Italian cookery classes

LONDON AND SURROUNDS

Theo Randall’s Italian Cooking Masterclass

Join chef Theo Randall for a masterclass in his Park Lane restaurant where you’ll use seasonal ingredients, and learn from Theo’s 20 years of experience in the some of the best Italian kitchens globally. As Theo shares his knowledge and expertise, guests will enjoy a glass of prosecco and be able to taste the dishes as Theo demonstrates how to make them, before sitting down to enjoy a four-course dinner with wine to match, guided by The Intercontinental’s sommelier. Upon departure, guests will receive a gift. £185 per person (inclusive of VAT & service).

La Cucina Caldesi

Take an Italian class at La Cucina Caldesi, the husband-and-wife-run school in the heart of London. Taught by celebrity chefs, cooks, food writers and wine experts, the extensive range includes half day, one day and ongoing weekly courses, such as the seven-week Complete Italian Cookery Course. Alternatively, you could try one of the evening classes such as Italian Street Food, £80. For kids there’s Italian Mama’s Cookery Club with classes for 6-12 year olds and 13-17 year olds. If you’re still finding it hard to find a class to suit Caldesi also offers tailor-made courses for your specific needs.

Leiths School of Food and Wine

Renowned West London-based Leiths School of Food and Wine offers a range of specialist Italian classes for enthusiasts including Pizza Making with the Pizza Pilgrims brothers, Recipes from Rome with Eleanora Galasso and Venetian Carnival Feast.

Divertimenti

The Divertimenti Cookery School offers a range of Italian classes for novice and experienced cooks in two different locations – one in London and the other in Cornwall. The London branch of Divertimenti runs an array of morning and afternoon courses including Pasta Fresca and a class focused on the cuisine of the Amalfi Coast from Ursula Ferrigno. Prices range from £160 for 3-4 hours. Classes can have up to 32 people or smaller groups of up to 12 for hands-on lessons.

Enrica Rocca Cookery School

Italian-born Enrica Rocca has cookery schools in both London and Venice. Learning about how to get the best out of London produce, Enrica aims to help you find the right ingredients to cook great Italian food. The one day cooking classes (between £120 – £150) starting in Portobello Market run on Fridays and Saturdays and the Thursday evening classes (between £110 – £140) are a more relaxed affair. The days begin at the market, spending the morning learning about ingredients and what to buy, before returning to Enrica’s kitchen in West London for an afternoon of tuition and cooking. In Venice, the school runs half day and one day classes that start at €120.

SOUTHEAST

Ashdown Manna Cookery School

In the heart of Sussex, Ashdown Manna Cookery School specialises in one-day hands-on themed courses, using fresh seasonal local produce and organic ingredients wherever possible. The Italian course coers the classics (£140) and ends with a three course meal, including wine. The maximum group size is eight and courses are designed for all abilities. The school is at Cumnor House in a converted dairy building set in 62 acres of beautiful countryside on the edge of Ashdown Forest, making this a relaxing day out.

NORTHWEST

Lucy Cooks Cookery School

Lucy Cooks Cookery School in the Lake District has Italian courses running throughout the year. There are two day-long courses that you can choose from, Simple Good Italian or A Taste of Italy (both £145) which cover classic Italian recipes, pasta making and basic knife skills. You will be given a tour of the school, drinks, demonstrations and dinner in the Aga kitchen.

NORTHEAST

Casa Mia Cookery and Wine Classes

Casa Mia run three Italian restaurants and shops in Leeds. One of them, Casa Mia Grande, turns into a cookery school on Sundays where a series of Masterclasses take place throughout the year. All classes, (£54.95) which last between 2-3 hours, cover the skills needed to prepare a 3-course meal and end with an informal dinner of the delights you have just made.

SCOTLAND

Edinburgh School of Food and Wine

Set in a beautiful converted 18th century coach house on the outskirts of the city, the Edinburgh School of Food and Wine runs a one day Italian Cookery course (£110) which consists of short demonstrations, practical cookery sessions, discussions and tastings and ends with a three-meal. Their pizza making workshop (£50) offers a two hour course to guide attendees in how to make fresh, homemade pizza.

Nick Nairn Cook School

Celebrity chef, restaurant owner and entrepreneur Nick Nairn set up his cookery school in 2000. Set on the shore of the Lake of Menteith in the Trossachs National Park, the converted old piggery has a Classic Italian course (£145) led by resident chef John Webber. The Aberdeen branch of the school hosts the same class and also offers a 3-hour Master Pasta class (£79). The menu includes gnocchi piedmontaise with rocket and walnut pesto, ricotta and Parma ham cannelloni and clotted cream panacotta with lemon caramel and orange biscotti.