Chef School of Cookery

Couples seeking a memorable date night experience and corporate groups looking for team-building activities will find their place at Chef School of Cookery, a culinary school run by Michelin award-winning chef Mick Binnington in rural Maldon, Essex. The school combines hands-on cooking instruction with dining experiences, offering both online classes and multi-day courses in a farm setting. The curriculum spans Bread Making, International Baking, Pastry, and Sourdough, with classes designed for all skill levels from age 12 upwards. Workshops range from four-hour evening sessions to full-day masterclasses, each combining practical instruction with the pleasure of enjoying your creations alongside complimentary beverages and chef-prepared accompaniments. The Artisan Sourdough workshop provides a comprehensive seven-hour introduction to traditional bread making, covering everything from creating and maintaining a starter to understanding flour selection, kneading techniques, and achieving professional results in domestic ovens. Participants take home their own starter culture to continue baking. International cuisine features prominently with full-day masterclasses exploring French and Italian traditions. The Taste of Italy session teaches fresh pasta making, gnocchi preparation, and risotto techniques alongside traditional sauce preparation, whilst the French masterclass covers classic dishes including soufflé making and sweet treats. Evening workshops focus on showpiece dishes like beef Wellington and traditional pies, with each four-hour session including refreshments, your main course creation with accompaniments, and chef-prepared desserts. The school suits food enthusiasts seeking structured learning in a relaxed rural environment, with gift vouchers available and private hire options for special occasions.

Reviews

Location

4, Howells farm, Maypole Rd, Maldon CM9 4SY, Essex

A few things we think are worth having if you want to keep baking at home.

Equipment

Le Creuset Cast Iron Bread Oven

Traps steam inside the pot, giving sourdough the burst it needs in the oven. The closest you can get to a professional deck oven at home.

£150-250View on Amazon

Equipment

Banneton Proofing Basket Set

Essential for shaping sourdough. Gives your loaves that beautiful spiral pattern.

~£18View on Amazon

Book

Tartine Bread - Chad Robertson

The sourdough bible. Start here if you're serious about bread.

~£28View on Amazon

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