Whether you’re a novice cook or an accomplished chef, cooking classes are a great way to expand your repertoire. It really doesn’t matter how experienced you are in the kitchen, there’s always more to learn, and who better to learn from than an expert in their field?
The best cooking classes in London are run by some of the city’s best chefs, restaurants or schools and offer a range of tutorials for all abilities. If you looking to treat yourself to a course and haven’t yet mastered the basics you could sign up to a half day workshop where you’re taught how to make pasta, bread or even biscuits. These kinds of classes strip things back to the very start to give you guiding principles that you can adapt and tweak on your own as you get more confident, safe in the knowledge that you’ve got a good set of building blocks under your belt.
But cooking classes aren’t just for cooking newbies, there are amazing offerings across the capital – and further afield – to help you take things up a level, whatever standard you’re at. For something seriously special there are courses at Raymond Blanc’s Belmond Le Manoir, which give you an insight into the chef’s classic French cookery. Under the chef’s head tutor, you’ll create an incredible three course meal to help you build on your existing skills.
Of course, cooking classes aren’t just a thing you buy yourself, they also make great gifts for any foodies in your life. And you know the best bit, yes? It's that you can ask to see what they’ve learned at a later date and get yourself a few tasty treats under the ruse of being a supportive friend.
So, whether you want to hone your own cooking skills, take a fun class with friends or discover the perfect team-building task that everyone will enjoy, we have rounded up the best cooking classes in London and across the UK. From gourmet workshops to fun chocolate making classes, there is something for every budget and every ability.
Jamie Oliver Cookery School
Brush up on old skills or learn something new with the team at Jamie Oliver’s cookery school. There are lots of options to pick from – depending on preference – ranging from a northern Indian thali feast through to a pasta masterclass. During your two hour tuition session you’ll be led by a team of professional chefs before tucking into a lunch of all the dishes you’ve made.
Where is the class? Islington, London
How much does it cost? £128
How do I book? Book though Virgin Experience Days
Foraging, Cookery and Lunch for Two with Totally Wild
If you prefer the great outdoors to being cooped up in a kitchen, this is the cooking class for you. With 18 locations across the UK, this foraging course run by Totally Wild will introduce you to finding edible ingredients in the countryside. The day last six hours and you’ll initially gather ingredients before turning them into a wild food lunch.
Where is the class? Across the UK
How much does it cost? £120
How do I book? Book though Virgin Experience Days
Borough Kitchen Cooking Classes
The rota at Borough Kitchen is so varied that you could book a new class every month for a year and not repeat any content. From knife skills through to making Chinese dumplings, these guys can teach it all. There are Borough Kitchen sites across London with classes taking place in Islington, Chiswick, and Hampstead. If you can’t make it to the capital, there are also follow along online classes which you can join from the comfort of your own kitchen. All equipment and ingredients for the digital masterclasses have been carefully honed to ensure they’re easy to get at your local shops.
Where is the class? Chiswick, Hampstead and Islington as well as online
How much does it cost? From £29
How do I book? Book though Borough Kitchen
Le Cordon Bleu
Chances are you’ve already heard of Le Cordon Bleu given that it’s a world leading culinary school with sites across the globe. Having begun in France back in 1895, this age-old institution now has a London headquarters, and it’s here that you can be taught all kinds of incredible cooking techniques. There are short workshops which have a specialist focus – like petit fours or plant based cooking – or there are complete accredit courses for diplomas in cookery if you’re ready to take your qualifications up a gear. There are also kids classes at Le Cordon Bleu, which are great for budding chefs.
Where is the class? Le Cordon Bleu, Holborn
How much does it cost? Masterclasses start from £75 per person
How do I book? Book direct with Le Cordon Bleu
School of Wok
Award winning School of Wok – as you might expect – has an Asian focus and teaches students the fundamentals of oriental cookery. Here you can learn how to make dim sum and bao by hand, or delve into the wonderful world of Thai cooking. Three hour classes are typically around the £100 mark, with all ingredients included as well as tuition from one of the industry-leading teachers. To secure your spot you’ll have to be speedy, as these routinely sell out. Classes at the School of Wok make an ideal present, or even a company team building day if you’re looking to do something a bit different with your colleagues.
Where is the class? Charing Cross
How much does it cost? From £29
How do I book? Book though School of Wok
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay
For really serious foodies Gordon Ramsay Restaurants’ offerings provide something special. The pinnacle of the masterclasses is the chance to go behind the scenes at Ramsay’s eponymous three Michelin starred restaurant to create a three-course menu before sitting down to enjoy your hard work over a lunch with the other students. Aside from this big name headliner, there are also a whole host of other options. Choose from making a beef Wellington at Heddon Street Kitchen or treat yourself to a sake masterclass at Lucky Cat. There are also kids classes for little ones.
Where is the class? London
How much does it cost? From £40
How do I book? Book though Gordon Ramsay Restaurants
Pied a Terre
Pied a Terre is one of London’s fine dining favourites, holding a Michelin star for its modern French food with a wider European twist. For its cooking classes the team of chefs here take on any ability of cook and help them make something really special in a matter of hours. Current workshops include a ceviche and tartare special and a guide to pasta making.
Where is the class? Fitzrovia
How much does it cost? From £95
How do I book? Book though Seven Rooms
One Day Masterclass in Michel Roux Jrs Kitchen at Sauce by the Langham
Learn the culinary secrets of Michel Roux Jr.’s Kitchen with an unforgettable cookery class at The Langham, London. Catering for both novices and accomplished cooks, this one day cookery class will allow you to refine your skills and learn all the tips and tricks used by the experts. During your course you will discover the secrets behind the contemporary classics on offer at the Roux at the Landau’s menu and - under the wing of the head chef - you will learn to create a three-course meal in a modern French style. To complete your experience you will also be sampling some of the best wines to pair with your dishes.
