In the immortal words of Virginia Woolf: “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”
Food is a universal way of bringing everyone together; whether it be for a nice meal out, a dinner party at home, or a cheeky coffee and cake with a catch up- they all leave you with that warm, fuzzy feeling inside (and a full tum).
Food experiences are a level up from the traditional meet and eat, they are something you take home with you and share with others. A new recipe, a new skill, a new flavour discovery- these are all experiences that last a lifetime and can be passed along to your friends and family.
Autumn is a great time to appreciate the flavours of life, and we have a buffet of gastronomic and gourmet experiences to sink your teeth into around Bristol. There are experiences for those that like being in the kitchen, for those that have an adventurous palate, and for those that prefer to just tuck into the end result...
Go dough-eyed for the ultimate dumpling masterclass: October 10
Let British-Chinese chef Emily show you the dos and the dough-n'ts of dumpling making in this masterclass that will transport your tastebuds across the world. You'll make a variety of different styles of dumplings, each as delicious and filled with joy as the last, and you'll master the skills of filling and crimping.
Not only will you take home these bundles of tastiness but you'll also have mouthwatering recipes that will delight any table. Dumplings are a comfort food found across cuisines, and the best ones you'll ever have are the ones made at home. They're therapeutic to make, wholesome to share, and delicious to eat. A gourmet experience not to miss.
-> Book the ultimate dumpling masterclass here
Get spirited with Glenfarclas whisky tasting: September 30
Warm your cockles and put a fire in your belly with this whisky tasting experience.
Glenfarclas, in Speyside, is one of the very few remaining independent and family-run distilleries in Scotland. Operating since 1836, whisky is the distillery's speciality and it's won many awards for it!
Set in the heart of Clifton Village, DBM Wines will expertly guide you through six of the distillery's most popular whiskies and tell you all you need to know about them.
Before arriving at DBM Wines, make sure to explore the nearby Victorian shopping arcade, pick up some exquisite fruit and veg from the market stalls, and try the cake tasting platters from ANNA cake couture. After your tasting, you don't need to go very far if you want to continue your night as you are surrounded by many great independent bars and pubs.
-> Book the Glenfarclas whisky tasting here
Be Blumenthal with Michelin star recipes and molecular science: September 24 + December 10
Have you ever watched MasterChef with envious eyes? Have you ever watched Come Dine With Me and knew in your heart that you'd walk away with the prize money? Have you wondered just how Heston does it?
Here's your chance to get up close and personal with one of the most elusive and curious of culinary specialities. Find out how to make airs, false caviars, spherifications, sands, and powders using ingredients such as maltosec, zorbit, alginate, and many many more.
Your host, and professional chef, Monica will whisk you away with her expert knowledge and you'll leave the experience with the skills to conduct more experiments in your own kitchen. The experience is BYOB, so if you're less of a Blumenthal and more of a Blumen-fail you can have fun whilst doing it.
-> Book Michelin star recipes and molecular science here
Be brewlliant at the build-your-own beer advent calendar workshop: October 28 - November 25
It may be too early to think about Christmas, but it's not too early to think about beer.
Let Two Belly's in-house beer experts help you create the advent calendar of dreams. One ticket covers up to two people, and you'll have the pros help you curate a calendar of 24 beers (though we wouldn't be up for sharing).
A cheeseboard and a beer from the Two Belly taps will keep you refreshed as you hand-select an advent calendar that will put all others to shame. With over 160 beer lines you'll be spoilt for choice.
We're wondering if maybe we'll want to have two advent calendars on the go this year...
-> Book build-your-own beer advent calendar workshop here
Have food for thought with reprogram your attitude to food: 6-week course starting October 8
Food is like a hug from the inside. It nourishes you, makes you feel good, and does all kinds of wonderful things for your body- but sometimes our relationship with it can be tricky.
This course will inspire you to nourish yourself through and through, will help you develop a critical understanding of food and how it affects and fuels your body. You'll be able to unpick the food culture we live in and your own personal relationship with it.
Learn a new love language towards food, one where you're in the driver's seat. This course will help you make more informed decisions and help you feel more empowered in your body- the aim is to get you on track to feeding and treating yourself well.
This course is for anyone that is wanting to reduce cravings, have a healthier attitude towards food, or unlearn any confusing food knowledge.
-> Book in with reprogram your attitude to food here
Feel pho-bulous at this Vietnamese cooking evening: November 24
Southeast Asia is famous for its street food culture. Grabbing a quick bite or two whilst exploring alleyways and market stalls is one of life's greatest pleasures- and you can transport this straight into your kitchen.
Join Little Kitchen and your host Hannah for a trip around the authentic flavours of Vietnam. Hannah will be with you every step of the way as you craft your own Vietnamese feast. This experience lends itself well to groups, so invite your friends or colleagues along for an evening out that's unlike any other.
-> Book Vietnamese cooking evening here
