Top 10 Best Chocolate classes, courses, learnings kits and gifts in the UK

Have you always wanted to learn the wonderful skill of tempering chocolate like a pro chocolatier? Are you drooling at the idea of the perfect sea salted caramel truffle? This course will cover all the skills, troubleshooting and practise that you need to be able to achieve stunning results. Paul has a reputation as an incredibly creative flavour alchemist who often develops flavour combinations that are original, experimental, sometimes daring, yet always perfectly balanced. During this course, Paul will share the skills he has gained during his chocolate career, even letting you in on his secret recipe – his multi-award winning sea salted caramel truffle. Paul will give you the tools you need to create beautiful handmade chocolates at home. You will be taken on a whirlwind tour of the world of chocolate, covering everything from its history right through to creating and decorating truffles at a professional standard. During this course you will cover tempering, cream and water ganaches, moulding, rolling the perfect truffles, hand enrobing, shelling, decoration techniques, bars and barks, layering and perfecting caramel. Call yourself a chocoholic? It’s time to prove it.

“I’m as in love with chocolate making as I was when I made my first truffle. I believe that handmade chocolates should be just that – hand made from beginning to end without the use of artificial flavours, stabalizers and preservatives. This allows the ingredients to really shine and gives the artist license to get creative with their flavours and ideas” – Paul A Young Have you always wanted to learn the wonderful skill of tempering chocolate like a pro chocolatier? Are you drooling at the idea of the perfect sea salted caramel truffle? This course will cover all the skills, troubleshooting and practise that you need to be able to achieve stunning results. Paul has a reputation as an incredibly creative flavour alchemist who often develops flavour combinations that are original, experimental, sometimes daring, yet always perfectly balanced. During this course, Paul will share the skills he has gained during his chocolate career, even letting you in on his secret recipe – his multi-award winning sea salted caramel truffle. Paul will give you the tools you need to create beautiful handmade chocolates at home. You will be taken on a whirlwind tour of the world of chocolate, covering everything from its history right through to creating and decorating truffles at a professional standard. During this course you will cover tempering, cream and water ganaches, moulding, rolling the perfect truffles, hand enrobing, shelling, decoration techniques, bars and barks, layering and perfecting caramel. Call yourself a chocoholic? It’s time to prove it. Paul Young is a groundbreaking and inspirational chocolatier who is at the forefront of the British chocolate scene. Paul’s passion for his craft and his cutting edge creativity have won him numerous awards and led to him being ranked amongst the world’s best chocolatiers. His first book ‘Adventures with Chocolate’ won the World’s Best Chocolate Book at the Gourmand Cookbook Awards in Paris, was shortlisted for the Andre Simon Award and included in the Independent’s Top 50 cookbooks. Paul is a regular on our television screens in the UK, with appearances including This Morning and Sunday Brunch, The Apprentice, Junior Masterchef and Paul Hollywood’s Pies and Puds and in the US on The Nate Berkus Show and The Today Show. In 2014 Paul was named Outstanding British Chocolatier by the International Chocolate Awards.

If you have recently approached baking or you want to strengthen your baking skills, this is the right class for you! In this 3 hours session, we will make together three recipes and I will teach you three different baking techniques that you can use at home to bake a wide variety of cakes and pastries. What you will make: We will be baking some chocolate cupcakes topped with an indulgent chocolate mascarpone frosting. We will continue with a Lemon, ginger and poppy seeds bundt cake, drizzled with lemon glaze. As last, we will bake some delicious biscuits filled with raspberry jam. Skills you will acquire: Learn to make the perfect shortcrust pastry for biscuits and tarts Learn the basic piping techniques to decorate cupcakes Ability to prepare a cake batter, understand the most important steps and the role of each ingredient Confidence to bake on your own Ability to improve your own recipes and be creative What to expect from the class: Complimentary tea and coffee A nice and relaxed environment A small group of max 4 people to chat and have fun with An experienced and welcoming tutor Easy to understand demonstrations A true understanding of the baking techniques Hands-on class with great tips and shortcuts Recipes handed out in class and emailed to your inbox All equipment and ingredients included Plenty of bake goods to take home

