Let’s get cooking! Mary Berry famously said, “Cooking is both physical and mental therapy.” And with the abundance of ultra-processed food, cooking from scratch has never been more appealing. London, a hub of culinary excellence, is brimming with world-class chefs, restaurants, and cooking schools, making it the perfect place to hone your kitchen skills. Whether you crave mastering macarons, throwing a three-course dinner party, deboning a lamb, or perfecting your BBQ, London’s cooking classes have something for everyone.
From Macarons to Middle Eastern Feasts: Borough Kitchen
Borough Kitchen, known for its impressive cookware and tableware, also offers a wide array of cooking classes at its various locations across London. Explore cuisines from around the globe, including Chinese, Mexican, Indian, Thai, and South Korean, or dive deep into the world of pasta with their dedicated workshops. Dinner party enthusiasts will find classes covering macarons, choux pastry, and classic sauces. Savory classes culminate in enjoying the meal you’ve prepared, while baking and dessert classes allow you to take home your creations.
For a truly special occasion, Borough Kitchen offers private event options, accommodating up to 16 guests. Whip up a Middle Eastern feast, create delicious dumplings and bao, or even celebrate the holidays with Christmas Pudding or Edible Christmas Gifts classes. BYOB is encouraged, with drinks served after the majority of the food prep is complete, allowing you to toast to your culinary accomplishments.
Leiths: A Legacy of Culinary Excellence
More than just a cookery school, Leiths is a culinary institution. Founded by Prue Leith, a renowned figure in the culinary world, Leiths offers a range of courses, from professional diplomas to home cooking classes. Whether you aspire to become a professional chef or simply improve your home cooking skills, Leiths has a course for you.
Choose from one-evening or day-long courses to week-long and weekly short courses. Master knife skills, learn to cook sauces, explore seasonal meat dishes, or perfect the ultimate three-course dinner party. For those with a sweet tooth, a six-week patisserie course will transform you into a pastry pro. Leiths also offers WSET wine courses for those looking to expand their knowledge of the world of wine.
The Gordon Ramsay Academy: Unleash Your Inner Chef
For those who aspire to cook like the legendary Gordon Ramsay, the Gordon Ramsay Academy is the place to be. Located just outside London, this world-class cooking school offers a wide range of classes for all ages and skill levels.
Immerse yourself in the world of cooking with multiple kitchens, a demonstration room, a cookbook library, and a lounge. Choose from full-day or half-day classes, brunch courses, family-friendly options, baking workshops, Italian cuisine, knife skills, and more. The kids’ classes, tailored to different age groups, are both entertaining and educational. For a truly unique experience, try the beef Wellington, bao, or sushi masterclasses. With a central London location opening in early 2025, the Gordon Ramsay Academy is bringing its culinary expertise to the heart of the city.
Le Cordon Bleu: Culinary Excellence Since 1895
A name synonymous with culinary excellence, Le Cordon Bleu has been training chefs since 1895. The London branch, established in 1935, offers an extensive range of culinary courses, from beginner to professional levels. From classic French techniques to modern global cuisines, Le Cordon Bleu provides students with the skills to become culinary masters. Bon appétit!
The Cookery School: Simple, Delicious, and Sustainable
While the big names in London’s culinary scene can be intimidating, The Cookery School offers a more relaxed and approachable approach. Focus on simple, delicious homemade food, using common kitchen utensils and techniques. The school’s mission is to demystify cooking, removing jargon and empowering everyone to become a confident cook.
The Cookery School is also deeply committed to sustainability. They source top-quality, seasonal, and organic ingredients and run their kitchens on renewable energy. Classes have friendly, approachable names like “Slice and Dice” (knife skills), “Simple Pastry, Sauces, and Cakes,” and “Ultimate/Masterclass” for those ready for a culinary challenge. From baking and bread to knife skills and teen cooking camps, there’s something for everyone at The Cookery School.
Jamie Oliver Cooking School: Relaxed and Accessible
Jamie Oliver, the beloved chef known for his friendly and accessible approach to food, offers a similar welcoming environment in his cooking school. Learn to master techniques like fresh pasta, gnocchi, and Thai green curry in shorter sessions. For a deeper dive into culinary worlds, participate in longer classes focusing on plant-based cooking, Japanese cuisine, or Indian cuisine.
While you won’t be taught by Jamie Oliver himself, his trained chefs will guide you through the classes in his signature relaxed style. Leave with valuable skills and culinary inspiration.
Bentley’s Oyster Shucking Class: A Shell-ebration of Oysters
While not strictly a cooking class, Bentley’s Oyster Shucking Class is a must-try for any oyster enthusiast. Learn the art of shucking from the experts at Bentley’s, who shuck over 1,000 oysters daily. Enjoy a selection of different oysters, all shucked by you, and savor the difference between them.
The class includes champagne on arrival, sommelier-matched wine, a selection of raw and cooked oysters, and a goody bag to take home. It’s a fun and educational experience that will elevate your oyster enjoyment.
The Ginger Pig Butchery Classes: Mastering Meat at Home
For lovers of high-quality meat, The Ginger Pig Butchery Classes are a must-attend. Learn the art of butchery from the experts at The Ginger Pig, renowned for their exceptional meat. No experience is needed, just a love of meat and a willingness to get your hands dirty.
Each class focuses on a specific type of meat or occasion, ranging from steak, poultry, game, and lamb to BBQ. At the end of the class, enjoy a delicious two-course meal with wine and take home a significant amount of the meat you’ve prepared. These classes will equip you with valuable skills and a newfound appreciation for meat.
London’s Culinary Scene Awaits
From world-renowned cooking schools to intimate classes, London’s culinary landscape offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a complete beginner, there’s a cooking class waiting to spark your culinary passion. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey in London.
