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Chef holding some dough teaching kneading techniques
Someone kneading Sourdough on a flour surface.
A chef in a white uniform sprinkles flour over a wooden table.
Three women enjoying a lunch on the River Cottage Course
Chef holding some dough teaching kneading techniques
Someone kneading Sourdough on a flour surface.
A chef in a white uniform sprinkles flour over a wooden table.
Three women enjoying a lunch on the River Cottage Course
Only 2 dates left

The Bread Day

£245.00

Book this course
27 Jul
£245
07 Sep
£245
Full
01 Jun
£245
1 day
Adult
Close
10:00 - 17:00

Bread Making Course at River Cottage HQ

Bread has always been at the heart of River Cottage HQ, and our bread-making course is one of our most loved experiences. In this newly revamped version, our expert chefs will guide you through every stage of the baking process. By the end of the day, you’ll leave with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to bake a variety of breads at home.

At River Cottage, we bake all our bread from scratch, including our signature classic farmhouse loaf. Your day begins with mastering this delicious staple. From there, you’ll expand your repertoire by exploring international favourites like focaccia, crafting your own pizza dough for a wood-fired pizza lunch, and working with sweet doughs to make cinnamon doughnuts and chocolate brioche. You’ll also learn to whip up foolproof soda bread, perfect for a comforting teatime treat.

This course isn’t just about recipes—it’s about transforming the way you think about bread. Many of our guests say it’s a turning point, inspiring them to ditch shop-bought bread for good!

Is this course suitable for me? This course isn’t suitable for those with dairy or gluten intolerances. We recommend this course for participants aged 12 and up. Under-16s must be accompanied by a paying adult. These guidelines are in place to ensure the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of all our guests. Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or need more information.

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME

You will meet your host, and begin the day with tea, coffee and treats fresh from the kitchen.

SESSION ONE

Dive straight in and start by creating the dough for a classic farmhouse loaf.

SESSION TWO

Prepare pizza dough, ready to be cooked in our wood-fired oven for a delicious lunch later in the day.

SESSION THREE

Next, you’ll learn to make a herby fougasse or focaccia, taught by our expert chefs using their tried-and-tested methods.

SESSION FOUR

Next, you'll make cinnamon doughnuts, perfect for enjoying as an afternoon snack.

LUNCH

Finish your pizzas with seasonal toppings before they’re cooked in the wood-fired oven. You’ll enjoy them alongside fresh salads prepared by the River Cottage chefs.

SESSION FIVE

Next up, a teatime loaf—soda bread made with River Cottage yoghurt and cider.

SESSION SIX

To finish, you’ll craft a decadent chocolate brioche loaf, with soft, buttery layers and rich, melted chocolate swirled throughout.

DEPARTURE

There will be plenty of time to chat with your fellow bakers and the River Cottage team, sharing tips and stories, before you head back up the hill at 5pm with your freshly baked goods in hand.

Highlights

  • Craft a Classic Farmhouse Loaf: Perfect your skills with this traditional and versatile bread.
  • Bake Focaccia: Learn the secrets to creating this soft, olive oil-rich Italian classic.
  • Make Cinnamon Doughnuts: Using the tried-and-tested River Cottage recipe, these are a guaranteed hit.
  • Create Your Own Pizza Dough: Prepare authentic dough for delicious wood-fired pizzas, ready for a mouth-watering lunch.
  • Master Foolproof Soda Bread: Quick, easy, and ideal for beginners or busy bakers.
  • Enjoy a Decadent Chocolate Brioche: A rich, buttery treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
BakingClassic CookeryRiver Cottage Courses
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