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.
Join us for a wonderfully mischievous Grinch-Themed Christmas Cupcake Decorating Class, where children aged 6 and up can create fun, Grinch-inspired cupcakes! In this hour long class, kids will use buttercream and fondant to decorate their very own batch of cupcakes with festive Grinch themed designs. As an extra treat, there will be a surprise visit from the Grinch himself, adding to the Christmas magic and fun! What You Will Do: 1. Grinch-Themed Cupcake Decorating Under the guidance of our expert baker, children will use buttercream and fondant to decorate their cupcakes with Grinch-inspired designs. From green faces to fun Christmas decorations, they’ll learn simple techniques to create cupcakes that are almost too cute to eat! 2. Buttercream and Fondant Skills Children will learn how to work with buttercream to pipe perfect swirls and fondant to mold fun shapes. This class is a great introduction to cake decorating for young bakers, allowing them to explore their creativity while learning professional tips and tricks. Class Details:
Age Range: Suitable for children aged 6 and up
What's Included: Expert instruction from our skilled baker All necessary ingredients and equipment Hands-on decoration of cupcakes with Grinch-themed designs Buttercream and fondant techniques A surprise visit from the Grinch! Cupcakes to take home and enjoy Recipe cards to recreate the fun at home Please Note: An adult would be required to stay per family
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
Pork with a Smokey Pepper Sauce
Batatas Bravas
Chilli Garlic Prawns
Catalan Creme Brulee
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
Join 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
Join us for a festive and creative Gingerbread House Make & Decorate Cookery Class, perfect for both adults and children! In this 3-hour class, you’ll learn how to make gingerbread from scratch, cut out the pieces, and assemble your very own gingerbread house. Once assembled, let your creativity shine as you decorate it with royal icing and a variety of fun, edible decorations. A fantastic way to get into the holiday spirit while enjoying quality time with family! What You Will Make: 1. Gingerbread DoughYou’ll learn how to make a delicious, spiced gingerbread dough from scratch, perfect for building a sturdy and flavorful gingerbread house. 2. Gingerbread House PiecesOnce your dough is made, you’ll roll it out and cut out all the essential shapes for your gingerbread house, including walls, roofs, and more. 3. House AssemblyOur chef will guide you through the assembly process, showing you how to use royal icing to "glue" the pieces together and create a standing gingerbread house. 4. Decorating Your HouseThe fun continues as you decorate your gingerbread house with royal icing, sweets, and various festive decorations. Let your imagination run wild and make your house as unique as you want! 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 gingerbread making, cutting, and decorating Recipe cards to take home and recreate the gingerbread house Please note: Each child must be accompanied by an adult.
Get into the holiday spirit with our Christmas Produce & Edible Gifts Cookery Class, designed to help you create delicious homemade treats for gifting or enjoying yourself! This fun and festive 3-hour class is perfect for adults who want to learn how to make classic Christmas delights, including Christmas pudding, apple and walnut chutney, and a couple of other seasonal surprises. Whether you're looking to perfect your holiday baking or craft beautiful edible gifts, this class is a great way to prepare for the holiday season. What You Will Make: 1. Traditional Christmas Pudding Learn to create a rich, flavorful Christmas pudding packed with fruits and spices, perfect for enjoying with family or giving as a homemade gift. Our chef will guide you through the process, sharing tips on how to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures. 2. Apple & Walnut Chutney Discover how to make a delicious apple and walnut chutney—ideal for pairing with cheese, meats, or simply as a festive treat. You'll master the art of chutney-making, learning how to balance sweetness and spice for a perfect result. 3. Additional Edible Gifts In addition to the pudding and chutney, you'll make a couple of other festive surprises that will be perfect for gifting. 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 Christmas pudding, chutney, and other items Recipe cards to take home Recipe cards to take home and recreate the festive treats
Indulge in the art of Italian dessert-making with our 3-hour Italian Dessert Cookery Class. Perfect for dessert lovers and home cooks alike, this class will teach you how to make three iconic Italian sweets: the classic, creamy Tiramisu, a velvety Panna Cotta served with a fruity salsa ai frutti di bosco, and the crumbly yet delicious Sbrisolona. Under expert guidance, you’ll master the techniques behind these traditional treats, bringing the flavors of Italy into your own kitchen! What You Will Make: 1. TiramisuDiscover the secrets to making the perfect tiramisu, with layers of coffee-soaked sponge, mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa powder. You’ll learn how to balance the flavors and create the ultimate indulgent dessert. 2. Panna Cotta with Salsa ai Frutti di BoscoMaster the art of making silky smooth panna cotta, a classic Italian dessert that melts in your mouth. You’ll pair it with a vibrant, tangy berry sauce (salsa ai frutti di bosco) to add a fruity burst to this creamy treat. 3. SbrisolonaLearn how to make Sbrisolona, a crunchy, almond-based crumble cake from the Lombardy region. This rustic dessert is as easy to make as it is delicious, perfect for pairing with coffee or as a sweet snack. 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 tiramisu, panna cotta, and sbrisolona Recipe cards to take home and recreate the desserts Aprons provided