If you are either a beginner or an experienced baker, the afternoon tea bakes are something you cannot miss! In this 3 hours session, we will make together three recipes and I will teach you three different techniques that you can use in several occasions, baking in the comfort of your home. What you will make: We will be baking some traditional English scones We will continue with a Victoria Sponge cake, filled with jam and double cream. We will wrap up with some orange and cardamom Madeleines with white chocolate dip Skills you will acquire: Learn to make delicious and fluffy scones that you can also prepare ahead Learn how to brown butter + all the secrets to bake the perfect Madeleines Ability to prepare a cake batter and the trick to have a perfectly levelled cake top Confidence to bake on your own Ability to improve your own recipes and be creative What to expect from the class: Complimentary tea and coffee A nice and relaxed environment A small group of max 4 people to chat and have fun with An experienced and welcoming tutor Easy to understand demonstrations A true understanding of the baking techniques Hands-on class with great tips and shortcuts Recipes handed out in class and emailed to your inbox All equipment and ingredients included Plenty of baked goods to take home

Your expert tutor Tere is proudly Spanglish (half English/ half Spanish)! She is a huge foodie and will enthusiastically explain how churros and chocolate are made (and eaten) in Spain and specifically in Barcelona where her family are based. Tere will guide you through all the ingredients she uses in this typical dish starting from scratch. You will get to see the making process and help her at key stages of the class, especially the fun bit of frying the dough and watching the churros come to life, before getting to eat them! The location for the class is very unique and cosy so can only accommodate small groups, so perfect for couples, parents with children or friends getting together. Tere will give students a real insight into living on a boat in a central London location and you may even meet some of the local birdlife floating past!

Take some time out to breathe, taste and get body connected during this belly calming session of meditation – and dark chocolate! This workshop is a gentle session focussed on soothing your body and helping you feel connected with your senses. It’s very easy to get swept up in the busyness of life so this is an opportunity to slow down. Chocolate is a beautiful ingredient full of aromas and tasting it slowly and with awareness is a delicious way to explore mindfulness. During this workshop Meredith will share ways you can extend some of the breathing and mindfulness techniques we’ll practice into everyday living. Not sure if this session is for you? This meditation workshop is suitable for new and experienced meditators. Meditation is a very personal experience and there’s no right or wrong way to feel about it! We won’t be aiming to transcend to any higher planes or tap into different states of consciousness; this workshop is about grounding, connecting and calming. What can you expect? – A gentle introductory meditation to calm your system and help get you body-connected (as with the final meditation, this will vary from month to month) Guided mindful eating meditation with a selection of single origin dark chocolates that engages all your senses (using the chocolate Meredith uses in her own chocolate making from beautiful bean-to-bar brand, Pump St Chocolate) A short closing meditation to help you leave the workshop feeling calm and soothed There will be time for discussion and questions if there’s anything you’d like to know more about. You’ll also receive a special chocolatey treat to take away and taste (mindfully!) using some of the techniques we’ll explore in the workshop. You’ll be most comfortable if you wear loose clothing, but do wear whatever feels best for you. Please note if you are suffering from certain diagnosed mental health conditions it’s not recommended that you take part in meditation without sign off from your supporting clinician. You'll receive a form ahead of the session to fill out so that Meredith can make the workshop as comfortable for you as possible. Medical disclaimer – as a meditation guide I’m not qualified to diagnose or treat any medical conditions. I will not recommend any changes in medication or attitudes that could potentially worsen your condition.

