From kneading loaves of artisan bread to making the shiniest macarons, SoGlos has whipped up an inspirational selection of 10 of Gloucestershire’s very best baking classes.
With The Great British Bake Off back on Channel 4 from Tuesday 24 September 2024, if you're inspired to don your apron, get a little expert help in the kitchen and become a baker worthy of that coveted Hollywood handshake, look no further…
Baking classes at the Foodworks Cookery School
Pick up baking skills from a real-life Star Baker at the Foodworks, with GBBO season 12 winner, Giuseppe Dell'Anno, hosting his own baking classes at the Colesbourne cookery school. All inspired by his Italian heritage, learn how to bake focaccia and other savoury bites or traditional Italian treats for the Christmas table.
Baking classes at Hobbs House Bakery Cookery School
The family-run Hobbs House Bakery boasts five generations of baking heritage. Baking courses are taught by experienced staff, including The Fabulous Baker Brothers, Tom and Henry Herbert — with children and adults learning how to make loaves, doughnuts, pastries and more at the Chipping Sodbury cooking school.
Baking classes at Edible Art Patisserie
As well as being home to Cheltenham’s dreamiest desserts, Edible Art Patisserie in Montpellier runs its own academy offering regular masterclasses for artistic cooks. Run by a cohort of modern pastry chefs, the courses cover all kinds of contemporary patisserie techniques from chocolate making to creating the most intricate garnishes.
Baking classes at Harts Barn Cookery School
Set in a Forest of Dean location, Harts Barn Cookery School believes in classes that are accessible, affordable and fun. Try your hand at gluten-free baking or making artisan sourdough bread, while the kids can have a go at developing their own chocolate creations, with seasonal baking classes too.
Baking classes at Daylesford Farm Cookery School
Professional chefs are on hand to offer advice, while students take advantage of the organic farm’s produce to make some spectacular creations at the Daylesford Farm Cookery School, near Kingham. Focusing on simple dishes, classes are designed to spark a beginner’s passion for food, with advanced classes like artisan bread making for the more ambitious.
Baking classes at The Cotswolds Baking Workshop
Welcoming bakers of all levels into her kitchen, now just outside of the Cotswolds in Shutford, Susie Whitfield from The Cotswolds Baking Workshop offers laid-back classes for small groups, teaching guests how to make everything from American-style bagels and filled doughnuts to macarons and traditional Portuguese tarts.
Baking classes at Alice Through The Year
From hot cross buns at Easter to festive mince pies, Alice Through The Year sees pro chef Alice Robertson running seasonal cookery classes from her Cotswold kitchen in Beckford. Her mid-week meal workshops are great for aspiring home cooks, showing guests how to deliver a hearty meal in a hurry, while ambitious bakers can learn how to craft a showstopping high-tea in her dedicated afternoon tea workshop.
Baking classes at Severn Bites
Having trained in France, professional bread maker Danielle Ellis shares her extensive knowledge during bread making classes at Severn Bites in Gloucester. Using mainly local ingredients, students can learn how to master everything from sweet doughs and French baguettes to sourdough and seasonal treats.
Baking classes at Thyme
Thyme at Southrop teaches novice bakers how to master classic cakes, from the light yet moist Victoria sponge to quintessentially British scones, cream and jam — as well as specialising in 'field to plate' cookery classes, where guests are taught how to cook instinctively with the best seasonal produce from in its kitchen garden.
Baking classes at The Old Bakehouse Cookery School
Welcoming novice cooks and beginner bakers into her kitchen, Annabel O'Sullivan runs The Old Bakehouse Cookery School from her home near Cirencester, with a special passion for teaching young adults how to cook for themselves when they fly the nest. Creating bespoke classes to suit your individual needs, learn from a mixture of demonstrations and rolling up your sleeves to get stuck in.