Where is the class? The Langham, Marylebone
How much does it cost? £295 per person
How do I book? Book through Virgin Experience Days
All day, half day and evening bakery classes at The Dusty Knuckle Bakery
The Dusty Knuckle School of Baking is open to corporate groups looking for a teambuildining activity and ametur bakers wanting to hone their skills alike. During your class you will learn about a range of baked goods, the importance of quality ingredients when baking and of course will try your hand at some baking yourself - with advice and guidance from the experts. Each class will leave you equipped with the skills you need to bake at home, armed with recipes, a few baking gifts and treats and during your class you will also be treated to a delicious dinner and beer from the venue’s neighbours at 40ft Brewery.
Where is the class? The Dusty Knuckle School of Baking, Dalston
How much does it cost? Prices start from £64
How do I book? Book direct with The Dusty Knuckle School of Baking
Pasta Masterclass for Two at Gordon Ramsey’s Union Street Cafe
A cooking class that involves both pasta and wine? We are sold! The warm and friendly vibe of Union Street Cafe is apparent as soon as you walk through the door and you can experience even more of this eatery’s friendly hospitality by attending a pasta making masterclass for two. During your three and a half hour masterclass you will learn how to make restaurant-worthy pasta from scratch with expert tuition from one of Union Street’s passionate chefs. You will then end the class by dining on a three-course meal - that includes the pasta you made - along with a glass of wine that has been perfectly paired to your dish.
Where is the class? Union Street Cafe, Southbank
How much does it cost? £190 for two people
How do I book? Book through Gordon Ramsay Restaurants
Biscuiteers Boutique 'Icing Lates' Evening Icing Class with Prosecco
Biscuit connoisseurs the Biscuiteers offer a few different classes but our favourite has to be their ‘icing lates’ - this is an evening icing class that caters for small groups. You will never be in a class of more than ten people so there is plenty of opportunity to receive one on one tuition and you also will be welcomed with a glass of prosecco on arrival. Their experts will guide you through the skills and techniques you will need to ice like a pro and you will leave the class with five biscuits you have iced yourself.
Where is the class? Cafes at Notting Hill or Northcote Road
How much does it cost? Prices vary by class
How do I book? Book directly with the Biscuiteers
Half Day Course at the Raymond Blanc Cookery School at Belmond Le Manoir
If you want to venture out of the city and into the countryside then head to the glorious Belmond Le Manoir hotel in Oxfordshire. As you drive through the honeyed-stone gate posts you will be stepping into Raymond Blanc’s world of phenomenal cooking. You will experience an intensive three hour cookery course from the hotel’s head tutor Mark Peregrine - a chef with more than 30 years of experience and a serious passion for cooking and teaching. Under his expert guidance you will create a delicious three-course meal with fantastic and fresh ingredients. Courses can be tailored for all levels and abilities so you can build on your existing skills - all while in beautiful surroundings. You will also receive light refreshments of tea and coffee throughout your course.
Where is the class? Belmond Le Manoir Hotel, Oxford
How much does it cost? £185 per person
How do I book? Book through Virgin Experience Days
Cookery School at Little Portland Street
The Cookery School at Little Portland Street offers classes and short courses that have a heavy focus on straight-foward cooking and hands-on training. Removing jargon and technical terms from cooking, their classes can be tailored for all abilities and you can choose from a range of cuisines and cooking styles.
Where is the class? Cookery School at Little Portland Street
How much does it cost? Prices vary by class
How do I book? Book directly through the Cookery School
Asian Masterclass at the Smart School of Cookery for Two
Discover the secrets and skills you need to know to create delicious pan-Asian meals at home with this Asian Masterclass at Ann’s Smart School of Cookery. This hands on class for two is two hours long and you will learn some classic Asian dishes - including coconut Asian prawns finished with homemade sweet chilli sauce, along with spicy fish rice broth with orange and ginger sticky chicken. You will be taught the skills and expertise of a professional chef and be able to take these skills to enhance your Asian cooking style overall.
Where is the class? Classes available in London, East England and South East England
How much does it cost? £198 for two people
How do I book? Book through Virgin Experience Days
Intensive Cookery Masterclass with Jean-Christophe Novelli and Luxury 5* Overnight Stay
If you are looking for a cookery class that will offer a real luxury experience then this intensive cookery masterclass with Jean-Christophe Novelli includes an overnight stay at a 5-star hotel. The class begins with a champagne reception on arrival, followed by a hands-on masterclass in Jean-Christophe Novelli’s home. You will also be able to enjoy a three-course lunch with wine before ending your day with a Q&A with the chef, a signed book and a photo opportunity. Then relax and unwind with a night at a nearby luxury hotel.
Where is the class? Hertfordshire
How much does it cost? £995 for two people
How do I book? Book through Virgin Experience Days
Leith’s School of Food and Wine - Various Classes
Whether you are looking to train professionally or simply become the most amazing host for your next dinner party, Leith’s School of Food and Wine have a range of classes to suit - from one off classes to full courses. Individual classes include knife skills, sauces, gluten-free cooking and classes tailored to a variety of different cuisines.
Where is the class? Leith's School of Food and Wine, White City
How much does it cost? Prices vary by class
How do I book? Book directly with Leith's
Are you looking for team-building ideas? If cooking classes aren't quite for you then browse our selection of other team-building activities that would be perfect for your next event.