I was lucky enough to go to the Qype event too. At first I was a little intimidated - Angela…read moredefinitely knows her stuff, and I always though dimsum was difficult, but after a demonstration and a bit of practice, I got it down! Her staff, especially Geoff, were absolutely brilliant. The food was tasty, and I learned a lot. The big downside though is that the school is in Acton Central, and a total pain to get to. Not a big deal if you live nearby, though!

Of all the things available just off the Uxbridge Road - cheap Chinese buffets, obscure bingo…read moreparlours and many a pizza joint, you don't expect to find a place for gastronomes. But Angela Malik's shop and cookery school seems to fit the bill. The shop itself is stuffed full of intriguing titbits, yumsies and quirky ingredients all designed to persuade you to get out your wallet - and then there's the kitchen just behind the shop, which simultaneously looks industrial and welcoming. The chefs on hand - Angela, Geoff, George - were all incredibly friendly in guiding us through the mysteries of the kitchen, what goes into making the taste sensation of the tongue and of course top quick tips for cooking. Don't overcook pork. I was there thanks to Qype for a session on how to make dim sum - I'd had some prior experience from my Dad - but the expert knowledge and guidance from Angela's team created much tastier dim sum while still somehow retaining that home-cooked feel. We also had some samples of her delicious range of Indian pestos - I haven't been a huge fan of 'Indian' food up till now but I might just have to explore the true Indian palette in a bit more detail. Now I just need to pop back to get some more ... groceries...

I just attended my first day class at Leiths, who offers courses for professional accreditation as…read morewell as "enthusiasts." The building and location were convenient and work space well laid out. The instructors, Adriana and Andrea, were phenomenal. I really appreciate how they took the time to explain technique and variations that can be applied at home. Also, the staff on hand to help with set-up and clean-up were amazing. They were always available to assist and contributed a great deal to the good experience. -I wish I had someone to prepare all my ingredients and wash dishes at home! My only complaint is related to the temperamental ovens. An oven can make or break all the hard work that goes into preparing a dish. Technique and materials went out the door with uneven, inaccurate ovens. Leiths offers such a wide variety of classes so I'll likely sign-up again...for a class that doesn't require an oven.

I am very impressed I took a baking course at Lieth one…read moremorning and expected to be handful of housewives attending to pass time. To my surprise the class had over 40 people of all ages and professions And the day was so organised, starting with the theory part of baking, the tea, coffee and tasty lunch breaks To the kitchen itself All ingredients were ready on stations, instructors were helpful and washing up was so prompt I remember nothing but perfection of that day and the lovely bread, cheese and jam I was given to take with me home. If I can get myself on another cooking workshop (seems to be very hard to sign in these days all fully booked) I will be the happiest

My daughter and Is attended a sushi making class this past Monday, and overall we had a great time…read more The classroom was spotless and beautifully set up. Our stations were spacious and organized. The instructor was personable and helpful, and was quite thorough. The price was quite reasonable, especially as children were free with a paid adult. The few negatives were that the room was FREEZING and the class started 15 minutes late. Overall we'd definitely return and would recommend this school and class to others!

One of the best cookery school classes I've been to. Not unreasonably priced; helpful and thorough…read moretuition; plus I learned lots of new techniques I'd never come across before. The pea and mint risotto and arancini balls we learned to make were simple enough that you could make them at home with some ease and I was very proud of the finished result.

Great selection of books and very friendly, helpful proprietor; it's a lovely spot a few steps off…read morethe main market road where you can find books on just about anything cooking related. I would definitely recommend allowing yourself some time there.

Ever scoured sites such as Amazon to find that perfect cookbook? Ever been disappointed when you…read morecan't find an out of stock cookbook that has the pumpkin pie recipe to end all pumpkin pie recipes? I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this store, it's a foodie's paradise. There are some 8,000 recipe books filling the shelves from floor to ceiling on all manner of topics related to food: history, nutrition, art, chemistry and so much more. But here's the real attention grabber - at the back there is a reasonably priced cafe dishing up different treats from the 'test kitchen' which is devoted to trying out the recipes from the books themselves. Upstairs, too, they run cooking classes. So if you want to be the next kitchen big shot, look no further.