As the ever-wise Mary Berry says, “Cooking is both physical and mental therapy.” And, unless you’re already a pro chef, there’s every chance you’re up for learning some new kitchen skills – and you’re spoilt for choice in London, which is home to some of the world’s best chefs, restaurants and cooking schools. At a time when we’re being bombarded by warnings about ultra-processed food (it’s readily available, often cheap, rarely filling and deliberately more-ish), it’s never been more appealing to cook from scratch, nourishing our bodies (and minds) as we do so. Fancy being able to whip up macarons, deliver a three-course dinner party feast, debone a lamb or nail that perfect BBQ? Read on for the best cooking classes in London…

Borough Kitchen, across London

You might know Borough Kitchen for its enviable (and useful) cookware and tableware but did you know it also runs cookery classes at its stores in Chiswick, Hampstead, Islington and Battersea? Classes cover cuisines ranging from Chinese, Mexican, Indian, Thai and South Korean to three different pasta-related workshops, alongside classes that will come in very handy for dinner parties (mastering macarons, choux pastry and classic sauces). If it’s a savoury class, enjoy the meal you’ve cooked at the end; for baking and pudding classes, you’ll take home what you’ve made.

We particularly like the sound of the private event option, for special occasions with family or friends, which can accommodate between nine and 16 guests (check for each location) for one of its specialist classes. Whip up a feast from the Middle East or delicious dumplings and bao; in December you can even opt for Christmas Pudding or Edible Christmas Gifts classes. The sessions are BYOB too, with drinks served once the majority of food prep is over, before or when seated for dinner. Cheers to tasting the fruits of your labour!

Visit boroughkitchen.com

Leiths School of Food & Wine, Shepherd’s Bush

This is, to many, more than a cookery school. For those in the know, the word ‘Leiths’ conjures notions of an industry leader, offering renowned professional diplomas, short courses, home cooking classes and cookery education in schools. And, if you think the name sounds familiar for other reasons, it was founded in 1975 by the one and only Prue Leith (most recently of Great British Bake Off fame). We’re going to assume, for the sake of this article that, rather than becoming the next Angela Hartnett or Jamie Oliver, you simply aspire to improve your home cooking skills (don’t we all?!). For those, Leiths classes range from one evening or day to week-long and weekly short courses.

At the entry level, you can learn knife skills or how to cook sauces; a weekend masterclass might focus on seasonal meat dishes or the ultimate three-course dinner party; and a six-week course, with two days of lessons per week, would cover a thorough introduction to patisserie. Not cookery but vital to hosting at home, Leiths also offers WSET (Wine & Spirits Education Trust) courses too, designed for those who are just starting out in their careers, professionals and enthusiasts who have a passion for wine.

Visit leiths.com

Gordon Ramsay Academy, Woking

If learning to cook like a certain Mr Ramsay appeals, this is the place for you. 25 minutes outside London in Woking is the Gordon Ramsay Academy, the only cooking school in the world associated with the famously fiery chef and aimed at people of all ages and any level of cooking ability. There’s a lot going on here: multiple kitchens, a large demonstration room, cookbook library and lounge.

We felt spoilt for choice when we looked at the options: full-day and half-day classes, brunch, family, baking, Italian, knife skills… the list goes on. Perfect for anyone wanting to upskill, find more enjoyment in cooking and feel like a pro while doing it. The kids’ options, divided into ages 6-10 and 11-16, promise to be genuinely useful and entertaining, while we’re tempted by the beef Wellington, bao and sushi masterclasses. The GR Academy is opening a central London location early in 2025 so watch this space…

Visit gordonramsayacademy.com

Le Cordon Bleu, Bloomsbury

Named for the prestigious award given to chefs who demonstrated exceptional skill in the culinary arts, Le Cordon Bleu launched back in 1895 in, of course, France. When former students Rosemary Hume and Dione Lucas were given the right to take the tradition abroad, they opened L’Ecole du Petit Cordon Bleu in London in 1935, in a former tea shop on Sloane Street. Hume went on to create a recipe for the 1953 coronation – poulet reine Elizabeth – better known to us all as coronation chicken. Students nowadays have the choice of every type of culinary training class and course you can imagine, from beginner to pro. Bon appetit!

Visit cordonbleu.edu

Cookery School, Marylebone

Although the cookery 'big guns' don't mean to be off-putting, they can still be intimidating for some – so there's something reassuringly simple about the Cookery School and its experts. There's nothing "cheffy or fancy about the food", they promise: it is simply delicious homemade food, using common utensils that can be found in most home kitchens. The team aims to demystify cooking techniques, remove jargon and bring back solid cooking skills. Founder Rosalind is passionate about sustainability: from sourcing top quality, seasonal, mostly organic ingredients to running the kitchens on renewable energy, the school does everything possible to minimise its impact on the planet.

The classes and courses have friendly, undaunting names; 'Slice and Dice' covers knife skills, there's simple Pastry, Sauces and Cakes, and a few Ultimate/Masterclass options too for the keener ones among you. From baking and bread to knife skills and teen cooking camps, there's something for everyone. As well as single classes and short courses, there’s a professional accredited six-week Cook’s Certificate course.

Visit cookeryschool.co.uk

Jamie Oliver's Cookery School, Holloway Road

It comes as no surprise that this pukka TV chef, renowned for his friendly, non-technical food chat, has a similarly friendly array of cooking classes on offer. In the shorter sessions, up to 90 minutes, you’ll master things like fresh pasta, ‘next level gnocchi’, or Thai green curry; over five hours, you’ll focus on areas like plant-based cooking and introductions to cuisines such as Japanese and Indian.

You won’t be taught by Oliver himself; one of his chefs, trained to teach in Jamie’s ‘relaxed signature style’, will take you through the class. You’re certain to leave with skills that last – at Luxury London, we still use the garlic tip we picked up in a Jamie Mexican class at least a decade ago.

Visit jamieolivercookeryschool.com

Bentley's Oyster Masterclass, Mayfair

Yes, we know, oysters don't exactly require cooking but if you love the mollusc and would appreciate being able to serve it (confidently) at home, this one's for you. The Bentley's team shuck about 1,000 oysters a day so they're well-versed in the tricks of the trade. Over 90 minutes, you'll enjoy a selection of different oysters, all shucked yourself, and taste the difference between them.

The class takes place on a Saturday at 10.30am and you'll have champagne on arrival (or a non-alcoholic alternative), sommelier-matched wine to go with your oysters, and a selection of raw and cooked, native and rock oysters to try. You'll get a goody bag to take home too.

Visit bentleys.org

The Ginger Pig, Marylebone

Not quite cookery classes, but ones that will equip lovers of high-quality meat with impressive at-home skills, The Ginger Pig is synonymous with the best meat in town and has been hosting butchery classes at its Moxon Street store for a decade. No experience is needed – “Our guests simply need an audacious love of meat and a readiness to get stuck in” – and a delicious two-course meal, with wine, is provided at the end of the class. As well as gaining skills you’ll use for life, you will also take home a significant amount of the meat that you've prepared personally. Classes focus on one type of meat or occasion per class, ranging from steak, poultry, game and lamb to BBQ.

Visit thegingerpig.co.uk

Read more: The best supper clubs in London