Cooking Courses

Leiths Cookery School

I completed the six-month Essential Cooking Certificate with Leiths Cookery School, and it completely transformed my confidence in the kitchen.

The course covers an incredible range of skills including pastry, bread making, meat and fish preparation, baking, sauces and much more. I learnt so much throughout the programme and it has undoubtedly improved my cooking.

As a mum, the online format suited me perfectly. Each week's module is unlocked as you progress, allowing you to complete around seven hours of learning at your own pace. You'll upload photos of your dishes along with reflections on your work, and your tutor provides personalised feedback throughout the course.

After successfully completing the assessments you'll receive a certificate, with the opportunity to attend a two-day practical assessment in London to gain an accredited qualification.

One of the things I love about Leiths is that there are so many opportunities to continue learning afterwards—and I certainly hope to!

Website:Leiths Online Cookery School | Online Cooking Courses

South Downs Bakery

I attended Mark's Artisan Bread Making and Gut Health course at South Downs Bakery in Cheriton.

Mark has been making sourdough for over 18 years and his knowledge is absolutely incredible. The class takes place in his home kitchen, creating a relaxed atmosphere, and everyone enjoys a shared lunch together, which was such a lovely touch.

Bread is one of my favourite things to make, and this course completely changed the way I approach baking. I now use my sourdough starter almost daily and love experimenting with new recipes inspired by everything I learnt.

Website: South Downs Sourdough - an artisan bakery school nestled in the South Downs

Debbie's Kitchen

I've attended several of Debbie's classes over the years, including sushi, bread making, tarts, knife skills and Christmas inspiration workshops.

Classes are held at Boundary Oak School in Wickham and always have such a calm, welcoming atmosphere. Debbie's background as a teacher really shines through—she explains everything clearly and creates a relaxed environment where everyone feels comfortable.

Website: Professional Event Catering | Hampshire, UK | Debbie's kitchen

South Coast Cookery School

South Coast Cookery School hosts a fantastic variety of visiting chefs and specialist cookery classes. Located above Southsea Deli, it's surrounded by some brilliant independent restaurants and international food shops.

I'd recommend visiting the area even if you're not attending a class—it's now a new favourite place to discover ingredients that are difficult to find elsewhere.

The teaching kitchen itself is beautifully designed. I attended a Korean cookery class with Luxx Organix here and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm already looking forward to booking another course.

Website: South Coast Cookery | Events & Workshops in Southsea

Chewton Glen

Chewton Glen sits at the luxury end of the price range, but it's a truly beautiful place to learn.

They offer a fantastic selection of cookery courses and it's always lovely to stay afterwards for lunch, dinner or simply a drink. It makes for a really special day out.

Website: Cookery Courses in Hampshire | The Kitchen Cookery School

Lime Wood

Another luxury venue that's worth every penny if you're looking for a treat.

I particularly love their focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Even the cocktails feel like they've come straight from the garden—which is absolutely my kind of thing!

They run a wide variety of courses throughout the year and it's somewhere I'd happily return to again and again.

Website: What’s On | Lime Wood Hotel | Lime Wood

Luxx Organix

I first discovered Lulu through a class at Southsea Cookery School.

She runs inspiring vegan cookery classes across Hampshire and West Sussex and has such an infectious passion for food. I came away full of new ideas and feeling completely inspired by her creativity.

Website: Vegan Cookery Classes | West Sussex, Hampshire | Lux-Organic