In a busy world, this is an evening dedicated to slow: slow tasting, slow eating and slow chocolate. Take some time out to breathe, taste and get connected during this gentle session. We’ll taste our way through some different types of dark chocolate, using all the senses. Chocolate is a beautiful ingredient full of aromas and is the perfect ingredient through which to experience the joy of slowing down. I’m on a mission to help people bring a little calm to their bellies. After many years of suffering from digestive issues, slower living and slower eating has been a key part of the way I manage my symptoms. That and a healthy dose of good chocolate! The evening combines a little focus and lots of fun, along with general chococolate chilled-out-ness. It’s perfect for chocolate lovers and anyone who just feels the need to slow down a little. What can you expect? – A short introduction on taste – and chocolate – Learn to taste chocolate like the professionals, mindfully and using all the senses; we’ll try at least 5 different cocoa percentages from a selection of country origins so that you can truly taste the difference – A little background on the fascinating slow history of chocolate, and why it’s such a beautiful and uplifting ingredient – Experience how the taste of chocolate changes with a few interesting flavour additions and learn how to recognise these on your own; there will be a few surprise chocolatey mouthfuls along the way – To bring the reflective tasting to a close, we’ll finish with a few minutes of gentle breathing meditation – The ticket price includes a cup of tea or coffee and a Slow Chocolate Tasting Bar to take away and taste (mindfully!) using some of the techniques we’ll explore in the workshop There will be plenty of time for discussion and questions if there’s anything you’d like to know more about. The chocolate we’ll taste is from beautiful British bean-to-bar brand, Pump St Chocolate, which is what I use for my own chocolate making.

Looking for a great fun Hen Party in Manchester? Love chocolate? Join us for a tasty unique and special Hen Party. Have great fun, learn how to make chocolate truffles! You'll come away with loads of interesting facts and knowledge about this sweet confection. In this chocolate Hen Party, we will start with a unique chocolate drink to honour the future bride, you will get your hand dirty making two kinds of chocolate truffles with few flavours options. If you do not want alcoholic flavours, just let us know. You will make truffles like a pro in a fun way, with the help of your chocolatier expert, Raanan. A chocolate truffles party is a great mood booster, a fun way to mark your day with your bests friends. By the end, you have some delicious sweet treats to enjoy by yourself. Or, if you're feeling extra nice, share them with your family and friends.

Looking for cool things to do in Manchester? Want to try something different? Learn how to make chocolate pralines/bonbons in this exciting workshop. As you get stuck into this chocolate making class, you will learn all you need to know about how to create your own yummy treats by hand. You will also learn about the history of bonbons and the Belgian, chocolate making techniques. Once you arrive you will be given a delicious Chocolatey drink to enjoy. It’ll start off with the story of chocolate and the history of this sweet treat. Then using professional moulds and tools you can make your own bonbons. This chocolate workshop also makes for a brilliant experience gift for your loved one that loves some sweet treats. They can get their hands dirty with some delicious confectionary. When you need fun activities in Manchester, try this chocolate making class and learn the most delicious food making skills you can.

Take some time out to slow down and savour craft chocolate engaging all your senses. Using mindful techniques to anchor your thoughts on the present moment, the team will help you to have a deeper experience with flavour, enjoying each and every mouthful. Discover a diverse selection of fine ethical bars from artisan makers from all over the world. Pause your busy schedule and rushed meals to find more joy and happiness with chocolate. What You Can Expect: A comprehensive introduction to the world of craft chocolate, including history and processes involved in the making. Tips on how to choose, taste and store your chocolates Demonstrations with Cocoa Pods, Beans, Nibs and Butter. Guided mindful chocolate tasting engaging all your senses Tasters of 7 from the some of the world's finest bean-to-bar Palate cleansers Individual Tasting Sheet Water

Learn to make this showstopper cake and impress all your friends and family. De-mystifying ganache so you have the confidence to use this fabulous medium at home. You will learn to: Split, torte and fill your pre-baked cake with delicious buttercream why it is important to crumb coat How to smooth the sides using a super easy cheat add delicious decorations to your cake make ganache and the elusive dripping chocolate putting together a gorgeous decadent chocolate drip cake will truly satisfy any chocolate lover's taste buds. Use of materials and equipment included,

