This October, Bankside will be celebrating its emerging food scene with a line-up of food and drink workshops to excite the fanatical foodie. Showcasing the artisan nature of the Bankside neighbourhood, various venues will present their expertise in a range of masterclasses which will satisfy any palate.
This year will be the first Bankside School of Food and Wine and will see everything from doughnut making and butchery classes to chocolate workshops and mixology lessons. If you’re planning a corporate away day, team building session or incentive event and need some inspiration, take a look at these culinary experiences which are sure to keep your colleagues entertained.
Cocktail masterclasses at Hixter Bankside
Recreate Mark’s Bars renowned cocktails with a helping hand from the team at Hixter Bankside. After a Hix Fix on arrival, shake and stir your way through the next 90 minutes with a hands-on class in the relaxed atmosphere of Mark’s Bar. Hear about the history of the cocktail, the flavour combinations and techniques used in cocktail making and of course, the provenance of the spirit. Tickets £45 and bookings can be made Monday to Saturday, 12 – 8pm. Minimum group size is six people, and can go up to 36.
Contact reservations@hixterbankside.co.uk to book.
Baking with Bread Ahead
The Bread Ahead Bakery School, situated in the heart of Borough Market, is the ideal place to experience artisan baking first hand. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, Bread Ahead’s world class Master Bakers are offer their experience and guidance in the art of baking. From flatbread making to the fundamentals of sourdough and patisserie, there are a whole range of half day and full day classes this October.
The school can accommodate groups of 12 – 30 people and all sessions run for 3 hours and cost £80 per person. A firm favourite for groups is their doughnut masterclass, where you will be guided through the process of making doughnuts from start to finish and will leave with ‘custard grenades’ which you’ve produced yourself!
Find out more at breadahead.com or contact events@breadahead.com.
Pasta Masterclasses at Union Street Cafe
Don your apron and roll up your sleeves for an exclusive cookery masterclass with the chefs at Gordon Ramsay’s Union Street Cafe. You’ll master the art of pasta making and create signature Italian dishes with guidance from Head Chef Davide Degiovanni using the finest seasonal ingredients. You’ll then be taken through the process of making delicious homemade gelato and will prepare your own bellini.
This 3.5 hour experience comes together for the final part with guests sitting down to enjoy lunch together. Leave with the menu of the day, cantuccini biscuits and a Union Street Café apron. £95 per person (includes morning refreshments and lunch with a glass of wine).
Find out more at gordonramsayrestaurants.com
Italian bread baking with Macellaio RC
In this hands-on three hour interactive bakery class, guests will explore different types of flours and their uses. You’ll then learn the techniques to bake focaccia, pissa al’Andrea and Grissini. After that, sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labour with a three course set meal. Tickets £90.
Find out more at macellaiorc.com or contact events@macellaiorc.com.
Mixology sessions at The Refinery
The Refinery’s expert mixologists will take you on a journey of cocktail exploration in a private cocktail making class. Discover the secrets behind your favourite cocktails, learn all the tricks of the trade, then get behind the bar and have a go yourself.
Contact bankside@therefinerybar.co.uk to book.
Take a look at the full line up of masterclasses and workshops this October for the Bankside School of Food and Wine at visitbankside.com