The 7 Best Cooking Classes In London If You Only Have One Day

This blog post was originally posted on February 21, 2020 and was updated on January 2, 2023

Time-poor but itching to flex those culinary muscles? We’ve got just the thing.

Student in cooking class looks as chef demonstrates how to do something in the kitchen

Whether you fancy whipping up some freshly made pasta, or you’re after sushi 101, these are some of the best cooking classes in London that even the most pressing itineraries can squeeze in.

Contents hide

1 1. The one for Jamie fans

2 2. The one for the veggie-curious

3 3. The one for your mini-me

4 4. The one for the sweet tooth

5 5. The one for those who are indecisive

6 6. The one that feels like a home away from home

7 7. The one for the pro in the making

1. The one for Jamie fans

Famed for his antics on “The Naked Chef” and his no-fuss approach to food, Jamie Oliver’s cookery school caters to the newbie, the pro, and everything in between. In his shiny new kitchen just off London’s bustling Holloway Road, you’ll be able to choose from more than 30 classes ranging from speedy 60-minute sessions to full-day courses. Rumor has it you might even spot Jamie himself!

2. The one for the veggie-curious

So you said you were going to go veggie but found yourself baffled at mealtime? Fear not—at the London Vegetarian and Vegan School, they’ll teach you about all things plant-based. You’ll learn at least three or four recipes in a morning session and there’s a wide range of international and regional meat-free dishes to try your hand at. And if you really want to know your onions, you can also attend an all-day session for a more intensive experience.

Various vegetarian dishes — Even if meat is a part of your diet, learning more veggie-friendly recipes can help broaden your culinary horizons.

3. The one for your mini-me

Get ready to unleash your little ones into the kitchen of Sticks‘n’Sushi! They’ll get a taste of making sushi rolls and nigiri in a fun-packed, hour-long session. Geared for kids aged 6–12, these hands-on classes are sure to be a hit with mini chefs in the making. What’s more, they’ll take home some of their handmade delights and a little goody bag, plus mom and dad can sit back and try some sushi of their own while the kids are kept busy. Win, win.

Children in a sushi cooking class — Kids will have a blast learning to make their own sushi!

4. The one for the sweet tooth

Hankering after something naughty but nice? Head on over to what’s arguably London’s prettiest kitchen. The Meringue Girls will teach you how to make colorful meringue kisses. You’ll sip on Prosecco, nibble on meringues and learn how to mix, color, flavor, pipe and package your own sweet treats. Classes run for approximately two hours from 6:30–8:30 p.m. and usually take place on a Wednesday evening, so plan accordingly! Did we mention that the kisses are crispy on the outside and mallowy in the middle? Oh yeah.

The meringue you’ll make is almost too pretty to eat—but too delicious not to!

5. The one for those who are indecisive

Would you like a sneak peek into a world-class kitchen with classes run by Gordon Ramsey? Are you someone who loves cooking and learning about making cocktails, but can’t decide what kind of class you want to do during your time in London?

Well, Uncle Gordon has you covered. His Gordon Ramsay Restaurants group put on a wide range of cooking and cocktail and whiskey masterclasses that you can easily fit in according to where you are in London as well as when you are free. So take your pick and learn from a pro….minus the shouting at you, we hope!

6. The one that feels like a home away from home

If you’re looking for the best cooking classes in London that are also laid back, with that home-away-from-home vibe, Food at 52 Cookery School has got you covered. Offering up a whole host of courses from Asian to Italian, vegan and more, all keen cooks are catered to. Expect to refine your culinary repertoire whilst listening to some tunes, donning a denim apron, and sipping on a glass of sauvignon or two—no one’s counting here.

7. The one for the pro in the making

You’d be hard-pressed to think of a cooking class that Leiths School of Food and Wine doesn’t teach. They’ve got weekday, evening, and weekend courses, all run out of their West London cookery school, and for those that are super serious about chef life, you can even train to go pro at this school. Spoiler alert: a professional course will take more than one day, but until then, a taster course is sure to hit the spot.

Students in a Devour cooking class look on at their paellas on the stove

Having fun in the kitchen is part of the joy of a cooking class!

We are sure that taking one of our suggested classes will leave your stomach and minds full with things that leave you wanting more. But never guess what? Did you know that we at Devour actually do cooking class too?! From to make bravas sauce and paella in Madrid to pizza and pasta in Rome, Devour has you covered!