Bourne and Hollingsworth Kitchen Review
When I received the press release from Bourne and Hollingsworth Group about B&H’s Kitchen cooking classes. I was instantly excited. I’d been to a large number of events run by B&H and thoroughly enjoyed one their bottomless brunches, so I knew this was going to be a fantastic series of events’.
For a little back ground information about B&H kitchen, I’m going to share the press release as it says it better than I ever could. ‘B&H Kitchen, a beautiful and intimate cookery school opened in March by Bourne & Hollingsworth Group, has released a new run of Autumn/Winter courses, perfect for longer colder nights and Christmas gifts. Situated just above the Group’s headquarters, B&H Buildings in Clerkenwell, B&H Kitchen is run by the group’s dynamic executive chef Adam Gray and guides participants through expert techniques, seasonal recipes and ingredient knowledge, all in a beautifully designed kitchen space that reflects the group’s innovative flair and
focus on design. Courses are insightful and perfect for all levels, from novice to seasoned professionals. Alongside the roster of original kitchen courses, Gray and team have devised a series of cookery courses covering everything from home comfort food to how to host the perfect dinner party to get you through the cold winter nights and festive party season’.
I was invited to head along to their Christmas Baking event on the 23rd of November to learn how to make Christmas Cake and Mince Pie Puff Pastry Wheels. Our small group of four was taught by Executive Chef Adam Gray and it was so much fun. Being taught by a Michelin Star Chef, instantly makes me one by association right? That probably isn’t how this works but it’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Starting from 6.30pm we were welcomed with a festive cocktail, which if I can remember correctly had gin, champagne, apple juice and a garnish of orange with cloves. It was that delicious I had a second one half way through the cooking class.
Now I hadn’t been to a cooking class since I was in High School and I actually haven’t done much baking since I moved to the UK, so this was an absolute treat for me. Plus the kitchen. It’s definitely my dream kitchen. It’s absolutely gorgeous. If I could afford to design a house with a kitchen like this in it, I’d never eat out again.
I’m not a huge cinnamon or Christmas cake fan, so my creations were going to be Christmas presents and afternoon tea at work. The Puff Pastry Pin Wheels were fun and easy to make so I will definitely be adding these to my baking repertoire. For someone who doesn’t like Mince Pies, I actually enjoyed eating these and they went down a treat with my co-workers the next day. In regards to the Christmas Cake There was a few errors in measurements, but extra sugar never hurt anyone right? (Always remember to check the difference between millilitres and grams on the scales before adding your ingredients together). Unfortunately our Christmas Cakes take three hours to cook so I had to leave it there and pick them up at a later date. But Adam promised to look after it and ensure that it was infused with brandy or cognac until I could pick it up.
Living in London and having the world of amazing food and venues at my feet, I don’t often have the time for the simple pleasure of baking. So thankyou B&H and Adam for such an enjoyable evening. You helped me rediscover my love for baking and cooking and at the heart of it, I think that’s what these courses are all about. B&H’s Christmas themed cooking classes may be over for the year, however, there are a number of different courses lined up for next year and a lunch club which sounds amazing. Courses can be booked via www.bandhkitchen.com and gift cards can also be purchased through the website. Definitely the perfect gift for loved ones this Christmas.
Reporter: Tegan LeBon
Twitter and Instagram: @toogs1
B&H Kitchen 42 Northampton Road, Clerkenwell, London, EC1R 0HU www.bandhkitchen.com 0203 174 1156
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