Brilliant baking classes in the Cotswolds
With National Baking Week running from 14-20 October and The Great British Bake Off back on our television screens, there’s no better time to brush up on your baking skills and add some new recipe ideas to your repertoire. Whether you’re struggling with your sourdough starter, need to improve your kneading technique or want to impress with your pastry prowess (and avoid the dreaded soggy bottom), these baking classes throughout the Cotswolds could help you on your way to being a star baker. Roll up your sleeves, pick up your rolling pins and get ready to produce bakes that Prue and Paul would be proud of.
The Cotswolds Baking Workshop, Shipston-on-Stour
Held in founder Susie’s home kitchen in Shipston-on-Stour, The Cotswolds Baking Workshop offers online and in-person classes for small groups based on a particular theme, whether it’s bagels and brownies or afternoon tea treats. Originally from New Mexico, Susie moved to the UK 25 years ago and brings together the best of both British and American baking, but you can expect plenty of international flavour too with Italian, French and Portuguese classics among the course options. One-to-one and bespoke classes are also available, as are baking parties for children and teens.
Harts Barn Cookery School, Longhope
Situated on the edge of the Forest of Dean close to the Wye Valley, Harts Barn Cookery School’s classes cater for those with both a savoury and sweet tooth, whether you want to perfect your pastry-making skills or learn to make a Hollywood handshake-worthy sourdough. Seasonal baking and bread courses also incorporate Easter and Christmas treats from around the world. Equipment and ingredients are provided and you can enjoy the fruits of your labours onsite or take them home with you.
Daylesford Cookery School, near Moreton-in-Marsh
This award-winning cookery school can be found in the grounds of the renowned 2.500-acre organic Daylesford Farm. Discover the secret to Daylesford’s award-winning artisan breads, experience the art of afternoon tea or try your hand at making your own edible Christmas gifts at one of the cookery school’s popular classes. Courses include ingredients, equipment and refreshments and you’ll leave with a goodie bag of whatever you make to enjoy at home.
Edible Art Patisserie, Cheltenham
Self-taught chef Damien Wager has made a name for himself in the pastry world and shares his patisserie know-how through courses at his Edible Art Patisserie in Cheltenham’s Montpellier district. As the name suggests, Damien’s creations are works of art and it’s almost a shame to eat them – but you will, of course. Learn how to make gateaux, tarts, macarons and more under his expert guidance and pick up tips and tricks to take back to your own kitchen.
The Artisan Baker, Stroud
Israel-born Ori Hellerstein, aka the ‘Artisan Baker’, has developed a dedicated following in Stroud and the wider area with his distinctive breads and pastries, which line the shelves of his bakery in the Five Valleys indoor market where his classes are held. Enjoy coffee and pastries on arrival before rolling up your sleeves to learn how to make the perfect loaf with Ori himself, or master the art of sourdough with one of his professional guest teachers.
Hobbs House Cookery School, Chipping Sodbury
Hobbs House Bakery is home to Tom and Henry Herbert, who found fame as The Fabulous Baker Brothers on the Channel 4 television series. The brothers teach a number of the bakery’s classes, which cover everything from doughnuts and croissants to pastry, pies and, of course, bread (pictured). With Christmas biscuit-making classes for children aged five to 13 there’s something for budding junior bakers to get their teeth into too.
Severn Bites, Gloucester
Owner Danielle Ellis trained as a bread baker in France and when it comes to bread, the French certainly know what they’re doing. Whether you’re a beginner and want to learn the basics or feel ready to refine your techniques with the challenge of a French fougasse, Danielle’s classes cater for a range of abilities and are taught in a bright and airy kitchen overlooking the garden. Bespoke classes can be organised at your holiday home too.
Thyme, Southrop
The Cookery School at Thyme is part of Southrop Manor’s beautiful 150-acre estate and specialises in ‘field to plate’ cookery classes using ingredients grown in its kitchen garden. The school’s ‘Master a Dish’ classes cover categories including patisserie and preserves, where you can explore the intricacies of classic French patisserie or understand the processes of jam making, both of which will come in handy if you’re planning to whip up a Bake Off-inspired afternoon tea.
