London’s culinary scene is a melting pot of flavors, attracting some of the world’s finest chefs and cooking schools. It’s a haven for those who crave culinary exploration and want to learn the art of crafting delicious meals. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, the city offers a diverse range of cooking classes to ignite your passion and elevate your culinary skills. Let’s dive into the best cooking classes London has to offer!
Borough Kitchen: Mastering Macarons and Beyond
While known for its beautiful cookware and tableware, Borough Kitchen also doubles as a culinary hub with locations scattered across London. Their cooking classes cover a wide spectrum of cuisines, including Asian flavors like Chinese, Mexican, Indian, Thai, and South Korean. If pasta is your passion, they offer three dedicated workshops, and for those seeking dinner party mastery, there are classes dedicated to perfecting macarons, choux pastry, and classic sauces. The best part? Enjoy the fruits of your labor with a satisfying meal at the end of savory classes, or take home your delectable creations from baking and pudding workshops. Borough Kitchen also caters to private events, allowing you to host unforgettable gatherings with friends and family, choosing from exciting themes like Middle Eastern feasts or dumpling and bao making. With BYOB options and drinks served once the majority of food preparation is complete, you can toast to your culinary success before enjoying a shared meal.
Leiths School of Food and Wine: A Culinary Journey From Beginner to Pro
For many, Leiths School of Food and Wine is more than just a cooking school—it’s a culinary institution. Renowned for its professional diplomas and short courses, it stands as a leader in the industry, offering an exceptional range of options to suit every level of culinary enthusiast. Founded by the iconic Prue Leith, whose name might ring a bell from Great British Bake Off, Leiths offers everything from one-evening or day-long classes to week-long and weekly short courses. Whether you want to master essential knife skills, elevate your sauce-making, or dive into the art of patisserie, Leiths has a course for you. Their weekend masterclasses are ideal for honing your skills with seasonal meat dishes or creating a three-course dinner party masterpiece. For a more in-depth culinary experience, their six-week courses provide a comprehensive introduction to patisserie. Beyond the kitchen, Leiths also offers WSET (Wine & Spirits Education Trust) courses, designed to equip those who want to deepen their wine knowledge, regardless of whether they’re aspiring professionals or passionate enthusiasts.
Gordon Ramsay Academy: Learn From the Master Chef
If you’re inspired by the renowned Gordon Ramsay, his academy located just outside of London in Woking is your culinary destination. This academy, unique in its association with the famed chef, welcomes people of all ages and cooking abilities, promising an immersive experience. With multiple kitchens, a large demonstration room, a cookbook library, and a lounge, the academy provides a comprehensive setting for culinary exploration. Choose from a diverse selection of classes, including full-day and half-day sessions, brunch workshops, family-friendly activities, baking classes, Italian culinary adventures, and of course, knife skills. The academy also offers engaging classes for kids, divided into age groups of 6-10 and 11-16, ensuring fun and practical learning for aspiring young chefs. For those wanting to impress with their skills, the academy’s beef Wellington, bao, and sushi masterclasses are a must-try. With a central London location slated to open in early 2025, the Gordon Ramsay Academy is sure to become a culinary hub for Londoners.
Le Cordon Bleu: A Culinary Tradition of Excellence
Le Cordon Bleu, a prestigious name synonymous with culinary excellence, was founded in 1895 in France. With a history of nurturing culinary talent, the school’s London branch opened in 1935, carrying the torch of tradition and innovation. Known for its exceptional culinary training, Le Cordon Bleu offers a comprehensive range of classes and courses, from beginner-friendly to advanced, allowing students to pursue their culinary passions. From the iconic coronation chicken recipe created by former student Rosemary Hume to the diverse culinary training options available today, Le Cordon Bleu continues to inspire and empower chefs of all levels. With a focus on providing top-notch culinary education, Le Cordon Bleu is a testament to the dedication and artistry of the culinary world.
The Cookery School: Simplicity and Sustainability
While the renowned culinary institutions might seem intimidating, The Cookery School offers a reassuringly simple approach to learning. They believe in demystifying cooking techniques, removing jargon, and bringing back solid cooking skills, all while focusing on delicious homemade food that can be made with common utensils found in most kitchens. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, the school sources high-quality, seasonal, and mostly organic ingredients and runs its kitchens on renewable energy. Their commitment to minimizing their impact on the planet complements their commitment to culinary excellence. The Cookery School offers a range of classes, including “Slice and Dice” for knife skills, simple Pastry, Sauces and Cakes, and more advanced Ultimate/Masterclass options. From baking and bread to knife skills and teen cooking camps, there’s something for everyone. Their professional accredited six-week Cook’s Certificate course is perfect for those wanting to deepen their culinary expertise.
Jamie Oliver Cooking School: Relaxed and Inspiring
Renowned for his approachable and friendly food philosophy, Jamie Oliver’s cooking school reflects his signature style. Their shorter sessions, lasting up to 90 minutes, are ideal for mastering specific techniques, such as fresh pasta, ‘next level gnocchi,’ or Thai green curry. For a more in-depth experience, their five-hour classes focus on broader culinary themes like plant-based cooking and introductions to cuisines like Japanese and Indian. While you won’t be taught by Jamie himself, his chefs, trained to teach in his relaxed style, will guide you through the class. The school’s friendly atmosphere and engaging teaching methods ensure that you’ll leave with lasting skills, just like the garlic tip we picked up in a Jamie Mexican class years ago!
Bentley’s Oyster Shucking Class: Master the Art of the Mollusc
While not technically a cooking class, Bentley’s Oyster Shucking Class is a must for any oyster enthusiast. The team at Bentley’s, renowned for shucking thousands of oysters daily, offers a 90-minute class that will transform you into an oyster shucking expert. Enjoy a selection of different oysters, all shucked by you, and savor the unique flavors of each variety. With champagne on arrival, sommelier-matched wine to complement the oysters, and a selection of raw and cooked, native and rock oysters to try, this class is a delightful experience. You’ll also receive a goody bag filled with oyster-related goodies to take home.
The Ginger Pig Butchery Classes: From Farm to Table
For those who appreciate high-quality meat, The Ginger Pig’s butchery classes provide an immersive experience. This renowned butcher shop has been hosting butchery classes for a decade, welcoming both seasoned and novice meat lovers. No experience is required; all you need is an adventurous palate and a willingness to get your hands dirty. Learn the art of butchering, from selecting the perfect cut to preparing it to perfection. At the end of the class, enjoy a delicious two-course meal with wine, and take home the meat you’ve personally prepared. Their classes focus on specific types of meat or occasions, ranging from steak, poultry, game, and lamb to BBQ.
London’s vibrant culinary landscape offers an abundance of options for those who seek to expand their culinary horizons. Whether you’re looking to perfect your pasta-making skills, delve into the world of patisserie, learn from the master chef himself, or simply master the art of shucking oysters, London’s cooking classes provide an opportunity to discover new flavors, hone your skills, and create unforgettable culinary memories.
