Two Days at River Cottage
Become a better home cook, with two days of fantastic food and learning at River Cottage’s award-winning cookery school.
Following on from the success of our popular One Day Cookery Course, we have created a more in-depth Two Day version for those who would like to spend additional time on each subject. Whether you are keen to gain additional confidence in the kitchen or add to your existing skills, this two day course is for you. Designed as the perfect introduction to the River Cottage approach, you will expand your knowledge, gaining techniques, tips and ideas to inspire your cooking in the future.
Both intensive days are held in our bespoke cookery school, in the courtyard of our 100 acre HQ against the backdrop of the stunning Axe Valley. Our expert Chef Tutors will demonstrate, teach and guide you through the fundamentals of bread baking, meat, fish and veg cookery as well as catering for those with a sweet tooth.
From baking your own bread and focaccia to learning the principles of slow-cooked meat, butchery and offal, this course will cover a wide range of useful kitchen skills. Learn the art of fish filleting, make vegetables the hero ingredient of your dishes, revel in sweet treats, pastries and desserts and get to taste the results along the way.
At the end of each day join your fellow course scholars to share your dishes and have an opportunity to celebrate your time with us.
“The pace is just right, balancing heads-down cooking with downtime to savour your efforts and the magic of Britain's most filmed farmhouse” – Claire Hargreaves, BBC Good Food Magazine.
Your course
10:00 - 17:00
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Arrive at River Cottage
You’ll begin your River Cottage experience with a 10-15 minute walk through the pathways down to the farm, giving you the chance to really soak up the views of the valley.
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Make yourself at home
You will be greeted by our friendly front of house team with tea, coffee and treats fresh from the kitchen. This may be a pile of drop scones drizzled with local honey or our home-baked sourdough, topped with something delicious!
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Bread
Get stuck in straight away, learning the principles of bread making and tackling your very own farmhouse dough. You will also delve into the world of sourdough as well as mastering another bread, like focaccia, returning to your doughs throughout the day as you knead, prove, shape and bake.
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Meat
You will be introduced to the River Cottage nose-to-tail philosophy, and learn to prepare meaty main courses including offal, slow-cooked cuts and the perfect stock. We’ll also cover some basic butchery skills with a chef-led demonstration.
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Veg
At River Cottage we are lucky enough to grow the most amazing variety of incredible vegetables. Find out more about our passion for veg and some of our recipes that have become firm favourites. Learn how to love veg more with tasty snacks, punchy sides, crunchy salads and as the star of a dish.
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Fish
Your chef will share the skills needed for filleting fish, demonstrating quick and easy sustainable fish and seafood dishes from scratch before you tackle your own.
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Baking and puddings
An opportunity to relax over a communal sharing of dishes.
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Late lunch
After all your hard work, you’ll finish each day by tucking into your meal of local, seasonal fare.
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Departure
You'll head back up the hill at 5pm each day.
Please note: This is a guide to the activities that will make up your course at River Cottage. This is by no means set in stone and will depend on seasonal availability.
On occasion cookery schools will use equipment that includes induction hobs. It is recommended that people with pace makers should not work on these units. If you are concerned or would like to check whether or not induction hobs will be used on the course you are interested in, please call us on 01297 630302.
Further information...
This course is run from River Cottage HQ on the Dorset/Devon borders. Full address details of HQ will be provided once you have booked.
We are a licensed venue. We have a wide selection of the finest organic wines available to purchase.
Stay in our famous Farmhouse, click here. For other local accommodation click here.
We would advise that this course is only really suitable for 12 years of age and upwards. Under 16s must be accompanied by a paying adult. We put these guidelines in place for the safety, comfort and enjoyment of all our guests.
Sorry, we’re afraid this course is not suitable for those with allergies or specific dietary requirements. However we do run Gluten Free and Veg Cookery courses. Please get in touch if you need further details.
With many of our courses there are often treats and leftovers to take away with you. In our quest to be more sustainable we are encouraging guests to bring their own containers and bags to transport their produce home. Details of what is required for each course will be included in booking emails.
- Sustainable Restaurant Association
- Food and Travel Magazine 2017
- Great British Food Awards 2017
- Great British Food Awards 2018