Looking to develop your skills in the kitchen and whip up some jaw-dropping dishes? Well, look no further. We caught up with Niv at The Avenue Cookery School to find out about their culinary classes.
Tell us who you are and what you do.
We are The Avenue Cookery School, an independent, family-run cookery school, based in Wandsworth.
We love all things food, and incorporate that love and enthusiasm into our amazing, hands-on classes. With years of experience, our passion for teaching others to cook shines through in a relaxed and fun setting. We think you’ll feel at home as soon as you walk through our doors.
All ages and abilities are welcome. Come and treat your tastebuds and see what you can create with us.
How did The Avenue Cookery School come about?
It was founded in 2004 by a lady called Mary, in her garage in Putney – Chartfield Avenue, hence the name. Mary was shocked that her children’s friends didn’t know how to cook, so she decided to convert her garage and started running cookery courses. The first course she began with still runs today – our Really Useful Course.
Diana, who was head teacher at The Grange Cookery School in Frome was looking to move to London and ended up becoming Mary’s business partner, and bringing a new zest to the school
In 2015 Mary decided to retire and Diana had to make the choice whether to close the business or continue, but when her son Richard said he’d join in, she decided to continue. While both great chefs, the business side needed a bit of stability and running which is why, in 2016, Diana’s daughter Sophie offered to join the duo and run the business operations, which is when the school moved to Wandsworth. As a trio they have taken this family business to new heights.
As a big foodie and social person, Sophie introduced a range of new and exciting classes, which often include bottomless wine making an appearance at the school.
We now offer more than 75 classes, catering to all ages and abilities, with anything from kid’s birthday parties and corporate events, to date nights and daytime delights. Our calendar is always busy with multiple classes throughout the day, so there’s something for everyone.
How big is your team today?
We have the mother, daughter and son backbone of the operation – Diana, Richard and Sophie, and myself (Niv), Sophie’s husband, working alongside her to run the business. We also have Connie, our new full-time chef, Tina our marketing wiz, and a selection of valuable and much-loved freelance chefs and kitchen porters.
Tell us about your range of courses.
The range is huge, from Sushi & Cocktails to Italian, Tapas, and Indian, to Baking, Knife Skills, and Bread Making, right through to a variety of kids classes and one and two-week courses. You can view our full range of courses on our website.
Our most popular classes at the moment are probably our Bao and Korean classes.
What can children learn?
We have several options for kids, some of our classes run during half-term and are strictly for kids, which gives them a great social setting while keeping them busy and help them learn new life skills.
We also offer a fantastic range of family-friendly classes where parents and kids can come together and enjoy a shared experience. If your child loves pasta or a Sunday roast then why not come and learn how to make those dishes together, and you get to eat it at the end as well.
Delicious! How do we sign up?
Head to our website to browse our full range of classes and then book the one that excites you the most. If you’re unsure then you check out one of our most visited pages, our calendar, which allows you to view classes that fit in with your schedule.
We also offer vouchers that you can gift to friends and loved ones, and help inspire their culinary journey.
What’s your favourite thing about Wandsworth Town?
We absolutely love how Old York Road has progressed over the last five years into almost its own little village. There are so many lovely shops and restaurants, and post-Covid the outside seating has become permanent, adding a real local buzz and fun vibe, which is absolutely amazing.
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