The Cookery Lab | West Berkshire Villagers

"Cooking is chemistry.... And chemistry is life."

The Cookery Lab

Welcome to The Cookery Lab!

“Cooking is chemistry…. And chemistry is life.”

They’ve created a kitchen studio designed just for you, featuring ten induction-hob workstations and a fantastic central teaching area where everyone can gather and learn to cook together.

Their fun cookery classes are held in Aldermaston, near Reading.

At The Cookery Lab, they sprinkle a bit of science into everything they do— from exploring how they cook their meals to discovering why their dishes taste so amazing!

They truly believe in the joy of learning skills and understanding the “why” behind cooking, rather than just memorising a long list of recipes.

They’re also passionate about taking care of their planet and promoting sustainability.

They steer clear of single-use plastics and always look for ways to reduce food waste (often turning it into something unexpectedly tasty).

Exciting news—they’re planning to start growing some ingredients right there in the Lab to use in their classes… stay tuned!

The Cookery Lab is all about inspiring and entertaining you: gather your friends, family, and colleagues for a delightful time cooking and enjoying delicious meals together!

Join them in the school holidays for some delicious classes.

They focus on learning skills, not just recipes.

Classes for those age 8-16.

They like to cook foods that might be something new or a bit different, but that they think everyone will enjoy.

It might remind you of a dish you had on holiday, or inspire you to travel to a new destination.

Or join them to create dishes fit for any occasion, from Halloween to Bonfire Night, to Christmas and everything in between!

And keep a special eye out for their collaboration classes with their next-door neighbour Tech Camp (www.techcamp.org.uk) where they teach classes with a unique mix of technology and food!

Join them each week for a journey into the science of cookery.

Learn new skills, techniques and how you can apply them to new recipes.

Armed with the what?why? and how? you will be able to invent your own dishes.

Each week they take one hero ingredient or technique and explore how and why it makes their food delicious.

There are lots of opportunities for tasting along the way, and they will always make at least one dish you can take home to enjoy with family or friends.

You will also learn how to work safely and cleanly in the kitchen so you can be as efficient as possible!

Have your party in the Cookery Lab.

They love parties of all kinds, especially birthdays.

Bring your friends and learn to cook together, then enjoy a feast that you have created.

Discover the Flavours of The Cookery Lab

They will host regular evening classes, where you will learn to cook a number of delicious dishes before sitting down to enjoy them as dinner.

Go with one or more friends, or meet new people when you arrive.

They also have a special collaboration with their next door neighbour – Tech Camp (www.techcamp.org.uk).

Together they can offer a unique and exciting set of classes, from 3D printing cookie cutters, to vacuum-forming chocolate moulds and then making delicious treats with them – keep an eye out for these classes or get in touch if you would like something bespoke.

Let them host your event at The Cookery Lab

Christmas party? Birthday party? Hen or stag party? Family get-together?

Gather a group of between 6 and 20 to enjoy exclusive-use of The Cookery Lab.

Let Sarah create the perfect occasion for you.

Do you want to learn a new skill together – Bread-making? Pasta-making? Sushi-making? Sausage-making? Cake decorating?
Or perhaps enjoy some friendly competition – a bake-off? a masterchef-style invention test?
Or collaborate as a group to make a delicious feast to enjoy – a three-course fine dining menu? a street-food feast? a brunch? a Regency-style afternoon tea?

As well as delicious food they can decorate the space to fit your occasion.

Corporate & Team Building

At The Cookery Lab they can host your corporate event, team-building away day or Christmas party with a difference.

Sarah organised and delivered many such team events during her corporate career and understands the importance of their success.

They believe that coming together to cook can be the ultimate team-work experience and the values extend far beyond the kitchen.

Challenge yourselves to learn new skills, with structured classes in a relaxed and informal environment.

They can accommodate between 2 and 20 participants per class, for an experience lasting 3 or 4 hours (dependent on activity).

Or take advantage of their meeting rooms and extend your day further.

On arrival you will be welcomed into The Cookery Lab with drinks and nibbles.

Then you will be split into groups, ready to cook under the guidance of an expert chef.

Then sit down together afterward to enjoy your creations. Options for classes include:

work together to create a delicious three-course meal;
compete in a bake-off, followed by a judging and prize-giving;
split into teams in a masterchef-style invention test;
learn about sustainability and minimal waste cooking to inspire your cookery at home.
indulge your sweet-tooth in a chocolate workshop, from tasting to tempering to creating a bespoke box of luxury chocolates.

The journey to growing our own produce…

At The Cookery Lab, they are keen to cook with produce they have grown, so have set out on a mission to explore hydroponics (growing in water rather than traditional soil).

Their goal is to grow enough herbs, greens and edible flowers to use in their courses – so when you need basil to add into your pasta sauce, you simply snip what you need direct from the plant.

This growth journey will also form part of their weekly Kitchen Chemists club, where they will plant seeds and watch their progress over the weeks before harvesting them to use in their cooking.