The Kitchen by James Martin

The Pastry Kitchen class at The Kitchen by James Martin teaches the three fundamental French pastry techniques - pâte brisée (shortcrust), pâte sucrée (sweet), and pâte feuilletée (puff) - through creating an ultimate quiche, classic lemon tart, and orchard tart tatin. Based in Christchurch, Dorset, this cookery school operates from a rural setting with accommodation, garden space, and restaurant facilities.

The school offers both bread making and pastry classes alongside broader cooking experiences. The Making & Baking Bread class runs for four hours at £140, teaching fundamental bread-making techniques from scratch at individual workstations equipped with Gaggenau induction hobs and ovens, plus Kenwood appliances and Robert Welch knives. Students take home their freshly baked loaves along with an apron to keep.

The Pastry Kitchen represents the more comprehensive offering at £225 for four hours of hands-on cooking mixed with demonstrations. Students work through each pastry type systematically, creating three distinct dishes that showcase different techniques and textures. The class includes lunch around the chef's demonstration area and breaks for refreshments, with participants taking home their creations plus recipe packs and branded aprons.

Classes accommodate up to 12 people with individual workstations, and most dietary requirements can be met with advance notice. The school welcomes all skill levels, providing support for beginners whilst allowing experienced bakers to refine their techniques. Sessions also extend to families and children, with supper clubs and corporate packages available.

The school suits anyone seeking structured pastry and bread skills in a professional kitchen environment with quality equipment and comprehensive take-home elements.

Reviews

Location

Christchurch Rd, New Milton, Highcliffe, Christchurch BH25 6QS, Dorset

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

Equipment

Thermapen ONE Thermometer

Professional-grade instant-read. Essential for chocolate and patisserie.

~£70View on Amazon

Equipment

Matfer Bourgeat Exopat Mat

Professional silicone mat. Essential for macarons and laminated doughs.

~£25View on Amazon

Book

The Pastry School - Julie Jones

Stunning step-by-step patisserie from a self-taught British baker. Tarts, entremets, choux - all achievable at home.

~£28View on Amazon

These are affiliate links - if you buy through them we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, BakeClass earns from qualifying purchases.

Nearby Schools

Bread MakingCroissants & Viennoiserie

Bread Making New Forest

Lymington, Hampshire

5.0(4)5.6 km

From £230.00

Powered by Google

Biscuits & CookiesCake Baking

Biscuits by Sarah B

Bournemouth, Dorset

5.0(155)9.4 km

From £12.50

Powered by Google

Baking ClassesBread Making

Come Bake With Me

Yarmouth, Isle of Wight

4.8(10)14.1 km

From £125.00

Powered by Google

Cake BakingCake Decorating

Penningtons School of Cake Artistry

Bournemouth, Dorset

5.0(21)16.4 km

Powered by Google