Since bursting onto British screens in Boiling Point, a television miniseries in the late 1990s, Gordon Ramsay has become one of the world’s best-known and most influential chefs.
Founded in 1997, his restaurant group, Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, has been awarded a total of 17 Michelin stars, and his signature restaurant, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in Chelsea, has held three Michelin stars since 2001. Appointed an OBE by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006, Ramsay became only the third person to have ever won three Catey Awards in the same year.
But what you might not know about Gordon Ramsay is that he has his own culinary academy tucked away in Woking, a pleasant and leafy town with a rich history that sits in the northwest of Surrey, a short train ride from central London.
At the eponymously titled Gordon Ramsay Academy, passionate food lovers can transform themselves into culinary champions with a sprawling smorgasbord of masterclasses, from captivating cocktail cakes to rich curries and fragrant soups inspired by Southeast Asia.
At Insignia, we were thrilled and exhilarated to be invited to tour the facilities and participate in a Bao Masterclass to unlock the secrets of the street food delicacy that is a favourite across China and Taiwan.
Located in Victoria Place, just a few minutes walk from Woking high street, I was greeted at the Academy by Catherine, a delightful guide who welcomed me with a warm smile, a tour of the premises, and even a complimentary brownie (yum). The Academy boasts multiple kitchens and a spacious demonstration room upstairs, providing a hands-on experience like no other. It is well-equipped to cater to every culinary exploration, from intimate sessions to larger group gatherings.
The location is impressive, with big glass doors and a huge sign adorned with the Academy’s logo. It’s conjoined to the Gordon Ramsay Street Burger restaurant, where they use the same recipes taught at the Academy. So you know you’re in for a treat!
I was immersed in the “Cookbook library,” a cosy room lined with hundreds of culinary-themed books. I curled up in a comfy chair with my cup of tea, delving into a Michelin Guide while eagerly awaiting my culinary adventure.
Our guide for the day, Chef Rob Cottam, the Head of Culinary at the Academy, led us into the kitchen. With his infectious enthusiasm, Rob provided detailed instructions on ingredients and the cooking process. He shared every step except for the secret Japanese Fried Chicken sauce recipe, which he humorously insisted was classified information reserved only for Academy insiders.
As I embarked on crafting my bao buns, Rob revealed some chef secrets, mentioning that leaning in closely to your cooking and adding extra pinches of flour are tactics to look good on a TV screen. However, he emphasised that meticulous precision is the key to culinary perfection, having pre-measured the ingredients to relieve me of the pressure and allowing me to focus on the other aspects of the cooking process.
I kneaded the dough, which magically transformed from the size of my palm to the size of a deflated football in just 30 minutes. It was an enjoyable and cathartic experience, making the kneading process fun and therapeutic.
Teaming up with a fellow culinary enthusiast, we crafted delicious fresh pickled vegetables, secretly taste-testing them throughout the class. And, you understand, not one to brag, but under Rob’s skilful guidance, I managed to curate exceptionally stylish vegetables!
Frying the chicken created an extremely satisfying crackling sound. While the buns steamed and filled the room with a mouthwatering aroma, we took a quick break in what looked like a restaurant-themed version of a Cluedo board to enjoy more tea and mingle with the other classmates. The lively atmosphere and camaraderie among the budding chefs made the experience even more delightful.
After all the hard work, it was time to feast on our creations. The fluffy dumplings, flavourful fillings, and pickled vegetables perfectly harmonised. The quality of the food was incredible. As we enjoyed the delicious results of our labour, savouring each bite with glasses of wine, conversations flowed, and bonds formed.
Later that evening, I saved some of the delicacies for relatives to try, and they were so good they refused to believe I had made them. Mind you; I couldn’t protest too strongly; I barely believed it myself.
The Academy not only offers masterclasses for gastronomy enthusiasts but also corporate team-bonding exercises and children’s parties, where junior chefs can unleash their creativity.
The Gordon Ramsay Academy also caters to those seeking more intimate experiences or customised classes for special events or specific culinary skills. Whether you’re a kitchen klutz or a seasoned food lover, the Academy has something to offer everyone.
My journey through the Gordon Ramsay Academy left me feeling like a fully-fledged gastronomic rockstar. From the warm welcome to the cute squiggly name badges, and informative and entertaining classes, it was an experience that ignited my passion for culinary exploration. Upon leaving, I was also gifted a beautiful tote bag totem; the little details make all the difference in elevating the experience.
While I thoroughly recommend the rounded experience of visiting the Academy in person, they also offer online Zoom classes from their Demonstration Kitchen to ensure that no one misses out, regardless of where they are. The benefit of this option is that you can sit back, relax, and be inspired by fantastic food, tips, tricks, and stories from their renowned chefs and experts from the comfort of your own kitchen.
So, whether you’re a culinary aficionado or simply seeking a fun and educational experience, the Gordon Ramsay Academy is your gateway to unlocking gastronomic excellence. Contact and join the ranks of those who dare to dream, create, and savour the wonders of the culinary world.
Contact your Personal Assistant or our award-winning luxury lifestyle service today, and embark on a gastronomic adventure that will tantalise your taste buds and ignite your passion for food.
