Do I need any previous cooking experience?
In most cases not at all. Our classes are designed to be relaxed, welcoming and suitable for enthusiastic beginners through to confident home cooks and food lovers. Please refer to the specific class details for further information relevant to each class.
Will I be cooking on my own?
Most of our classes involve working in pairs or small groups for some elements of the experience. This keeps the sessions relaxed, sociable and practical whilst allowing everyone to experience a wider range of dishes and techniques. Please refer to the specific class details for further information relevant to each class.
If you would strongly prefer to work alone, please contact us before booking and we will always do our best to help where possible.
Can dietary requirements be catered for?
Further details of the dietary accomodations available are detailed on each class page. Unfortunately, due to the nature of a shared teaching kitchen, we cannot guarantee the absence of allergens.
If you are unsure please contact us before booking if you have any allergies or dietary requirements and we will advise whether the class is suitable.
Can children attend?
Children under 15 are welcome to attend selected classes when accompanied by a full paying adult.
Guests aged 15–18 may attend unaccompanied with parental consent.
Please note that many of our classes are designed primarily for adults and may involve sharp equipment, hot pans and professional kitchen environments.
What should I wear?
Please wear comfortable clothing and flat, closed-toe shoes suitable for a kitchen environment. We would also recommend bringing layers for seasonal or foraging experiences.
Aprons are provided for most classes.
Do I need to bring anything?
Usually just yourself and your enthusiasm. All recipes, ingredients and equipment will be supplied. Most of our classes end with a meal accompanied by a glass of wine if you choose. Some do end with things to take home. If you need to bring containers, you will be notified in an email about a week before the class takes place.
Can I buy a class as a gift?
Absolutely. We offer digital gift vouchers for monetary values which can be redeemed against any available classes or products. Please buy those here.
If you would like to book a class and would like a presentation gift card, these can be ordered here and will be posted to you. Please book the class at the same time or add a note to state which is your booking at check out. They can be sent:
Do you serve alcohol?
We are fully licensed and selected classes may include a glass of wine, paired drinks or tasting samples. Water and hot drinks are always available throughout all our classes.
What happens if I need to cancel?
Please refer to our booking terms and conditions at the time of booking. All rescheduling and cancellation of scheduled classes must take place at least 4 weeks before the booked event. All private events have a 6 week cancellation period.
As a small independent business, cancellations at short notice can be very difficult to refill and we are strict about our cancellation policy. Wherever possible, we recommend transferring your booking or sending somebody in your place.
Are your classes hands-on?
Most of our experiences are designed to be interactive, practical and engaging. Most classes include a mixture of demonstrations, hands-on cooking, tasting and shared dining. Further details are available on the booking pages of each event. Our "Spotlight On..." are demo lead and there will be limited hands-on cookery, but a lot of interaction,
Do we eat the food?
Definitely. Most of our classes end in a meal. One of the best parts of the experience is sitting down together to enjoy the dishes you have created with a glass of wine and a chat with new friends.
Where are you based?
Ground Up Cookery School is based in Chudleigh, Devon, within easy reach of Exeter, Newton Abbot and the South Devon coast.
What types of private events do you offer?
We offer a wide range of bespoke food experiences including:
- birthdays
- festive gatherings
- stag and hen events
- family celebrations
- food experiences with friends
- baking parties
- pasta workshops
- seasonal experiences
- children’s food parties
We can adapt existing experiences or create something completely bespoke for your group. To find out more.
How many guests can you accommodate?
This depends on the style of event, but most private experiences work best for groups of up to 16 guests. Please contact us to discuss larger groups or bespoke requirements.
Can we choose our own menu or theme?
Yes. We can base your event around cuisines, techniques, seasonal themes or particular experiences that interest your group.
Are private events suitable for non-cooks?
Absolutely... if that is what you are looking for. Our events are designed to be enjoyable, relaxed and accessible regardless of experience level. However, we also offer Chef training so the experience level can be determined by you.
Do private events include alcohol?
We are fully licensed and can incorporate drinks, pairings or a celebratory atmosphere where appropriate.
Do you offer children’s parties?
Yes. We offer fun and engaging children’s cooking and baking experiences click here to find out more.
How do payments work for bespoke bookings?
A 50% deposit is required to secure all bespoke and private event bookings.
The remaining balance must be paid no later than one month before the event date.
If you have any further questions please contact us.