Why not indulge your inner chocoholic passion by creating tasty dishes at KitchenJoy Cookery School. You will learn to make delicious recipes using raw cacao, vegan chocolate and 85pc dark quality chocolate. Chocolate is one of the few foods that tastes heavenly while providing significant health benefits. Dark chocolate is loaded with nutrients that can positively affect your health. Made from the seed of the cocoa tree, it is one of the best sources of antioxidants on the planet. Cacao products stand out for their disease-fighting plant compounds, easily absorbed iron and relaxation-promoting tryptophan. Yes, chocolate can make you feel happy! This is because good quality chocolate stimulates the production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that create feelings of pleasure. However, enjoy in moderation as can still be high in calories and be careful of the sugar content of some products. This evening medicinal cookery class incorporates various chocolate products into exciting and tasty recipes in a simplistic way. You will learn the health benefits of cacao and how good quality chocolate ingredients can enhance your body, maximise your energy and keep you full and satisfied throughout the day. At KitchenJoy we will offer guidance and tips to help you choose healthier options. You will learn to cook a wide range of simple, healthy dishes using fresh and easily available ingredients. You will discover the medicinal benefits of selected herbs and spices with an explanation of the importance of certain nutrient groups. Sample recipes include: Chocolate smoothie with plant-based milk, nut butter, tahini, cinnamon and mint Short rib taco’s with raw cacao Chocolate and avocado brownies Vegan chocolate and orange mousse Chocolate and pomegranate granola cups Vegan chocolate, courgette and banana bread Raw cacao chilli truffles Our hands-on cookery classes at Kitchen Joy’s Kitchen in Chiswick include the ingredients, food preparation and cooking equipment, and drinks. You will prepare and cook dishes around the Kitchen Joy island and can enjoy eating your dishes together with the group on the long dining table. There will also be some left over foods for you to take home to share with your loved ones.

Experience Valentine's in a new way through exploring the stage of lovemaking from beginning to end to beginning again. We’ll travel in the company of 5 unique mouth-watering wines, paired perfectly with 5 dangerously delicious chocolate creations. Each flavour experience compliments luscious lessons on love under the covers. Whether you are travelling solo, with friends or with a lover or partner, the experience offers a safe, gentle introduction to new ways of tasting...and of lovemaking. This is NOT for you if you are looking for a hands-on experience. The only hands-on experience that will be had is hands on delectable food and gorgeous drink. You'll be travelling with: Andrea Balboni, Love Relationships and Intimacy Coach, will share how to fuel desire, deepen connection (with yourself and / or with a partner) and experience more nourishing pleasure – body and soul – in each stage of the journey under the covers. Or wherever it is that you are making it happen. Benedict Butterworth, wine expert like no other, has interpreted each of the stages of the amorous experience via vino and brings to your palate a surprising selection of unique, quality wines from small producers around the world. No experience of pleasure this sweet would be complete without some dangerously delicious chocolate. And meditation teacher & chocolatier Meredith Whitely makes just that. Perfectly paired with each exquisite wine are hand-crafted chocolates with unexpected flavour combinations oozing with goodness and created specially for the experience. V-Day never tasted so...mmmm….well, pleasurably sweet if we do say so ourselves.

Channel your inner Willy Wonka and join Meredith of Food At Heart for a flavour-filled session of chocolate experimentation! The Joy Of Chocolate celebrates eating chocolate in a more connected and delicious way. We’ll focus on the taste of different chocolates and experiment with some surprising, but tasty flavour combinations using beautiful Pump St bean-to-bar chocolate*. As well as designing and creating chocolate treats, you’ll learn how to taste chocolate properly (which involves more than just munching) and pay attention to different senses while doing it. We also explore sweet and savoury aspects of cacao to give you a fully rounded appreciation of this wonderful ingredient. There will be chocolate mouthfuls to enjoy on the day, plus treats to take home. Your feelgood flavour adventure includes: Guided chocolate tasting, with different percentages and different origins of dark chocolate Flavour combining with chocolate and a range of tasty ingredients (herbs, spices, nuts, dried fruits and more...) Tips for tempering chocolate to give you the perfect snap and shine for your own creations A few minutes of silent tasting to finish the class On the chocolate menu in September is: – Chocolate Fruit & Nut Mendiants: create delicious discs of chocolate topped with fruit, nuts and fun flavours from your tasting experiments – No Bake Crunchy Choc Slice: a bespoke ‘no bake’ chocolate filled with a mix of cacao ingredients (chocolate, cacao powder, cocoa butter and cacao nibs), plus your own pinches of flavour – Cacao Balsamic Vinegar: an unusual balsamic chocolate combination that’s delicious drizzled over salad Ingredients are organic and seasonal where possible. The chocolate used in the session is dairy free dark chocolate. Please let me know if you have any dietary requirements. *Pump St chocolate is one of the very best British chocolates and is much higher quality than what you’ll normally get to use in chocolate making classes.