£75pp

Join us for an engaging and interactive knife skills workshop, followed by a delightful two-course dinner in our dining room.

During this hands-on session, you'll learn the essentials of handling a knife with confidence and safety. We’ll cover proper knife grips, the art of slicing herbs with precision, and the technique for crushing and mincing garlic (and exploring the important distinction between the two). You’ll also discover how to dice vegetables and other ingredients to perfection, all while understanding the key role that seasoning plays in elevating your dishes.

After mastering these essential techniques, you’ll get the chance to put them into practice by preparing your own starter for the evening. Once your starter is ready, you’ll head into our restaurant where our talented chefs will serve you a delicious main course and a tempting dessert, giving you the perfect opportunity to unwind and savor the fruits of your labor.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to improve your kitchen skills or simply want to enhance your culinary knowledge, this workshop is a great way to spend an evening learning, creating, and enjoying fantastic food. We can’t wait to have you join us!

Course details

Duration: 1.5 hour class followed by dinner

Suitable for: 16 years + with an adult supervising

Class Includes: 2 Drinks, main & dessert from the pony kitchen, recipe cards

Techniques: Skill based

£110pp

Join Rob Howell, the Chef Patron of Root Bristol, Wells & Bath, as he takes you on a culinary journey through some of the iconic dishes that have become the hallmark of the Root menu. With his expert guidance, you'll explore the creative and innovative ways that vegetables can shine as the centerpiece of your meals.

Root has long been a staple of the Bristol food scene, renowned for its fresh, seasonal ingredients and imaginative approach to plant-based cuisine. Meanwhile, Root Wells has established itself as a beloved neighbourhood favourite, bringing Rob's unique style to the local community.

This is a fantastic opportunity to meet Rob in person, gain insight into his cooking philosophy, and learn how to transform everyday vegetables into extraordinary dishes that will impress at your own table. Don't miss out on this chance to elevate your cooking and celebrate the vibrant flavours of seasonal produce!

Course details

Duration: 3.5 hours

Suitable for: 16 years +

Class Includes: 2 Drinks & a meal you have prepared in the school, recipe cards

Techniques: Cuisine based

£45per child

Got a little pizza chef in the making. Want to make yummy Pizzas and scoff the lot. At the Pony our bakery tutor Charlie Chambers has a wealth of experience teaching kids how to cook.

Kids and grown ups can have fun making a classic pizza dough and learn how to stretch, throw and cook the dough with tasty toppings to make pizzetta (small funky pizza) and bread sticks to take home.

Suitable ages 8-14 yo

*Please note child must be accompanied by a guardian

£110pp

Learn to prepare a variety of delicious sauces that perfectly complement meats, vegetables, and fish. In this course, you’ll discover how to create the foundational base sauces that serve as the backbone for countless dishes, transforming your cooking and taking it to the next level. You’ll master classic sauces like the velvety beurre blanc, the bold and flavorful peppercorn sauce, a rich, homemade gravy, and a deep, aromatic stock.

Each sauce is an essential skill for any home cook looking to elevate their meals. You’ll learn the proper techniques for creating these sauces from scratch, understanding the ingredients and methods that bring out their full potential. With the skills you acquire, you’ll be able to effortlessly enhance the flavor and texture of whatever you’re cooking, whether it’s a succulent steak, roasted vegetables, or a delicate fish dish.

Once you’ve perfected these base sauces, you'll enjoy the rewarding experience of sitting down for dinner and savoring the dishes you’ve created, enhanced by the delicious sauces you’ve prepared from scratch. Your cooking will never be the same again!

Course details

Duration: 3.5 hours

Suitable for: 16 years +

Class Includes: 2 Drinks & a meal you have prepared in the school, recipe cards

Techniques: Skill based

£110pp

Join Martin Bailey from goforaging.co.uk for an exciting foraging walk through the beautiful Chew Valley!

Explore the seasonal wild plants ready for foraging during this time of year. Martin will share his extensive knowledge on what’s safe to eat (and what to avoid), the local ecology, folklore, the medicinal properties of plants, and so much more.

On the walk, you might encounter nettles, wild garlic, and hopefully a variety of other wild treasures.

After the walk, head back to the Pony Chew Valley Cookery School, where you'll learn how to prepare and cook your freshly foraged ingredients.

The experience will conclude with a delicious light lunch featuring the dish you've prepared, and you'll also take home any extra ingredients you've collected.

