Inspiration

Frequently asked questions

1. I am allergic to certain foods/ I have a special dietary requirement. Will this cause a problem?

We can ususally accommodate for special dietary requirements. Please email us waitrosecookeryschool@waitrose.co.uk if you would like to know whether your allergy can be accomodated on a particular course. It is the customer's responsibility to inform us of any dietary requirements at least 3 days before the course and this can be done at point of booking. Alternatively contact the school to let us know in advance so that we can adjust the course accordingly for you.

2. What size are the classes - how many students are permitted on each course?

The class sizes are 24 in a class, with 2 people per workstation. There will be numerous chefs on hand to assist and give you the coaching that you may need.

3. How many instructors are there and what sort of qualifications do they have?

There will be one main tutor and two assistants at any one time on courses. On the demonstration, there will be one Chef. Please see the Chef Biographies for more information and their individual backgrounds.

4. What time do the courses start and finish?

Mostly, all half day morning courses will be from 9.30am until 1.30pm, all half day evening courses will be 5.45pm-9.45pm and full day courses are from 9.30am to 4.30pm. Please check the website for individual course times though.

5. Can I buy a Gift Certificate?

We have Gift Certificates available to purchase online by clicking on the Gift Certificate link.

Please note that John Lewis Gift Vouchers are not accepted at the school at this time.

6. I would like more information on the course that I am booking.

There are summaries of the courses on the site, but if you would like more information please call the School on 0207 372 6108 and we will happily talk you through the detail of the course.

7. I have booked a course but I am now unable to attend, can I change my course?

Please call the School on 0207 372 6108 and we will try to assist where availability and circumstances allow, however this cannot be guaranteed.

8. Do you have any courses available for children?

Please be assured that we will be catering for children's cooking courses in the future, details of which will be featured on the website.

9. I am a beginner, are all the courses suitable for me?

All courses are suitable for all levels. The Chefs will ensure that you have the assistance required to enjoy the day and learn a new skill. It would be worth starting with a 'skills' course e.g.: Knife Skills/ Fish and Seafood/ Bread making. Please contact the school if you would like further guidance.

10. I am an experienced cook, are all the courses suitable for me?

All courses are suitable for all levels. The Chefs will ensure that you have the assistance required to enjoy the day and really develop your cooking skills. If you are an experienced cook, you may particularly enjoy the Art of Michelin Star cookery course. Please contact the school if you would like further guidance.

11. Will I eat the food I make?

There will be an opportunity to eat all the dishes that you make. All students sit down together after each session to eat. The food is matched with wine and non alcoholic beverages and the chefs will also prepare some accompaniments.

12. Will I receive a certificate on the day?

All students will be issued with a Certificate of attendance at the end of the course but this is not a qualification.

13. What should I wear/take with me to the course?

Please wear comfortable clothes and comfortable shoes (no flip-flops or open toed shoes). A chef jacket and apron will be provided on the day. We will provide you with the recipes for each dish from the course, however, please bring a pad and a pen if you would like to take more detailed notes. Please also bring your ticket on the day.

14. I am disabled are there facilities for me?

We have a workstation that has been adapted for disabled cooks, and this can accommodate two people.

15. Will each student have a workstation to themselves?

There will be two students per workstation but there is ample room.

16. Can I cancel/re-book my course if I get sick, have an accident?

Should you not be able to attend your course due to an unforseeable circumstance, it is no problem to re-schedule. Please ring the cookery school should you need to cancel or re-book your chosen course. Courses are subject to availability. Please refer to the Terms and Conditions for full details.

16. Who processes the transactions and which cards are accepted?

WorldPay are our transaction agent