As we start a new year, we’ve been reflecting on 2022 and everything we achieved.

Last year was a challenging one — we know many small businesses struggled throughout 2022 — and we’re so grateful to our wonderful customers (the first timers and the ones who kept coming back!).

Here’s a little recap of the fun we got up to, the delicious food we made and everything we’re looking forward to in 2023…

Our Magimix event

As proud partners of Magimix, the go-to for high-quality food processors and other industry-leading kitchen equipment, we hold classes to showcase the state-of-the-art products that can help prepare a vast range of dishes.

In 2022, we invited a small number of food enthusiasts to try out the new Magimix Cook Expert in all its glory…

Not only did our seven lucky guests get to admire the Magimix’s sleek and sturdy design, but they also got straight to the good bit: the food. Our very own Jake and Lizzie demonstrated the machine and its endless uses before teaching us how to make some delectable treats.

First, we made a pea soup with mascarpone cream and homemade pitta bread. Parmesan and cherry tomato risotto followed, rich in flavour and completely delicious.

For dessert — because there should always be dessert — our guests used the Cook Expert to whip up an indulgent chocolate cake with Swiss meringue buttercream icing, followed by a sweet, zingy lemon and passionfruit curd.

Spreading the word

At the start of April, Lizzie spent a day with Surrey Life magazine for Local Food Britain’s upcoming ‘The Great Surrey Menu’ feature — exciting!

In collaboration with Tillingbourne Trout Farm and Kingfisher Farm Shop — both wonderful local businesses — Lizzie created a mouthwatering meal of hot smoked trout and watercress salsa verde.

Using fresh, local produce, we had the chance to showcase exactly how we do things here at The Abinger Cookery School.

Lizzie even had the opportunity to shout about the history of our cookery school and the new courses on offer as a guest on BBC Radio Surrey! The Abinger Cookery School was also featured on the station’s Surrey Day special in May, celebrating some of Surrey’s finest food and drink producers.​

In December, we were then delighted to have been awarded the Surrey Hills Membership & Trade Mark, a mark of local provenance, quality and sustainability. ​The award promotes the very best of what Surrey has to offer and celebrates high-quality organisations that reflect the special nature of the Surrey Hills and support the local environment. ​

We also got a shiny new logo on our website and social media channels, which led to new signage for the school. Have you spotted it yet? Keep an eye out, if not!

Tried-and-tested courses

Let’s look back at some of our fan-favourite courses at the cookery school — the ones you can’t stop coming back to…

Weber Grill Academy courses

With the heatwave of 2022 came many successful Weber Grill Academy courses, turning barbecue fans into flame masters (just in time for National BBQ Week in July).

But thanks to our new outdoor kitchen, covered for that capricious English weather, our courses can run all year round (so your BBQ parties can, too!).

From the classics used at summer garden parties — like how to cook the perfect sausages and create juicy burgers with bacon jam — to a festive medley of roast turkey and sticky toffee pudding, our experts shared how to make the most of the Weber on our 2022 BBQ cooking classes.

After our popular Weber Grill Academy: Weber Essentials course, one of our visitors said:

‘There was so much variety of food to cook and Jake, our teacher for the day, was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and, most importantly, patient’.

Duke of Edinburgh residential courses

Last year also saw lots of teenagers learning to cook on our Duke of Edinburgh residential courses!

As an approved activity provider for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, meeting the requirements for the gold level of the award, we offer the opportunity for students to learn skills they’ll take with them for the rest of their lives.

Over five days, our students learnt how to make a breakfast special, afternoon tea and select canapés before giving starter, main and dessert dishes a go. Our chefs were on hand to support and guide students throughout the course, ensuring they would be able to recreate these meals at home.

All dates are now online, so get booking before they’re sold out!

New additions

In 2022, we welcomed a host of new, interactive courses to our repertoire…

Our Japanese and Gyoza course was a huge hit, with guests learning to create delicious Japanese cuisines such as chasu chicken ramen and tempura veg and prawns with a rich dipping sauce.

We also took students on a food and cultural exploration on our Authentic Chinese course, where they learnt to make interesting festive dishes inspired by traditional Chinese recipes.

In the autumn, we added our Pickling and Fermenting course, inspiring our guests to transform their leftover fruit and veg into something tastier, healthier and longer lasting with the support of Willy’s (use our discount code ABWILLYS15 to save on their healthy and organic products).

More to come…

Last year flew by, and we loved every minute of it. Now, we’re looking forward to the year ahead and all the upcoming courses we have to offer.

From hearty Sunday roasts and delectable canapés to A Taste of Italy and magnificent macaron-making, we have something to offer everyone. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or you’re brushing up on your skills, we aim to fire up your imagination with courses that are practical, inspiring and, of course – fun!

Perfect for couples, groups or individuals of a wide range of ages and abilities, start 2023 with a bang (and plenty of good food) at The Abinger Cookery School!

Create new (delicious) memories with us in the new year and start booking your spot for our upcoming classes. For any questions or queries, get in touch through 01306 730470 or [email protected].