January 30, 2015 - 11:59am
England here I come (in my dreams) for bread classes
The fantasy of traveling to England for a few bread making classes will not go away. Here are the details. Recommendations welcome on what classes to take or schools worth going to.
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Do you have a idea of a trip itinerary, or will you just make it up as you go along :-)
You'll be mostly OK without driving - the main cities are well covered by trains, buses and taxis - if expensive at times though )-:
I'm in Devon - some 220 miles west of London (which is where you'll most likely fly into) another 100 miles west and you fall into the sea. I've started to offer courses - just to neighbours, friends, etc. for now until I get my new bakehouse going - but what I do is really basic... You're more than welcome to join in, and I am near fields of sheep!
But ... given the baking you've done, do you really need to spend more money and take classes? Why not just visit the bakeries and soak up the ambience - and breads :-)
Cheers,
-Gordon
As you've seen, there are plenty of places to learn about bread baking, including sourdoughs. Bread Matters is run by Real Bread Campaign founder Andrew Whitley but getting to his place in Scotland could be a bit awkward. Richard Bertinet's school in Bath would be easier to get to and the city itself is both historic and beautiful. A 3 day course is expensive but covers a lot and - if you are taught by the man himself you will truly learn at the feet of a master!
A friend has done a course here: http://e5bakehouse.com/classes/ and said it was very good. (It's where I buy sourdough if I run out). It's in inner London, just by London Fields overground station, so very easy to get to If you stay in London.
there is also a good budget hotel nearby, the Hackney Premier Inn.
This is trendy east London by the way, entertaining if you like that sort of thing :-)
I think it was about 15 years ago when we went to a chocolate seminar hosted at Slaterys in Manchester. It is a pretty impressive setup, they had a large demonstration kitchen with many work stations where you could make anything you can imagine. They give various courses throughout the year took quite a few photos when where there so I could check if I can find them.
Gerhard
Thank you to everyone for your wonderful advice and suggestions. Now I have to sit down and plan a trip. Possible this trip will come at the end of the 108 bread quest, but it's always nice to visit England.
A big thank you again. I've collated the suggestions and will be investigating the courses and schools recommended. As for those of you nice enough to offer personal lessons, I will consult a map first, see if you are not too out of the way, and perhaps be lucky enough to show up on your doorsteps.
I am also going to look into crowdfunding as I would like the trip to be part of my bread writing. It feels weird to even consider asking strangers for money, but one never knows unless one tries. I am quite excited that this is starting to feel like a reality, even if the trip might be a year or so off.