Included: Hands-on instruction from our experienced chef All necessary ingredients and equipment Tasting of the dishes prepared during the class Recipe cards to recreate the magic at home
At our Letchworth Garden City location, we offer engaging and immersive cooking classes that are designed to help you unlock your full culinary potential.
Whether you're looking to improve your cooking skills, learn new recipes, or simply enjoy a fun and educational culinary experience, our cooking classes are the perfect choice.
State of the Art Kitchen Space
Our classes are held in a state-of-the-art kitchen equipped with top-quality knives, cookware, and appliances, ensuring that you have access to the best tools in the trade. From learning basic cooking skills to mastering complex recipes, our classes are carefully crafted to provide a hands-on and interactive learning experience.
Led by our experienced chefs, our classes provide expert instruction on a wide range of cooking techniques and recipes, catering to all skill levels from beginners to advanced cooks.
Anne is our star Home Economist. She has worked on the last five Mary Berry cook books and has also contributed to the BBC’s ‘MasterChef Cookery Course’ and ‘MasterChef at Home’ amongst countless others.
As an accomplished demonstrator, she has taught at Jean-Christophe Novelli’s Academy, and regularly appears onstage at food festivals using local and seasonal foods, and promoting family cooking for the kids to get involved with too.
Simone Scola
Simone Scola, was born in Falcade, Italian Dolomites where he trained for 5 years. He worked at Michelin starred Tivoli in Cortina D’ampezzo and Locanda Delle Tamerici. Simone moved to London in 2007 where he worked at Zafferano in Knightsbridge and Orrery in Marylebone.
He began his gastro pub experience at the Landsdowne in Primerose Hill. Enjoying this scene he joined The Hermit in 2013 and now works as freelance.
Holly Merry
Holly is our secret weapon for vegan bakes. 6 years vegan, 4 years working in vegan kitchens, she considers cakes and delicious bakes a tool to make any bad day a little better: that's where the name of her business Dopa Delights comes from.
The Dopa is the part of the brain where Dopamine is created, and Holly's cakes not only make her happy, she also hopes to share that happiness with others through her classes and creations.
David Batala
Meet David Batala, a seasoned private chef with over 15 years of experience and a deep love for the art of cooking. David's culinary journey has taken him on a remarkable path, including working in Michelin-starred restaurants. Through his diverse experiences, David has refined his skills, mastering the delicate balance of flavors and techniques that make every dish a masterpiece. With David's warm and patient guidance, you'll uncover the secrets behind creating delicious meals while exploring your own creativity in the kitchen.
Adel Gascoigne
Adel is a qualified baker and nutritionist. With over 20 years of experience in baking and cake decorating, Adel has learned to balance her passions for creating beautiful cakes and sweet treats with a holistic approach to living. As a member of the British Sugarcrafters Guild and a skilled cake maker, Adel pays meticulous attention to detail and infuses love and patience into each intricate element of her creations.
Anthony Gascoigne
Anthony is Course Team Leader of Hospitality and Catering at North Hertfordshire College.
Having worked in the food industry for 25 years he brings a wealth of knowledge to his role.
He is also Times Educational Supplement 2021 FE teacher of the year, Craft Guild of Chefs Culinary Hero 2021 and 2022, and Craft Guilds Chef Lecturer Award nominee.
We make every possible effort to satisfy dietary needs and, where possible, provide alternatives.
If you have any questions about what we can provide, please call us before making your booking on 01708691322.
If you have any dietary needs or allergies, even if you don't believe they're relevant, please write them in the "dietary requirements" box at the checkout!
Will I have my own work station?
Yes, each students will have a personal work station with an induction hob and a next gen oven plus all the utensils, knives and pans you will need for the class.
What age range do you allow in classes?
Anyone of any age is welcome to attend. Under 16-year-olds are welcome to attend our class accompained by an adult (we would only charge for one ticket). Under 10-year-olds will have classes available to attend especially made for younger children.
Will I get the recipes?
At the beginning of your class you will receive a printed card that features all the recipes you will be learning on the day, plus an additional section for any further notes.
Can I change my booking?
You may transfer to an alternative class if you give us notice not less than 5 days before the date of the class. In this case, we will rebook you on to your selected class as long as it’s available and not sold out. Confirmed bookings are not eligible for refunds or cancellations under any circumstances. If you cannot attend a class you may send someone else in your place, just let us know the name of the attendee in advance of the class, where possible.
What do I need to bring?
You do not need to bring anything to most classes, but we recommend bringing a food container for the food you will make in case you wanted to take it home. Please make sure you are wearing closed toe shoes.
Can I buy a gift card?
Yes, our Gift Cards can be redeemed against Cooking School classes!