FAQ

Vegetarian Cookery School Frequently Asked Questions

• About the courses – dietary – experience v beginner

Will I be out of my depth as a beginner?
We aim the courses for a mixture of abilities and on many days cover basics such as knife skills. They are intended as a relaxed learning experience. The 'Fast & Delicious' course is simple cooking by it's time limited nature whereas some of the world cuisine courses are better suited for more experienced cooks as there are ingredients and methods which are less familiar to many and can be faster paced. Please do not hesitate to call us in the office if you wish to discuss which courses you might be interested in, what those courses cover and whether it would be suitable for someone with your experience.

Are the courses suitable for experienced cooks?
Our courses are intended for the home cook. They are not intended as ‘master classes’ or aimed at those looking to cater professionally. That said, we welcome many confident cooks, especially on courses such as the Southern Indian as they cover more unusual ingredients and techniques. Please contact us in the office if you wish to discuss this further.

Do you cater for vegans?
None of our current courses are specifically vegan but many of our courses are easily adaptable. We provide vegan versions of recipes where possible, or alternative dishes. A couple of courses would probably not suit vegans due to the high content of unsuitable dishes but we are happy to advise further by telephone if you wish to discuss the courses you would be interested in.

Do you cater for other dietary requirements?
We always check dietary requirements on booking so we can ensure everyone is included and able to enjoy the food on the day. Alternatives are available where dishes are unsuitable. Whilst most requirements are easily accommodated we will always advise if we feel a specific course would not be suitable.

How much cooking will I do?
The day is a mix of hands on cooking and demonstration. You will see demonstrations of important skills in different styles of cooking, and plenty of hands on. We prepare and cook together, either as a large group, or in smaller groups. We do not use individual work stations.

• About the day – timing – food – equipment – people

What time does the day start/ finish?
The course starts with tea/coffee at 9.50am to start in the kitchen at 10am, and finishes at around 4.30 to 5pm. Please let us know at the beginning of the day if you need to leave promptly (e.g. to catch a train)

Do we take food home?
The menu for the day is planned around the class lunch, the high point of the day. Therefore there is no food available to take home, but you will receive a recipe file of all the dishes covered.

When do we eat?
The menu usually covers 8-10 dishes. We cook and taste throughout the day (so you won’t go hungry!) and finish with a late lunch at 3.30pm with organic wine.

What should I bring?
You do not need to bring anything. The course fee includes the use of all equipment, aprons, ingredients, refreshments throughout the day and lunch with organic wine. You will be on your feet for a large part of the day and may appreciate comfortable shoes!

How many on the course/ who comes to the courses?
We take a maximum of 10 people on each full day course. The day is intended as a relaxed learning experience and we cook and eat together. The courses attract people of all ages and from all walks of life, a mixture of men and women, vegetarians and non veggies, confident cooks and those less experienced and those just stuck in a rut. Many come on their own, some in pairs or small groups of family and friends. Every day is different!

Who teaches the courses?
The courses are lead by experienced chefs. Please see about the tutors for more information.

• About Bath – walking distance – parking – accommodation – Demuths

Is the cookery school close to the city centre/ Demuths?
Demuths is in the heart of the city, very close to the Abbey. The cookery school is approximately 15-20 minute walk from the centre, although it is up a very steep hill (see next question)! It is a short journey in a taxi or there is a bus that goes from the centre every 20 minutes and stops a 2-3 minute walk from the door. Please contact us for details.

Can I walk there from the train station?
The cookery school is a good half hour walk from the train station, mostly on the flat but the final leg is a very steep hill. We have to emphasise this as although forewarned people are often a little surprised at how steep!

Where can I stay?
Bath has an abundance of accommodation from bed & breakfast to 5 star hotels. We have a list of vegetarian friendly bed & breakfasts which we send out with booking confirmations and details can be found on the website.

Is there parking?
The cookery school is in a residential area with no parking restrictions but spaces are limited, allow extra time to find a parking space. You may need to park a street away and walk back.
There is no free parking in Bath city centre. There are pay car parks and park and ride schemes – the nearest Park & Ride is Lansdown. The bus does not pass us directly so please ask us for directions if you are considering this mode of transport.

Do we need to book for Demuths?
Booking is always recommended for Demuths, although please note reservations are not taken for Saturday lunch. We finish the One day course with a late lunch so recommend visiting Demuths the evening before your course or the next day! If you are planning on eating out on the evening of the course we strongly recommend making a late booking. We can organise a Demuths booking for you when you book your course, or please call the restaurant on 01225 446059.

• Booking

Can I book online?
We prefer to take bookings over the telephone and you cannot make a confirmed booking via the website. You can email us to enquire about courses and provisionally reserve a place. You can also download a booking form from the website to post into us, but it is always advisable to check availability first.

Can I change my booking?
Amendments to bookings may be made up to 28 days prior to the date of the class. If you find you are unable to attend a class less than 28 days before the date of the class you are welcome to send someone else in your place. We regret that the course fees will only be refunded, or booking transferred, if we are able to fill your place. These rules apply equally to gift voucher bookings.

When is the fee due?
At time of booking - bookings are made on a first come, first served basis on receipt of full payment. We are happy to provisionally hold places for a short period if you are unsure if the date is suitable, but we will seek confirmation should the course fill up.

Do you take group/ private bookings?
We take private bookings for 8-12 people (min of 10 for a Saturday). These are suitable for hen parties, birthday parties, family get to-gethers and corporate outings. We are usually available any day (except Sunday) that isn't already running with an advertised course. The course would be of your choosing, either from our current program or mix & match from our courses, or we can design a course according to your taste. (A recent hen party was based on recreating the bride-to-be’s favourite balti dishes!) Please contact us in the office to discuss your requirements.

• Vouchers

Do you sell gift vouchers?
We sell gift vouchers for both Demuths Restaurant and The Vegetarian Cookery School. They are not interchangeable and must be used for the establishment for which they were bought.
Demuths Vouchers are sold in £10 increments from £10-£50.
Cookery School Vouchers are sold for the value of a One Day course (£120) and show no monetary value on the voucher. We also sell cookery school vouchers for £50 & £75 for those who wish to contribute to the cost of a course as a gift.

Where can I buy them?
Vouchers are available to purchase via our internet shop or by telephoning the office. Vouchers are also available in the restaurant.
How long are they valid?
Demuths vouchers have no time limit.
The Cookery School vouchers are valid for one year. This means the recipient has one year to use the voucher; as many of our courses book up 3-4 months in advance it is conceivable that the course date will fall beyond the year limit.