Is prior cooking experience required?

No, the class is suitable for beginners and experienced cooks alike.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?

Yes, please inform us in advance to tailor the class to your needs.

Wear comfortable clothes and an apron; kitchen shoes are recommended.

Can I take home the sauces I make?

Absolutely, you’ll receive containers to bring your homemade sauces home.

Is there a limit to class size?

Classes are designed for small groups to ensure personalized instruction.

Are ingredients provided?

Yes, all ingredients and cooking supplies are included.

Cooking Class & Outdoor Adventure at Kent Cookery School | Food Tour | Workshop

Located in the picturesque Kent countryside, the Kent Cookery School offers more than just a culinary experience—it's a venture into the art of crafting fundamental sauces that elevate any meal. The 'Stocks & Sauces' course is a reimagining of outdoor-inspired learning, where hands-on workshops replace traditional kitchen confines. Perfect for food lovers who crave an interactive adventure, this class is designed to teach core techniques like making rich stocks, emulsions, and classic dressings under the watchful eye of expert chef James. While technically indoor, the workshop’s ethos centers on craftsmanship and skill-building—paralleling outdoor precision and mastery in wilderness pursuits. The setting itself emphasizes sustainability, with locally sourced ingredients supporting regional farms, aligning with outdoor adventures' respect for nature. Participants walk away with new skills, a delicious homemade lunch, and sauces to impress friends and family, making this activity a unique blend of culinary arts and outdoor appreciation. The experience is ideal for those wishing to combine learning and leisure in a laid-back environment that values freshness and quality. Perfect for foodies, hikers, or outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy discovering local flavors, it’s a taste of adventure that fosters creativity, patience, and appreciation of nature’s bounty. A true standout in Kent’s vibrant food scene, this class exemplifies how outdoor-inspired skills and culinary artistry can come together into a rewarding day. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a break from urban life, the Stocks and Sauces course offers a refreshing way to connect with the spirit of craftsmanship amidst beautiful surroundings.

Difficulty

Moderate.

Duration

6–8 hours.

Fitness level

Moderate fitness required; participants should be comfortable with outdoor activity.

Wildlife

Herons along the river
Wild rabbits in nearby fields

History

Kent has a rich culinary history dating back centuries, influencing modern local cuisine.

Conservation

The cookery school sources ingredients locally, supporting sustainable farming and reducing food miles.

Kent Cookery School in Ashford, England offers hands-on cookery and baking courses for adults, couples and families. The school runs a wide range of short and full-day experiences including East Asian Fusion To Go, Introduction to Patisserie with head bakery tutor James Piloni, Essential Knife Skills, Introduction to proper pizza with Gozney, Festive Couples Cooking, Weber Basic Essentials, Couples Night Thai Street Food and numerous adult & child sessions such as Adult & Child Mexican Cooking and Adult & Child Baking. Other regular courses include The Bread Course, Thai Street Food, Stocks and Sauces, Macaron Masterclass, The Curry Club, Tapas and Prosecco, Taste of Tokyo To Go, Mexican Street Food To Go, Adult & Child Sushi Making, Weber American Classics, Sichuan Flavours, Taste of India with Hari Ghotra, The Fish Course, The Kent Cookery Course and Plant-Based Cooking. Classes emphasize practical learning: participants cook alongside experienced tutors, use provided ingredients and equipment, and often take home their creations. Several courses include lunch or tasting sessions and some specify that cleanup and materials are included. Sessions range from 2.5-hour themed classes to full-day masterclasses and multi-week courses, suitable for beginners through confident home cooks. The school also runs seasonal and festive classes such as Festive Baking & Bubbles and Couples Cooking events. Located in Ashford, Kent Cookery School is a local destination for immersive, social cooking experiences that focus on technique, flavour and confident home-cooking skills. Course lengths, menus, booking details vary by class and are listed on the school's schedule.

Base locationAshford, England

Tours offered42+

Specialtyothers

StewardshipLeave No Trace