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.
As summer approaches, we're winding down our cookery class schedule to take a short seasonal break. But don’t worry – we’re already cooking up an exciting new programme for September!
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
Batatas Bravas
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
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 ‘Cataplana’A 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. (Don’t worry—if clams are tricky to source, we’ll have a delicious alternative ready!)
🥧 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!
Dive into the world of seafood with our Fish Cookery Class! In this immersive 3-hour session, you'll learn to prepare a variety of delicious fish dishes that are sure to impress. Led by our expert chef, this class covers everything from curing and smoking to pan-frying and assembling elegant plates. Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or a cooking novice, you'll gain valuable skills and techniques to elevate your culinary repertoire. What You Will Make: 1. Smoked Salmon and Mackerel Ballotine with Croutons and Pickled Cucumber Master the art of creating a sophisticated ballotine, blending the rich flavors of smoked salmon and mackerel. You'll also learn to make crispy croutons and tangy pickled cucumber to complement this elegant dish. 2. Beetroot and Gin Cured Salmon Gravadlax Discover the secrets of curing salmon with beetroot and gin, resulting in a visually stunning and flavor-packed gravadlax. Our chef will guide you through the curing process, ensuring you achieve perfect results every time. 3. Pan-Fried Hake with Chorizo and Bean Cassoulet, Pangritata Learn to pan-fry hake to perfection, then pair it with a hearty chorizo and bean cassoulet. You'll also create pangritata, a crunchy breadcrumb topping that adds texture and flavor to your dish. 4. Prawn and Smoked Haddock Fishcake Craft delicious fishcakes using a blend of prawn and smoked haddock. Our chef will teach you the techniques for achieving the ideal texture and taste, perfect for any seafood lover. Class Details:
Duration: 3 hours
Skill Level: Suitable for all levels
What's Included: Expert instruction from our skilled chef All necessary ingredients and equipment Hands-on preparation of each dish Tasting of the dishes prepared during the class Recipe cards to take home and recreate the seafood delights
Indulge in the rich flavors and classic techniques of French brasserie cuisine in our immersive 3-hour Cookery Class. Led by our skilled chef, this class promises to transport you to the heart of a French bistro as you master the art of crafting Twice-Baked Soufflé, Confit Duck Leg Cassoulet with Black Pudding, and a Spiced Crème Brûlée. Course 1: Twice-Baked Soufflé - A Pillowy Prelude Embark on your culinary journey by mastering the delicate art of Twice-Baked Soufflé. Under the guidance of our chef, you'll learn the secrets to creating a light and airy base, twice-baking it to perfection. Elevate this classic French dish with a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate, setting the stage for the brasserie feast to come. Course 2: Confit Duck Leg Cassoulet with Black Pudding - Hearty French Comfort Dive into the heartiness of French brasserie fare with the preparation of Confit Duck Leg Cassoulet. Our chef will guide you through the slow-cooking process, resulting in tender and flavorful duck confit. Paired with savory black pudding, this cassoulet is a celebration of rich flavors and comforting textures, transporting you to the cozy ambiance of a French bistro. Course 3: Spiced Crème Brûlée - A Sweet Finale with a Kick Conclude your culinary journey with the creation of Spiced Crème Brûlée. Learn to infuse this classic dessert with a hint of spice, adding a layer of complexity to the velvety custard. Master the art of caramelizing sugar to create the signature crisp crust that crowns this indulgent and satisfying finale. 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 Twice-Baked Soufflé, Confit Duck Leg Cassoulet with Black Pudding, and Spiced Crème Brûlée prepared during the class Recipe cards for each dish
Get ready to roll, crimp, and savour your way through an indulgent evening of pie-making with our immersive 3-hour Pie Night Cookery Class. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a pie enthusiast eager to learn, this class offers a delightful journey into the world of pies. From mastering Shortcrust Pastry and Hot Water crust Pie to crafting a Sweet Pie, you'll explore the art of pie-making from crust to filling! Shortcrust Pastry Pie - Crispy Perfection & a Pie tin to take home and keep Kickstart your pie-making adventure by diving into the realm of Shortcrust Pastry. Our expert chef will guide you through creating a buttery, flaky pastry that's versatile and perfect for sweet or savoury pies. You'll learn the secrets to achieving the ideal texture, crimping your crust, and crafting a delicious filling that will leave you wanting more. Hot Water Crust Pie - Hearty Savoury Delight and Ideal for the festive period Embrace the rustic charm of Hot Water crust Pie, a staple of British cuisine. Under the skilled guidance of our chef, you'll master the technique of creating a sturdy and robust pastry that's ideal for savoury fillings. Explore the world of savoury pies as you craft a hand raised pie with delectable filling that complements the crust perfectly. Sweet Pie - A Sweet Ending Conclude your pie-making journey on a sweet note by crafting a delightful Sweet Pie. Learn to create a tender and flaky crust that serves as the perfect vessel for your chosen sweet filling. Whether it's a classic fruit pie, a decadent chocolate pie, or a luscious custard creation, you'll explore the art of crafting a sweet pie that satisfies your dessert cravings. 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 pies 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.
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!