
Enamelled cast iron pot
Amazon Basics · 5.7L · round, with lid
The biggest single change to how the loaf comes out.

Hitchin, Hertfordshire
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The Sourdough Introductory Workshop at Knead & Desire Bakehouse runs for seven hours and costs from £175, with participants taking home a starter, banneton, lame, and dough scraper. Located in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, this specialist sourdough school is led by founder Matthew Rideout, whose expertise is demonstrated through multiple wins at the Tiptree World Bread Awards.
The bakehouse focuses exclusively on sourdough, with full-day classes covering three distinct varieties including wholemeal and rye. This concentrated approach allows students to gain comprehensive knowledge of sourdough techniques rather than rushing through multiple baking styles. The award-winning methods taught here reflect Rideout's proven success in competitive bread making, offering students access to techniques that have been recognised at national level.
During the seven-hour workshop, students learn the fundamentals of creating award-winning sourdough bread from scratch. The generous time allocation allows for proper attention to each stage of the process, from understanding starter development to mastering shaping techniques. Each participant receives essential sourdough equipment to continue their practice at home: a banneton for proving, a lame for scoring, a dough scraper for handling, and crucially, a live starter culture to maintain their ongoing sourdough journey.
The workshop welcomes bakers of all levels, making it accessible whether you're encountering sourdough for the first time or looking to refine existing skills under expert guidance. Gift vouchers are available, making this an ideal introduction for anyone keen to master this traditional bread-making craft with proven techniques from a competition-winning baker.
90 reviews - Read on Google Maps
7 Churchgate Walk, Hitchin SG5 1DN, Hertfordshire
Get directions on Google Maps →Equipment
Three of the eight things I use for sourdough in my own kitchen. I own every one of them, and the photos are mine.

Amazon Basics · 5.7L · round, with lid
The biggest single change to how the loaf comes out.

ifsecond · two oval cane baskets · covers included
A little structure goes a long way.

BOMATA · 0.1g precision · 5kg · USB-C charging
They read down to 0.1g, so one set of scales covers everything.
The full list covers what to buy first, what can wait, and what you can skip.
See all 8 things I use for sourdoughInformation last checked: April 2026

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Food hygiene rating
Very good
Inspected 1 October 2024
Getting there
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Practical details
Venue features
Food hygiene rating
Very good
Inspected 1 October 2024
Getting there
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Practical details
Venue features
£175.00
4.7 (90)