From cinnamon bun making to night photography: 10 of the best winter workshops in London
While it’s easy to let lethargy set in and enjoy a month of hibernating, taking on a new hobby could be just what you need to spruce up the start of your year. From working on your art skills to baking, the capital has plenty of workshops to help you unleash your creative spirit.
If you need a steer on the best, here are our favourite workshops to join this season.
The boost of energy you need to embark on your new skills journey could be found in a cup of coffee. And a caffeine-themed workshop from FWD: Coffee has other merits, too — it will help you to master your knowledge of the brew on its journey from coffee beans to cups.
You’ll also get hands-on experience with various popular home brewing methods, from the classic French press to the modern Aeropress, as you mingle with fellow coffee enthusiasts.
Details: Home Barista Basics, 3 February, 54 Farringdon Road, London, EC1R 3BL. £35. [fwdcoffee.co.uk].
Crafty alternative works of art are fast emerging as a popular social media trend. And if you fancy partaking, why not complete your project with some like-minded creatives at Roj Floral Studio.
A floral designer will assist you as you create dried flower compositions on wooden slices. It’s perfect for beginners and flower enthusiasts looking to explore the art of dried flower arranging.
Details: Dried Flower Arranging Workshop, Mondays, The Baths, 80 Eastway, London, E9 5JH. £30. [rojfloralstudio.co.uk/workshops]
Cinnamon buns are a Fika favourite in Scandinavia, and are fast becoming a close contender for most popular bake after banana bread here. However, if you’ve not yet honed your skills in making the winter treat yourself, why not take one of the Hampton Manor Bakery’s workshops. Those who attend will get to make dough and cinnamon butter from scratch and they leave with a copy of the recipe. Workshops at the bakery, which has been a favourite since it opened its doors in 2020, are running through to the end of March.
Details: Cinnamon Bun Workshop, Shadowbrook Lane, Hampton-In-Arden, B92 0EN. From £60. [alacer.co.uk/HamptonManor]
If you want to practice your watercolour skills, then join Kate and Rose Johnston to illustrate winter birds. Create the perfect wintery landscape as you learn how to draw species including tufted ducks, sparrows, robins and herons, set against frosty skies and cold snowy landscapes.
The workshop is for beginners through to practiced painters to help them gain confidence in watercolour painting.
Details: Watercolour Workshop: Winter Birds (evening class), 25 January, Mindspace, Shoreditch, 9 Appold Street, 8th floor, London, EC2A 2AP. £25. [eventbright.co.uk]
If you’re looking to capture some of the capital’s best night life, Photoion Photography School is running workshops in small groups, meaning people can learn at their own pace and with more assistance.
Attendees will gain myriad skills including learning how to capture moving subjects such as light trails, the effective use of different lenses for dusk and evening images, and the required composition skills necessary for night photography.
Details: Night Photography Workshops in Central London, 21 February. £85. Photoion Photography School. [photoion.co.uk]
If you’ve got a sweet tooth and are looking to up your culinary skills then Melt Chocolates is one of the capital’s favourite places to learn to make treats. It offers workshops for making everything from brownies and bonbons to children’s chocolate lollipops.
The West End based company says their bars as the best in the world, and will show you how to make your own from scratch.
Details: London chocolate making workshop, flexible bookings, 59 Ledbury Rd, London, W11 2AA. From £34.99. [meltchocolates.com]
For those who have the intention of running a marathon this New Year, but don’t know where to start, the best way to get a jump start is to test yourself. You can try a “half Marathon, 10 Mile, 10k, 5k or Mile on a unique one mile Moto GP styled circuit.” These runs are designed by runners, for runners, and the event is said to provide an inclusive atmosphere.
Details: Lee Valley VeloPark running course, 27 January,
VeloPark Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Abercrombie Rd London E20 3AB. From free to £120. [runthrough.co.uk]
Candle making is the perfect cosy craft for homebodies this winter. The London Refinery allows you to make your own signature fragrance as you start learning about how the sense of smell works and how scent affects mood and emotions. You will then learn how to heat the plant-based soy wax and use a range of essential oils to blend into your own delicious-smelling bespoke candle. You should be left with all the skills you need to make candles at home.
Details: Candle Making Masterclass, flexible bookings, The Broadway, London, W5 2RJ. £65. [londonrefinery.co.uk]
For anyone who fancies themselves as the next big thing in interior design, the New School of Furniture Making’s courses can help you carve out or put together everything from book holders to stools.
The hands-on classes allow you to explore a variety of effective constructive techniques to ensure your new addition is tough as nails.
Details: New School of Furniture Making workshops. 4 Beechwood Road, Dalston, London, E8 3DY. From free to £130. [newschooloffurniture.com]
If you’re keen to try out pottery basics and want to add a playful design, Blanc Ceramic’s Marbling Wheel Throwing Pottery courses will allow you to bring your vision to life, as you let the empty space before you become a canvas for your imagination. The organisers say it’s a therapeutic experience to help you find some calm and escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Classes, which are taught in English, Cantonese and Mandarin, will also help with picking up the basics of marbling under the guidance of experienced tutors.
Details: Ceramic’s Marbling Wheel Throwing Pottery class, flexible booking, Unit 30, 42 Gorst Road, Kensal Green, NW10 6LD. From £50. [blancceramic/scheduleclass]
