On this one-day cookery course, you’ll master a wide range of cooking techniques and ingredients, including bread, fish, meat, and vegetables. Designed as the perfect introduction to the River Cottage seasonal approach, this course will equip you with recipes, techniques, and ideas that will continue to inspire your cooking at home.
If you want to gain more confidence in the kitchen or enhance your existing skills with fresh ideas and recipes, this course is for you. Your chef tutor will demonstrate the necessary skills and techniques for each recipe, and then it’s your turn to recreate the dish. With just ten people per group, there will be plenty of time for questions and individual support, as your tutor is on hand with guidance and encouragement.
Many of the ingredients you’ll sample throughout the day will come from the River Cottage Kitchen Garden or our neighbouring farms. We care passionately about provenance at River Cottage, and your tutor will explain where your ingredients come from. We hope you’ll learn why we believe that eating seasonally and sustainably is not only important but also tastes better.
By the end of the day, you’ll have baked a loaf of bread, cooked a vegetable dish, a fish dish, and a meat dish, plus a delicious pudding! You’ll even get a chance to critique your own creations during lunch. You’ll leave amazed at how much you’ve learned in just one day and how it can transform your cooking.
“Our chef teacher was enthusiastic, friendly and very helpful and informed. I love cooking and I really enjoyed myself. However long you’ve been cooking you can always learn new things and the dishes we made were all delicious.” Diana, March 2023
10:00 - 17:00
You will meet your host, and begin the day with tea, coffee and treats fresh from the kitchen.
Dive right in by learning the principles of bread making as you tackle your very own farmhouse dough. You’ll return to it throughout the day to knead, shape, and bake your loaves.
We’re fortunate to grow a variety of incredible vegetables here on the farm. Discover our passion for seasonal produce as you’re guided through your first dish of the day.
Next, we'll discuss sustainable fish and prepare a quick and easy dish using the catch of the day from our local supplier.
It’s time to take a break and enjoy the fabulous fish and vegetable dishes you’ve created this morning.
After lunch, you'll explore lesser-known cuts of meat and create a sumptuous dish under the expert guidance of your chef tutor.
You’ll wrap up the day by creating something sweet, discovering the secrets to great desserts and how to adapt recipes for seasonal ingredients.
You'll have time to chat with your fellow participants and the River Cottage team before heading back up the hill at 5 PM.
This course is run from River Cottage HQ on the Dorset/Devon borders. Full address details of HQ will be provided once you have booked.
We are a licensed venue. We have a wide selection of the finest organic wines available to purchase.
If you would like to stay at the heart of River Cottage, we offer overnight accommodation at River Cottage HQ in our beautiful 17th century farmhouse. We have three stylishly refurbished bedrooms for B&B plus the 2-bedroom Gardener’s Cottage. These get booked quickly so for more information go to rivercottage.net/stay to book. Alternatively, we have put together a list of our local accommodation which includes B&Bs, self-catering, hotels and camping.
We would advise that this course is only really suitable for 12 years of age and upwards. Under 16s must be accompanied by a paying adult. We put these guidelines in place for the safety, comfort and enjoyment of all our guests.
Sorry, we’re afraid this course is not suitable for those with allergies or specific dietary requirements. However we do run courses that are gluten free, vegetarian and vegan friendly. Please get in touch if you have any questions or need further details.