Course details

Duration: 5 hours

Suitable for: 16 years +

Class Includes: Welcome tea & Coffee, 1 Drink, light lunch recipe cards

Techniques: Cuisine based

Please note: This course is not suitable for vegans, vegetarians, or those with Fish or Shellfish Allergies

*Please be aware this course involves some light walking

£110pp

Joe brings a wealth of culinary expertise, honed through his experience as the former sous chef at the renowned Pony & Trap and his current role as head chef at the innovative Root Bristol. His passion for food and years of hands-on experience in some of the best kitchens in the industry make him the perfect guide for this pasta-focused culinary journey.

In this immersive course, you'll have the opportunity to explore the full range of pasta-making techniques. You’ll learn how to make the most of dry pasta, transforming it into delicious and satisfying dishes. Plus, you’ll master the art of creating fresh pasta from scratch, including filled pasta varieties that are sure to impress. Along with mastering the basics of pasta dough, you'll dive into making a variety of rich, flavorful sauces that will perfectly complement your creations, ensuring your pasta dishes are restaurant-quality every time. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced home cook, this course will equip you with the skills and confidence to craft beautiful, delicious pasta from start to finish.

Course details

Duration: 3.5 hours

Suitable for: 16 years +

Class Includes: 2 Drinks & a meal you have prepared in the school, recipe cards

Techniques: Skill based

£110pp

Discover the essential techniques for cooking fish to perfection, including how to season and rest it for the best flavor and texture every time. In this experience, you'll also learn how to create delicious accompanying sauces and snacks that enhance your seafood dish. By the end, you'll be able to enjoy a beautifully prepared seafood lunch that you’ve made entirely on your own, gaining confidence in your cooking skills along the way.

Course details

Duration: 3.5 hours

Suitable for: 16 years +

Class Includes: 2 Drinks & a meal you have prepared in the school, recipe cards

Techniques: Skill based

PLease note: Fish and shellfish allergies are unsuitable for this class.

£130pp

Our bakery tutor Charlie Chambers will show you that baking good, wholesome flavourful breads can be be fun and rewarding. Charlie has a lifetime of experience in kitchens, he won awards as a young chef in baking which fueled his love of good food and bread making. After running The Olive Shed restaurant in Bristol he went in to teaching, designing and managing professional cookery courses, teaching young chefs how to appreciate the food we make and consume.

This is a class for those with some experience of making bread and would like to take the next step to improve their baking knowledge and skills.

In this session we will:

make a no knead sourdough, discussing starter health and using the correct techniques to get the best out of your sourdough.

look at no waste methods to use up any spare starter discard by making sourdough crackers, crumpets or pancakes.

complete a classic bake. Such as, a focaccia, ciabatta, fougasse.

Take home a proving sourdough in a banneton with an established active starter, sourdough crumpets or crackers and a traditional classic bread bake.

Course details

Duration: 5.5 hours

Suitable for: 16 years +

Class Includes: 2 Drinks & light lunch, all the delicious breads you have prepared recipe cards

Techniques: Skill based

£95pp

This fun and interactive class is all about mastering the art of cooking the perfect steak. You will begin by preparing your starter for the evening before diving into the main event, learning how to cook, sear and rest your steak for flawless results. Along the way, you will also create delicious accompanying sides and a flavourful sauce to complete your dish. To finish, you will enjoy the delicious sirloin you have crafted, savoring the fruits of your hard work.

Course details

Duration: 2 hours

Suitable for: 16 years +

Class Includes: 2 Drinks & a meal you have prepared in the school, recipe cards

Techniques: Skill based

£110pp

Having lived all over the world and travelled everywhere in between. Angela has a keen interest in spices, their history and their cultural influence on the food we eat. This led to gaining a degree in Human Geography, specialising in how food influences people and culture.

Angela is also a MasterChef Semi-finalist, with numerous recipes published as a result and has a strong focus on experimenting with different flavour combinations, sharing her recipes via her social media @moorledgekitchen.

Course Layout:

This course will explore the history of spices and how they have influenced different cultures around the world. Taking inspiration from India, you will learn how to create your own Garam Masala which you will use to cook a sumptuous Lunch to enjoy. You will then use your knowledge of spices to experiment and create some spiced goods to take home and enjoy.

Course details

Duration: 3.5 hours

Suitable for: 16 years +

Class Includes: 2 Drinks, a meal you have prepared in the school, all the recipes used

Techniques: Cuisine based

£65pp

Vivien is one of an elite group of overall winners of the annual Marmalade Awards, with a lifetime of experience teaching Marmalade, particularly Seville orange. In this three and a half hour class, Vivien will demonstrate the stages of making Seville orange Marmalade from selecting best quality ingredients, preparing and cooking the fruit, boiling the cooked fruit and sugar to a set and sealing the Marmalade in jars. 

