Top Cooking Classes in London
Cooking is the ultimate feel-good activity, and it’s one that’s fun to do solo or with friends and family. If you’re looking to improve your cooking skills, gift a foodie the perfect present or take a date somewhere unique, why not consider a cooking class? Across London, there are plenty of class types to check out. You can learn a range of cuisines, no matter your experience or ability level.
There’s no shortage of cooking classes in London, but which one’s right for you? We’ve listed our favourite cooking classes. From celebrity chef cooking schools to pizza-making parties, find the perfect class.
Celebrity Chef Cooking Classes
You’ve watched their cooking shows, now take their classes! Master the art of cooking at schools run by your favourite celebrity chefs.
Jamie Oliver Cookery School
The Jamie Oliver Cookery School offers a range of cooking classes in London, with something for beginner chefs through to culinary pros. Based in Islington, there are over 30 classes to pick from, with both virtual and in-person options available. You’ll find classes on all things fish-related as well as how to prepare authentic Vietnamese street food. There’s even a lesson to help you master knife skills. Classes range from an hour to full-day cooking extravaganzas - all taught by the school’s chefs.
Where? The Jamie Oliver Cookery School, 160 Holloway Road, London, N7 8DD
Gordon Ramsay Academy
The Gordon Ramsay Academy is an institution for foodies, where the celebrity chef shares his passion for food. It offers classes for people of all experience levels. Learn the ins and outs of a perfectly cooked steak with their Steak Masterclass, or indulge in chocolate dessert workshops. Each class is taught by one of the Academy chefs. There are also classes you can do with kids, great for getting little ones excited about cooking. Ramsay’s Academy is just outside of London in Woking, Surrey. If you’re in London, you can hire a Zipcar to get to, and from, the class.
Where? 57-61 Commercial Way, Woking, Surrey GU21 6HN
Cuisine-Based Cooking Classes
There are lots of fantastic cuisines around the world - and cooking classes in London that teach them! From throwing dough for Italian pizzas to perfecting Japanese sushi rolls, explore our top cooking classes in London for all types of cuisines.
Italian Cooking Classes - Pizza-Making
Arguably one of the liveliest cooking classes in London on our list is Bunga Bunga’s Pizza Making Class. Perfect for mate dates (or actual dates), you’ll start the night with a welcome drink of Aperol Spritz. Throughout the class, you’ll learn Bunga Bunga’s (not so) secret family pizza recipe. You’ll also discover how to make dough and compete in a dough-tossing competition for the ‘#BiggestTosser’ title. After the competition, enjoy a Bunga pizza whilst the venue’s singer Mamma Bunga serenades you. Participants go home with a dough kit to practise pizza making at home.
Where? Covent Garden, 167 Drury Lane, London, WC2B 5PG
Japanese Cooking Classes - Sushi Rolling and Ramen Making
Those looking for the top sushi-making class London has to offer - look no further than Sozai Cooking School. Through the school, you’ll find a huge selection of Japanese cooking classes to choose from, all hosted by professional chefs. If you’ve ever tried to make sushi rolls, you’ll know how hard rolling can be. Sozai’s sushi classes help you perfect different kinds of rolls, and its ‘Dinner Party Sushi’ class even shows you how to create geometric patterns. The school also provides a beginner’s class on Ramen - they’ll teach you how to make this seriously tasty dish from scratch.
Where? Address for classes varies, check class details for more info
Indian Cooking Classes - Street Feasts and Savoury Doughnuts
Looking for the top Indian cooking classes in London? The Food at 52 Cookery School hosts the ultimate Indian cooking classes, taught by expert chefs. Become a master in Indian street food with its Indian Street Feast Cookery Class. Or how about learning the art of Southern Indian cuisine through their Southern Indian Cooking Class? Both courses will take you through preparation step-by-step. Find out how to cook dishes such as delicious saag paneer or spinach vadai savoury doughnuts.
Where? 96 Central Street, London, EC1V 8AJ
Thai Cooking Classes - Thai Green Curry and Spring Rolls
The award-winning (and brilliantly named) School of Wok offers some excellent Thai cooking classes. Whether you’re familiar with Thai cooking or a complete novice, the school holds classes for everyone to enjoy. Their Introduction to Thai Cuisine will get you making Thai Green Curry paste and spring rolls, all taught by School of Wok chefs. Once you’ve finished cooking, spend the last half hour enjoying the fruits of your labour, along with a nice glass of wine.
Where? School of Wok, 61 Chandos Place, London, WC2N 4HG
Vegetarian and Vegan Cooking Classes
There are loads of vegetarian and vegan cooking classes available across the city. Whether you’re looking to learn more about plant-based cooking, or want to make the perfect veggie-packed tart, these classes have got you covered.
Virtual Veggies - Cooking Classes You Can Do From Home
Digital cooking school Plates at Home offers a brilliant course on plant-based dishes, with classes suitable for all levels of experience. Professional chef and Plates co-founder Kirk Haworth leads the course. It includes episodes on a Sweet Tomato and Red Onion Tart as well as Leek and Potato Pie amongst a load of other great-tasting dishes. All episodes are online, meaning you can take the course from the comfort of your own home. Why not make an evening out of it with friends? If you’re all in London, your guests can get a Zipcar to yours.
Where? Anywhere (virtual)
Vegan Cooking Classes - Plant-Based Pancakes
Made In Hackney offers some of the top vegan cooking classes in London. Self-proclaimed as ‘the UK’s first fully vegan community cookery school and charity’, Made In Hackney works to fight climate change and health inequalities while supporting access to food. They also have a programme of free classes, including Plant Based Pancakes, Cooking on a Budget and Eating for Wellbeing. Check the Made In Hackney calendar to see what’s on at the moment.
Where? Made In Hackney, Liberty Hall, 128 Clapton Common, Spring Hill, Clapton, London, E5 9AA
Dessert Cooking Classes
Dessert classes are perfect for those with more of a sweet tooth. Whether you want to master the craft of cupcake decorating or make (and eat) an endless amount of doughnuts, there are plenty of top dessert cooking classes in London.
Cake Decorating
The Primrose Bakery - one of North London’s best loved bakeries - teaches you how to create icing masterpieces on cupcakes. Taught by the bakery’s Head Chefs, these classes show you how to use piping and a palette knife, as well as how to master the bakery’s signature icing swirl. During the class, they’ll also be opportunities to ask the chefs for baking tips. After the class, you’ll receive a recipe card from the bakery, a voucher for a free Primrose cupcake, and a box to take your beautifully decorated cupcakes away in.
Where? The Engineer, 65 Gloucester Avenue, London, NW1 8JH
Doughnut Making
The All You Can Eat Doughnut Workshop at The Avenue Cookery School is fun for all ages, and all levels of doughnut-making experience. Through the class, The Avenue chefs will teach you how to make mini British doughnuts from scratch with three different fillings. Being an ‘All You Can Eat’ workshop, you’ll be able to eat your doughnut creations fresh while working away at the next batch!
Where? The Avenue Cookery School, 3 Enterprise Way, Wandsworth, London, SW18 1FZ
While some of these cooking classes in London are regularly hosted, others are one-time events. Therefore, we can’t guarantee all these incredible classes will be on at the time you’re reading this. When deciding which class to take, check the official website for current listings.
Why not take a Zipcar to and from your class? With fuel and insurance covered by us, Zipcar is the perfect way to get around London.
