New year, new skills. Take on the challenge of learning something new with these fun London-based masterclasses and workshops
Celebrate Chinese New Year and master Pasta Evangelists’ Pasta Dragon dish
Pasta is always a good idea. Pasta Evangelists will be running a special class at their flagship Pasta Academy to celebrate Chinese New Year, where guests will be served a selection of antipasti on arrival, before learning how to make the unique ‘Pasta Dragon’ dish, all while sipping on unlimited Prosecco throughout.
The group’s most intricate shape to date contains a delicious pasta filling of creamy ricotta and spinach, served with a spicy tomato sauce. For those up for the challenge, book into the special edition Pasta Academy class to try re-creating the dish for yourself.
When: The class will take place on Thursday 8th February
Where: 62-63 Long Ln, Barbican, London EC1A 9EJ
How: Visit pastaevangelists.com to find out more and make a booking.
Indulge in the spirit of Peru with a special Pisco Masterclass at Great Scotland Yard Hotel
Bottom’s up. In celebration of National Pisco Sour Day, indulge in the spirit of Peru with a special Pisco Masterclass at Great Scotland Yard Hotel, 8th February 2024, held in the hidden whisky bar, Sibin. Supported by the Embassy of Peru in the UK, this immersive event promises an exploration of Peru’s iconic national drink, guided by talented Peruvian mixologist, Giancarlo Nazario.
Delve into the world of Pisco by sampling four distinct varieties from award winning brands, each paired with a crafted cocktail and a pure sip of the spirit. The experience extends beyond beverages with a gastronomic journey featuring Peruvian canapés that showcase the richness of the country’s culinary heritage. From the tangy freshness of ceviche to the savoury delights of pulpo al olivo, papa a la huancaina and empanadas, each bite transports you to the heart of Peruvian cuisine.
H.E. The Ambassador of Peru Juan Carlos Gamarra will welcome guests with insights into the cultural significance of Pisco. The evening promises not just a tasting but an educational experience, offering a deeper understanding of the highly prided Peruvian spirit.
Wallet: Priced at £48 per person
When: 5.30pm – 7.30pm on February 8th, 2024. Sibin will remain open after the masterclass for guests to enjoy.
How: Find out more and make a booking via hyattrestaurants.com
Where: 3-5 Great Scotland Yard, London SW1A 2HN
Hone your photography skills with Montcalm East
Take a picture, it’ll last longer. East London hotel, Montcalm East, has announced their new photographer in residence, Reuben Lee, in partnership with Ravensbourne University. For those looking for a new hobby to start 2024, Reuben will be hosting a duo of workshops in January and February that will provide budding photographers with essential skills to hone their craft as well as an exhibition in the spring.
The photographer in residence programme at Montcalm East provides emerging artists with full use of the permanent studio space and a chance for guests to drop by for expert advice.
- [27th January] How to stage a themed photoshoot and editing: learn how to take photos and lead a stylised photoshoot with a model and props.
- [24th February] Leading a photoshoot with models and set styling: lead a photoshoot and learn how to make interesting compositions with professional models in different locations.
Wallet: Priced at £15 per person
How: Find out more and make a booking via eventbrite.co.uk
Where: 151-157 City Rd, London EC1V 1JH
Get cozy with creative workshops at Pophams Home
Carbs and coziness, the winning combination. Artisanal bakery and restaurant, Pophams has transformed the top floor of their London Fields site into a purpose-built workshop, where they will be hosting a series of classes and uplifting workshops throughout this winter season.
These intimate events will be hosted by an array of UK-based artists and makers committed to supporting independent, original style, ranging from candles and calligraphy through to collage and wine sessions.
During these cosy sessions, guests will learn new skills, accompanied by warm pastries, food and drinks from the next-door bakery and restaurant. Whilst downstairs, at Pophams Home, shoppers can immerse themselves amongst artisanal homewares, ceramics and candles to bring home this winter.
The first event of the year will invite London-based jewellery maker and artist Corrie Williamson on 18th January for an evening experimenting with wax, where guests will be able to make a bronze ring or pendant and take their treasure home.
When: Various dates
How: Find out more and make a booking via pophamshome.com
Where: London Fields Shop – 197 Richmond Road, E8 3NJ
Bite into a Cinnamon Bun workshops at Hampton Manor Bakery
Piping hot cinnamon buns, need we say more? Okay, it’s not technically within London’s remit but this is definitely one for the sweet toothed readers. Ever since opening the doors to its bakery in 2020, Hampton Manor’s cinnamon buns have earned a legion of adoring fans. Now, visitors can bring a slice of the bakery’s best-selling recipes home with the estate’s new line-up of workshops.
This winter season, gain hands-on experience at making dough and cinnamon butter from scratch, guided by the expertise of Head Baker Jax and the team, before shaping your sweet creations. You’ll take home a tray of nine delicious buns, as well as a detailed recipe card to ensure you can continue to impress with your new-found expertise at home.
How: Find out more and make a booking via onlinebookings.alacer.co.uk
Wallet: Priced from £60.00 per person
Where: Shadowbrook Lane, Hampton-In-Arden B92 0EN
Try anti-resolution food and drink workshops at Fortnum and Mason
Forget the resolutions and boring diet chat. Kicking off 2024 with a bang, the minds behind Fortnum & Mason’s Food & Drink Studio are pushing back against a complex ‘new year, new diet’ culture by inviting experts from across the world of food and drink to celebrate a no rules New Year, focusing on what makes people feel good whatever form that may take.
The programme will take guests on a journey of indulgence and self-care, and will include a series of juxtaposing events, from a mini market celebrating no and low drinks to a Scottish whisky and cheese evening, as well as a food writing masterclass with Felicity Cloake for those taking something up and a sugar-free dinner for customers cutting things out.
Key events include:
MASTERCLASS – Pho with Thuy Pham
Thursday 18th January, 6:30pm – 8:30pm, from £35
Chef, bestselling author, and architect behind Islington’s beloved The Little Viet Kitchen, Thuy Diem Pham will be hosting a masterclass demonstrating how to make the popular Vietnamese soup, Pho.
MASTERCLASS – Food writing with Felicity Cloake
Tuesday 23rd January, 6:30pm – 9:00pm, from £35
To celebrate the launch of These Delicious Things cookbook, award-winning food writer for The Guardian, Felicity Cloake, is hosting a masterclass to share her tips and tricks to writing engaging and evocative food content through structure, rhythm, and language. Guests will be able to put their new skills to the test while chefs prepare a dish to be enjoyed as a group at the end of the session.
MASTERCLASS – Small batch baking with Edd Kimber
Sunday 28th January, 3:00pm – 5:00pm, from £35
No stranger to creating large elaborate bakes, food writer, winner of Great British Bake Off, and author, Edd Kimber, will be teaching guests about the benefits of baking for just one or two. Drawing on recipes from his book, Small Batch Bakes, he’ll be running a cook-along that will showcase recipes that are low-waste, low-cost and high in flavour.
MASTERCLASS – Love potions with Eleanor Ford
Monday 12th February, 6:30pm – 8:00pm, £35
Award-winning food writer and spice expert, Eleanor Ford, will host a masterclass to show guests how using spices in cooking can in turn spice up their love lives. Discover which spices are considered aphrodisiacs and create your own love potions, guaranteed for an evening of enjoyment.
