Frequently Asked Questions
Why is The Urban Kitchen suitable for everyone?
The Urban Kitchen is a small gourmet catering company and cookery school that hosts classes that are fun, stimulating and interactive. Any can acquire new techniques and discover new recipes and ingredients which make cooking easy, fun and rewarding whatever their level of cooking skills. Unlike other schools, learn about the science of cooking and nutrition in a social, relaxing yet inspiring atmosphere. Classes are held during weekday evenings or weekends and offer the opportunity to relax with a glass of wine (or two) and to enjoy the delicious meal prepared during the class with other fun-loving individuals. You'll learn to prepare delicious and unusual food with tips on nutrition in a laid–back environment.
What does a class at The Urban Kitchen entail?
You'll be able to see, smell and taste the action and experience. Whilst many of the classes are held as part-demonstrations, there will be the opportunity to participate and assist the chef and handle the ingredients in every class. This can include anything from using new equipment to trying our special techniques and short-cuts such as our famous "chilli trick". Due to our large open-plan kitchen and dining room, there is the opportunity for everyone to stand around the stove and watch or participate.
We also run several hands-on classes which ensure that each participant is full involved in preparing the food. This gives you an opportunity to make your own food from scratch and eat your food with the other students. We have many repeat customers and they often emial the next day with some great testimonials.
How long does a class last and what do I need to bring?
All of our classes are a single session and last from 2 ½ to 3 hours. Each class includes all the ingredients and equipment, comprehenisve handouts, soft drinks and wine or cocktails and a full meal., We normally prepare 4-5 dishes in the class which means that everyone has plenty to eat. All you need to bring is a sense of fun and a healthy appetite!
What if I have dietary requirements?
Toral, our head chef, has lots of knowledge and experience in feeding and teaching people with a wide range of dietary requirements and we can usually accommodate most allergies in our open classes. Most of our classes are also suitable for vegetarians and pescetarians as we other lots of non-meat options and dishes.
What if I have never cooked before?
All our classes are suitable for beginners and a great place to gain some confidence cooking and preparing dishes that you enjoy eating. By signing up to one of our themed classes, you'll be familiar with some of the dishes and how they taste. We never assess you and often teach you how to rescue dishes that might go wrong. We'll also teach you lots of tricks in the trade to make dishes easier to prepare and where to find ingredients.
Will I enjoy the class if I come alone or do most people come in groups?
Many of our participants have attended the classes alone and have met other like-minded individuals and had a great time. In some cases, people don't want to leave and have to be gently persuaded to leave with their new friends as they are so busy chatting!
Do you hold private classes?
If you are looking for a fun and novel way to entertain or spend some quality time with friends and family, why not organise a private cookery class in the comfort of your own home or at one of our venues? Cooking classes make a fantastic gift for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and many other occasions.
The Urban Kitchen will take into your account your own personal tastes and dietary requirements and will show you how to prepare a four course meal in your own kitchen. The class may have a theme based on a type of cuisine or based on certain ingredients. We will provide all the ingredients, comprehensive hand-outs and any special tools. We will also provide staff to help with serving and clearing up if required. In addition, we can recommend wines to suit the food and order this for you for a minimum charge.
Do you do corporate and team building events?
We specialise in hosting corporate and team-building events for groups up to 25 people. Our clients include a list of blue chip companies and provide a relaxed and fun day which will help to foster improved working relationships. This out of office experience also provides an opportunity to improve team-work, promote and build team spirit and motivation.
I don't have a paypal account. Is there another way that I can pay for my class or gift voucher?
You do not need a paypal account to book a class with us. Within paypal, on the bottom of the payment screen you'll see the option Don't have a paypal account?. Click continue here and you can pay simply using a credit or debit card. Alternatively you can also send us a cheque to our address.
I cannot make the date of the class that I booked. Can I reschedule?
If you cancel more than a week before the class, you will be able to reschedule to attend another class suject to availability and a £10 adminstration charge. If you cancel a full week or less, you can transfer the class to another person or the fee paid will be forfeit.
How long are your gift vouchers valid for?
Our gift vouchers are valid for 1 year from the date of purchase. Vouchers may be purchased for the recipient to choose any class that they would like to attend depending on availability from either the London or Surrey school.