You will make your own batch of Seville orange Marmalade, learning how to make it using an open pan method with a tried and tested recipe, that works as well using a Pressure Cooker. Discover a reliable way to set your Marmalade, and how to solve common problems. At the end of the class you will take home 4 jars of Marmalade, to enjoy during the winter months. We only hold one Marmalade class a year, so don’t miss out.

Course details

Duration: 3.5 hours

Suitable for: 16 years +

Class Includes: Welcome Tea & Coffee, Recipes, 4 Jars of Homemade Marmalade

Techniques: Skill based

£120pp

To purchase the full Garden Heroes Series with a discount click here and scroll all the way to the bottom.

Are you a chilli head? Do you love the heat, the flavour and the thrill of watching vibrant fruits ripen from green to brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow? If you're as passionate about chillies as we are, join us for a day dedicated to these wonderfully fiery fruits.

We'll begin the morning in the garden, exploring everything you need to know about growing healthy, productive chilli plants. From sowing our favourite varieties to caring for young plants and avoiding common growing pitfalls, you'll gain the confidence to nurture your chillies from seed to harvest.

We'll then head into the Cookery School kitchen, where chillies will take centre stage. Together we'll explore some of our favourite ways to cook with them, learning how to balance heat and flavour to create delicious dishes that let this remarkable ingredient shine.

During the class you'll sow two varieties of chilli to take home, along with all the knowledge you need to care for your plants as they grow and begin to fruit. We'll also make a batch of our favourite hot sauce for you to take home, before preparing a seasonal lunch with chillies at its heart.

After cooking, you'll sit down in our beautiful restaurant to enjoy the lunch you've prepared. You'll leave with your chilli seedlings, your homemade hot sauce, a collection of recipes and growing notes, and plenty of inspiration for making the most of your harvest.

Course Details

Duration: 5.5 hours

Suitable for 16+

Class includes: Tomato Seedlings, tea & coffee, recipes one drink with lunch

Bring with you: Gardening gloves, weather appropriate clothing and foot wear.

Techniques: Skill Based

£120pp

To purchase the full Garden Heroes Series with a discount click here and scroll all the way to the bottom.

There are few things more satisfying than picking a sun kissed tomato straight from the vine on a warm summer's day. If, like us, you love these sweet, juicy fruits, join us for a celebration of all things tomato.

We'll begin the day in the garden, exploring how to grow healthy, productive tomato plants. We'll share our favourite varieties, discuss how we care for them throughout the season, and offer practical tips to help you grow a successful crop at home.

From there, we'll head into the Cookery School kitchen, where tomatoes take centre stage. Together we'll prepare some of our favourite seasonal dishes, showcasing just how versatile this much loved ingredient can be.

During the class you'll sow two varieties of tomato to take home, along with everything you need to know to nurture them from seed through to productive plants. We'll also explore simple preservation techniques and the best ways to make the most of a bumper harvest, with one delicious preserve for you to take away.

After cooking, you'll sit down in our beautiful restaurant to enjoy the lunch you've prepared, celebrating the flavours of the season. You'll leave with your tomato seedlings, a selection of recipes, plenty of inspiration, and the confidence to grow, harvest and cook with tomatoes at home.

Course Details

Duration: 5.5 hours

Suitable for 16+

Class includes: Tomato Seedlings, tea & coffee, recipes one drink with lunch

Bring with you: Gardening gloves, weather appropriate clothing and foot wear.

Techniques: Skill Based

£120pp

To purchase the full Garden Heroes Series with a discount click here and scroll all the way to the bottom.

A true summer staple, courgettes are one of the most generous vegetables you can grow. Once they get going, you'll often find yourself wondering what to do with yet another armful of fresh produce. If you've ever wanted to grow your own, or you're simply looking for new and exciting ways to cook with this wonderfully versatile vegetable, this class is for you.

Join us for a day dedicated to all things courgette, where we'll transform this humble kitchen favourite into the star of the show.

We'll begin the day in the garden, covering everything you need to know about growing healthy, productive plants. From sowing seeds and caring for young seedlings to encouraging a plentiful harvest, we'll share the techniques we use in our own garden to help you grow with confidence.

