Food is my passion, and cooking is my happy place. I started this blog to share my journey towards sustainable food choices, and it’s since blossomed into a celebration of all things sustainable, from fashion and lifestyle to travel and beyond. So, when the Cookery School at Little Portland Street invited me to a cooking class, I couldn’t resist! Here’s why they’re my favorite cooking school, and what I learned in their Flavors of the Middle East class.
A School With Heart: Why I Love Cookery School at Little Portland Street
Cookery School at Little Portland Street is a special place. It was the first cookery school I ever attended, back in 2019, and it’s become my go-to ever since. Their classes are affordable and enjoyable, but what really sets them apart is their commitment to sustainability. From using seasonal ingredients to composting food waste, they treat food with respect and care.
The teaching style is friendly and informative, and the class sizes are small, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. You get to know your teacher well and can ask questions freely. They also focus on improving your existing skills, which I found very valuable. This time around, I learned how to dice an onion like a pro and how to season dishes to perfection!
A Delicious Journey Through the Middle East
I’ve attended two in-person classes at Cookery School: Pasta, Risotto, & Gnocchi, and Flavors of the Middle East. Both were fantastic! I also highly recommend checking out their free 20-day online cooking course, created as part of the National Cooking Programme 2024.
As I walked into the school for this class, I was greeted by a welcoming atmosphere and a spotlessly clean kitchen. Our teacher, John, had shakshuka cooking for us, a delicious preview of the aromatic and flavorful dishes we were about to create.
A Hands-On Culinary Experience
The weekend cooking classes at Cookery School are immersive and engaging. The day starts promptly at 10 am, and you’re given a locker for your belongings before you don your apron and get cooking. John walked us through the recipes we’d be making, and everything was provided – no need to bring anything but comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes!
The class has a real kitchen vibe, with everyone working together to chop, prepare, cook, and present the dishes. I loved the variety of recipes we made, inspired by North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. We also took advantage of the seasonal tomatoes, adding them to dishes like chermoula fish and roasted eggplant salad.
A Culinary Masterpiece
I was particularly excited to make pitta bread, having never tried it before. It was surprisingly easy but incredibly rewarding. The pitta, paired with perfectly seasoned hummus, followed by delicious main courses and dessert, was a true culinary delight.
Sustainable Cooking for a Better World
Learning to cook is an essential life skill, and learning to cook sustainably is even better. It empowers you to eat with the seasons, support local food producers, and make the most of your pantry. A significant amount of food waste happens between the farm and our plates, so cooking efficiently and using what we have can benefit both our planet and our wallets.
Cookery School at Little Portland Street practices what they preach, emphasizing meat-free meals and seasonal, local ingredients. They also avoid disposable plastics and strive to use organic ingredients whenever possible. During this class, I learned firsthand how much more flavorful organic lemons are and how to save energy when cooking multiple dishes.
A 10/10 Experience
I absolutely adore attending cooking classes at Cookery School at Little Portland Street. This latest class reminded me why I love cooking – the joy of creating delicious food, understanding its heritage and flavor profiles, and sharing it with others.
I appreciate the friendly and knowledgeable approach of the teachers, and I love learning about everything from food origins to flavor profiles. The celebratory atmosphere at the end of the class, where we all got to enjoy the fruits of our labor, was truly special. I walked away with a new repertoire of recipes that I can’t wait to share with my loved ones.
If you’re looking for a cooking class in London, Cookery School at Little Portland Street is my top recommendation. It’s a place where passion for food, sustainability, and learning come together. We all eat three times a day, so why not make those meals the best they can be?!