Sizzle, sear, and indulge in the art of steak perfection with our immersive Steak Cookery Class. Over the course of 3 hours, our expert chef will guide you through the preparation of three exquisite cuts. Complemented by delectable sides like Mac and Cheese, Smoked Paprika, and Garlic Potato Wedges, and crowned with a luscious Green Peppercorn Sauce. Course 1: Rump Steak - Robust Flavor Unleashed Begin your steak adventure with the robust flavors of Rump Steak. Our chef will guide you through the art of achieving the perfect sear, imparting valuable tips on temperature control and seasoning. Discover the nuances that make rump steak a favorite among steak enthusiasts, ensuring your first course is nothing short of sensational. Course 2: Sirloin Steak - A Culinary Classic Transition to the classic elegance of Sirloin Steak, known for its tender texture and marbling. Under the expert guidance of our chef, you'll learn the techniques to cook sirloin to perfection, achieving the ideal balance of tenderness and succulence. Elevate your steak game as you master the nuances of this timeless cut. Course 3: Bone Marrow Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms - A Culinary Marvel Prepare for a culinary marvel as you delve into the creation of Bone Marrow Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms. Our chef will unveil the secrets behind infusing portobello mushrooms with the rich, savory essence of bone marrow. This decadent side dish is a celebration of umami flavors that perfectly complement your steak ensemble. Sides to Savor: Mac and Cheese: Dive into the creamy indulgence of a classic Mac and Cheese, a timeless side dish that adds comfort and richness to your steak experience. Smoked Paprika and Garlic Potato Wedges: Elevate your steak feast with the smoky aroma and robust flavors of potato wedges seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic. Crowning Glory: Green Peppercorn Sauce - A Luxurious Finish Conclude your steak extravaganza with the pièce de résistance—a Green Peppercorn Sauce that adds a touch of luxury to your meal. Our chef will guide you through the art of crafting this velvety sauce, imparting the perfect balance of spice and creaminess to elevate your steak to new heights.
Embark on a culinary journey into the heart of Italian tradition with our immersive 3-hour Fresh Pasta & Ravioli Cookery Class. Led by our expert chef, this hands-on experience will teach you the art of crafting fresh egg pasta from scratch, transforming it into delicate Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli and flavourful Pork or Mushroom Tortellini. Activity 1: Fresh Egg Pasta - Mastering the Basics Begin your pasta adventure by learning the fundamentals of making fresh egg pasta dough. Under the guidance of our skilled chef, participants will knead, roll, and shape the dough to perfection, discovering the secrets behind achieving the ideal texture and consistency. From silky fettuccine to delicate sheets for ravioli and tortellini, you'll learn the versatility of fresh pasta. Activity 2: Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli - A Taste of Tuscany Delve into the exquisite world of filled pasta with the creation of Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli. Participants will learn to prepare a delectable filling of creamy ricotta cheese and vibrant spinach, mastering the art of shaping and sealing each delicate parcel. Elevate your ravioli with a homemade sauce or simply enjoy them with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Activity 3: Pork or Mushroom Tortellini - Savoury Sensations Explore the intricate art of making Pork Mushroom Tortellini, a beloved delicacy from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Participants will craft a savoury filling of seasoned pork and earthy mushrooms, learning the traditional technique for shaping each tortellini by hand. Discover the satisfaction of creating these bite-sized treasures, perfect for pairing with your favourite sauce or broth. Class Details:
Duration: 3 hours
Skill Level: Suitable for all levels
What's Included: Expert guidance from our skilled chef All necessary ingredients and equipment Tasting of the freshly made pasta, ravioli, and tortellini Recipe cards to take home and recreate the pasta delights
Take all the stress out of cooking on Christmas Day with this sociable cook-along toprepare ALL your sides for the big day!We’ll be preparing the roasties, parsnips, veggies, gravy and stuffings, which can befrozen at home. All that’s left for you to do on the day is cook the turkey, and servewith a flourish!Why not ask your friends to book to and make it a fun and festive evening, enjoy a glass of wine and get your Christmas prep done in our beautiful kitchen.This class is suitable for both competent and novice cooks, who want a fun way tostart the Christmas prep or perhaps a helping hand with hosting the festivities.
This class will have a relaxed, social vibe, so feel free to bring your own drinks and enjoy some festive cheer while you cook!
What You Will Make:
1. Stuffing Balls - Meat and Veg OptionsLearn how to make flavorful, moist stuffing, ideal for complementing your Christmas turkey. Our chef will guide you through seasoning, cooking, and the best methods for freezing in advance.
2. Crispy Roast Potatoes & ParsnipsMaster the art of achieving golden, crispy roast potatoes and perfectly caramelized parsnips. You’ll discover how to prepare and freeze these so they’re ready to go on Christmas Day.
3. Pigs in BlanketsWhip up these festive favorites, with the perfect combination of sausages and bacon. You’ll learn how to freeze them for a fuss-free reheat on the big day.
4. Spiced red cabbage / Shredded sprouts with bacon and chestnutsGet ahead on prepping your vegetables, Learn how to balance spices to create a warm and rich side vegetable dish
5. Bread Sauce & Cranberry SauceYou’ll create a classic bread sauce and a fresh cranberry sauce from scratch, both of which can be made ahead and stored in the freezer for easy use.
6. Rich Christmas Get Ahead GravyDiscover how to make a deeply flavourful gravy from scratch, with tips on how to store and reheat it so it tastes just as good on Christmas Day.
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 stuffing, roast potatoes, pigs in blankets, bread sauce, and more
Tips for freezing and reheating to simplify your Christmas Day
Recipe cards to take home and recreate the dishes
Aprons provided
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
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!