From there, we'll head into the Cookery School kitchen, where you'll sow two of our favourite varieties of courgette to take home before turning your attention to cooking. Together we'll prepare two delicious dishes that showcase just how adaptable this seasonal favourite can be. The first will explore a simple preservation technique, giving you something tasty to take home, before creating a seasonal lunch centred around freshly harvested courgettes.

After cooking, you'll enjoy your lunch in our beautiful restaurant before heading home with your courgette seedlings, your homemade preserve, a collection of recipes, and plenty of inspiration for making the most of every courgette your plants produce.

Course Details

Duration: 5.5 hours

Suitable for 16+

Class includes: Courgette Seedlings, tea & coffee, recipes one drink with lunch

Bring with you: Gardening gloves, weather appropriate clothing and foot wear.

Techniques: Skill Based

£120pp

To purchase the full Garden Heroes Series with a discount click here and scroll all the way to the bottom.

From delicate summer squash to richly flavoured winter varieties, these beautifully sweet, nutty vegetables are a favourite of gardeners and chefs alike. There is something incredibly rewarding about watching vigorous vines spread across the garden before producing their colourful, characterful fruits. If you share our love of squash, join us for a day dedicated to growing, cooking and celebrating this wonderfully versatile vegetable.

We'll begin the day in the garden, exploring everything you need to know to grow a successful crop, from sowing seeds and planting out to keeping your plants healthy and productive throughout the season.

We'll then head into the Cookery School kitchen, where squash will be the star of the show. Together we'll prepare a delicious seasonal main course for lunch, followed by a dessert that showcases the surprising versatility of this much loved vegetable.

During the class you'll sow two of our favourite varieties of squash to take home, along with practical advice to help you grow healthy, productive plants. We'll also cover the best ways to prepare and cook squash, from tackling their thick skins to making the most of their naturally sweet flavour.

After cooking, you'll sit down in our beautiful restaurant to enjoy the lunch you've prepared before taking home your dessert to enjoy later. You'll also receive all of the recipes from the class, along with additional recipe ideas and growing notes to help you make the most of your harvest throughout the season.

Course Details

Duration: 5.5 hours

Suitable for 16+

Class includes: Squash Seedlings, tea & coffee, recipes one drink with lunch

Bring with you: Gardening gloves, weather appropriate clothing and foot wear.

Techniques: Skill Based

£110pp

A well stocked seasoning cupboard is the foundation of every great meal.

In this hands-on class, our chefs will introduce you to the essential ingredients they rely on every day to create vibrant, balanced and delicious food. Discover which oils, vinegars, salts and seasonings deserve a place in your kitchen and learn how each one can transform the flavour of your cooking.

Through a series of guided tastings, you'll explore the differences between ingredients, learning when and why to use them. You'll then put your new knowledge into practice by creating a selection of dressings and vinaigrettes, discovering how simple changes in ingredients and proportions can completely transform a dish.

Throughout the class, we'll share the techniques and thought processes our chefs use to season confidently, balance flavour and build depth in everyday cooking. Whether you're dressing fresh vegetables, marinating meat or adding the finishing touch to a meal, you'll leave with the knowledge and confidence to make every dish taste its best.

This class is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their home cooking by mastering the ingredients that make all the difference.

Course details

Duration: 3.5 hours

Suitable for: 16 years +

Class includes: Two Drinks, Meal that you have prepared yourself, recipe cards

Techniques: Skill Based

£110pp

Whether you follow a plant based diet, are cooking for vegetarian guests or simply want to enjoy more seasonal, vegetable led dishes, this hands on class will give you the confidence to create beautiful food for sharing.

Discover how to build a balanced menu with crowd pleasing small plates, vibrant mains and indulgent desserts. You'll explore the essential ingredients of a well stocked plant based kitchen, learn techniques for building depth of flavour and pick up practical tips that can be used for both entertaining and everyday cooking.

Together, you'll prepare a starter, main course and dessert before enjoying the dishes you've created over dinner in our restaurant. You'll also take home a recipe pack along with inspiration for delicious plant based menus to recreate at home.

Course details

Duration 3 hours

Suitable for: 16+ (under 18 must have an adult booked on the class to supervise)

Class Includes: 2 drinks, a meal you have prepared in the school & recipe cards

Technique: Cuisine Based

£130pp

Discover the art of great bread making in this hands-on Bread Masterclass, designed for bakers of all abilities. Enjoy an immersive baking experience while learning the key principles that transform simple ingredients into exceptional bread.

