Just like the wise Mary Berry said, “Cooking is a therapy for the body and mind.” If you’re yearning to learn some new culinary skills, London is the perfect place to unleash your inner chef. This vibrant city is brimming with world-renowned chefs, exceptional restaurants, and top-notch cooking schools. With the rising concern about ultra-processed food, cooking from scratch has never been more appealing. It’s a wonderful way to nourish both your body and soul.
Whether you dream of making intricate macarons, hosting a dazzling three-course dinner party, skillfully boning a lamb, or mastering the art of the perfect barbecue, London’s cookery scene has something for everyone.
Borough Kitchen: Where Food and Function Meet
You might know Borough Kitchen for its impressive collection of kitchenware, but did you know they also offer fantastic cooking classes across their stores in Chiswick, Hampstead, Islington, and Battersea? Their classes cover a wide array of cuisines, from the flavors of China, Mexico, India, Thailand, and South Korea to various pasta-making workshops. They also have classes that will make you a star at any dinner party, like mastering macarons, choux pastry, and classic sauces.
If you’re taking a savory class, you’ll enjoy the meal you’ve prepared at the end. For baking and dessert classes, you’ll get to take home your delicious creations. They even offer private events for special occasions with family or friends, catering to groups of nine to 16 guests.
Imagine whipping up a Middle Eastern feast or making delicious dumplings and bao. During the festive season, you can even opt for Christmas pudding or edible Christmas gift classes. These events are BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) too, and drinks are served once the majority of the food preparation is done, before or during dinner. Cheers to savoring the fruits of your culinary labor!
Leiths School of Food and Wine: A Culinary Legacy
For many, Leiths is much more than just a cooking school. It’s a culinary powerhouse, known for its renowned professional diplomas, short courses, home cooking classes, and even cookery education in schools. Founded in 1975 by the legendary Prue Leith (famously known for her role on the Great British Bake Off), Leiths is a name synonymous with culinary excellence.
If you’re aiming to hone your home cooking skills, Leiths offers a range of classes to suit every level. From a single evening or day to week-long and weekly short courses, there’s something for everyone. You can learn essential knife skills, master the art of sauces, or take a weekend masterclass on seasonal meat dishes or the ultimate three-course dinner party. A six-week course, with two days of lessons per week, will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to pastry.
Beyond cooking, Leiths also offers WSET (Wine & Spirits Education Trust) courses. These courses are designed for those starting their wine journey, seasoned professionals, and enthusiasts who are passionate about the world of wine.
Gordon Ramsay Academy: Mastering the Art of the Kitchen
If you’re inspired by the culinary prowess of Gordon Ramsay, then the Gordon Ramsay Academy is your culinary destination. Located just 25 minutes outside London in Woking, it’s the only cooking school in the world associated with the renowned chef, welcoming individuals of all ages and cooking levels. The academy boasts multiple kitchens, a spacious demonstration room, a cookbook library, and a relaxing lounge.
You’ll be spoilt for choice with their diverse range of classes, including full-day and half-day options, brunch classes, family classes, baking classes, Italian cooking classes, knife skills workshops, and so much more. It’s the perfect place for those wanting to enhance their skills, find more joy in cooking, and feel like a true culinary pro. Their children’s classes, divided into age groups of 6-10 and 11-16, are both educational and entertaining. We can’t resist the allure of their beef Wellington, bao, and sushi masterclasses. Exciting news: the Gordon Ramsay Academy is set to open a central London location in early 2025, so watch this space!
Le Cordon Bleu: A Culinary Legacy Since 1895
Le Cordon Bleu, named after the prestigious award given to chefs who demonstrate exceptional culinary skills, has been a culinary institution since 1895. Originally founded in France, Le Cordon Bleu expanded its reach to London in 1935, opening L’Ecole du Petit Cordon Bleu in a former tea shop on Sloane Street. Rosemary Hume, a former student, went on to create the famous Coronation Chicken recipe for Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953. Today, Le Cordon Bleu London offers an extensive array of culinary training classes and courses, catering to both beginners and seasoned professionals. Bon appétit!
The Cookery School: A Simple Yet Delicious Approach
While the “big guns” of the culinary world can be intimidating, The Cookery School offers a reassuringly simple and approachable approach to cooking. Their focus is on delicious, homemade food, using common utensils found in most kitchens. They strive to demystify cooking techniques, eliminate jargon, and revive solid cooking skills.
Founder Rosalind is passionate about sustainability, sourcing top-quality, seasonal, mostly organic ingredients and running the kitchens on renewable energy to minimize their environmental impact. Their classes and courses have friendly and inviting names, like “Slice and Dice” for knife skills, “Simple Pastry, Sauces and Cakes,” and “Ultimate/Masterclass” options for those seeking a deeper dive into the culinary world.
From baking and bread to knife skills and teen cooking camps, there’s something for everyone. In addition to single classes and short courses, they also offer a professional accredited six-week Cook’s Certificate course.
Jamie Oliver’s Cooking Classes: Bringing the Fun Back to Food
It’s no surprise that Jamie Oliver, known for his approachable and fun-loving approach to food, offers equally friendly cooking classes. His shorter sessions, lasting up to 90 minutes, cover skills like making fresh pasta, mastering “next-level gnocchi,” or whipping up a delicious Thai green curry. Longer sessions, spanning five hours, delve deeper into areas like plant-based cooking and introductions to cuisines like Japanese and Indian.
While you won’t be personally taught by Jamie Oliver, you’ll be guided by one of his chefs, trained in his “relaxed signature style.” You’re sure to walk away with valuable skills that will last a lifetime. We still use the garlic tip we learned in a Jamie Mexican class over a decade ago!
Bentley’s Oyster Shucking Class: Mastering the Art of the Mollusc
Oysters might not require cooking, but if you’re a fan of this delicious mollusc and want to confidently serve it at home, Bentley’s Oyster Shucking Class is for you. Bentley’s team shucks around 1,000 oysters daily, so they’re experts in the art of the shuck. Over 90 minutes, you’ll enjoy a variety of oysters, all shucked by you, and taste the differences between them.
This Saturday morning class starts at 10:30 am with champagne (or a non-alcoholic alternative) upon arrival, sommelier-matched wine to pair with your oysters, and a selection of raw and cooked, native and rock oysters to try. You’ll also receive a goody bag to take home, filled with delicious treats.
The Ginger Pig Butchery Classes: Meat Mastery
While not technically cookery classes, The Ginger Pig’s butchery classes will equip meat lovers with impressive skills for preparing delicious meat at home. Known for offering the finest meat in London, The Ginger Pig has been hosting these classes at its Moxon Street store for a decade. No prior experience is required – just a love of meat and a willingness to get your hands dirty!
You’ll enjoy a delicious two-course meal with wine at the end of the class and take home a generous portion of the meat you’ve personally prepared. Classes focus on a specific type of meat or occasion, ranging from steak, poultry, game, and lamb to BBQ techniques.