During the class, you'll explore:

• What makes a truly great loaf of bread

• Understanding ingredients, fermentation, and dough development

• Practical bread-making techniques used by professional bakers

You will make and bake:

• Traditional Focaccia

• Pinchback Loaf

• Classic Soda Bread

Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, this masterclass will give you the confidence and knowledge to create delicious homemade bread time and time again.

Duration: 4.5 hours

Includes: Hands on tuition, breads to take home, Lunch

Tutor: Chef Greg Popek

£110pp

During this course, you will discover the rich origins and diverse influences of Mexican cuisine, as well as learning the essential spices and variety of chilies that define its vibrant flavours, whilst sampling some tasty Mexican delights.

With your newfound knowledge, you will prepare a selection of Mexican-inspired dishes, including a meat-based option (vegetarian upon request), homemade tortillas and sides to enjoy in the beautiful settings of the restaurant.

Course details

Duration: 3.5 hours

Suitable for: 16 years +

Class Includes: 2 Drinks & a meal you have prepared in the school, recipe cards

Techniques: Cuisine based

£110pp

Joe Fowler, our talented and experienced head chef at Root Bath, and former Sous Chef at the renowned Pony & Trap, has always been passionate about pushing culinary boundaries. During the lockdown, he developed a deep interest in sushi, which sparked the creation of his business, Bushi. Specializing in sushi crafted with the finest British fish, Joe's approach highlights sustainability and the unique flavors of local produce.

Now, Joe is bringing his expertise to our school, where he’ll guide you through a range of essential sushi techniques. You’ll learn how to perfectly cook sushi rice, explore both veggie and fish options, and gain insights into the art of shaping and presenting sushi. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this session promises to be an exciting and informative experience.

Course details

Duration: 3 hours

Suitable for: 16 years +

Class Includes: 2 Drinks, Sushi to take home, recipe cards

Techniques: Cuisine based

Please note: This course is not suitable for vegans, vegetarians, or those with Fish or Shellfish Allergies

£110pp

In this course, we’ll guide you through the process of creating delicious and nutritious meals in just 30 minutes. You’ll discover how to prepare three different dishes that are not only quick but also packed with flavor and essential nutrients. Whether you’re busy on weekdays or simply looking to save time in the kitchen, these meals are perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something healthy and satisfying. Best of all, you’ll get to enjoy two of the meals on the night of the course and take one home to enjoy later.

Course details

Duration: 3.5 hours

Suitable for: 16 years +

Class Includes: 2 Drinks & a meal you have prepared in the school, a meal to take home to finish yourself, recipe cards

Techniques: Skill based

Step behind the scenes for an evening of exceptional food, great company and an exclusive insight into the way we cook at The Pony.

Limited to just 10 guests, this intimate experience begins in our Cookery School demonstration kitchen, where you'll be welcomed with a glass of our own Pony Perry before taking your seat at the Chef's Counter. As our chefs prepare five seasonal canapés in front of you, they'll share the techniques, ingredients and inspiration behind each bite, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions throughout the demonstration.

After enjoying your canapé tasting, you'll make your way downstairs to The Pony restaurant, where your evening continues with a seasonal dinner celebrating the very best produce from our kitchen garden and local suppliers. The perfect balance between a private dining experience and the atmosphere of The Pony restaurant.

Perfect for food lovers who enjoy watching professional chefs at work, this relaxed and immersive experience combines the theatre of a live cooking demonstration with the pleasure of dining in our restaurant.

Your experience includes:

• Welcome glass of Pony Perry
• Live canapé demonstration with one of our chefs
• Five seasonal canapés
• Seasonal dinner in The Pony restaurant

With a maximum of just 10 guests, The Pony Chef's Table offers an intimate opportunity to experience the creativity, craftsmanship and hospitality that make dining at The Pony so special.

£95pp

Fancy a slice of fun and the perfect pizza

Neapolitan v Detroit

We will deep dive into the delicious world of Pizza. You will learn how to make the best slow prove Neapolitan dough. Then how to stretch the dough, use interesting toppings and cook in this traditional Italian style.

We will also make a classic Detroit pizza and compare the styles and flavours.

Charlie, our bakery tutor has years of pizza experience working with one of the top somerset pizza producers

Get ready to experiment with toppings and flavours then cook and eat your masterpieces with a glass of wine or whatever your choice whilst overlooking the Somerset countryside down at the Pony.

Why not make a night of it with some friends.

Course details

Duration: 3.5 hours

Suitable for: 16 years +

Class Includes: 2 Drinks & a meal you have prepared in the school, recipe cards

Techniques: Cuisine based