A warm pork pie is a small joy with big payoff. This 3-hour workshop at Cook and Craft Collective teaches you how to build a proper pork pie from scratch, step by step, and then you get to eat it straight from the oven.

My favorite parts are the upbeat, interactive teaching from JoJo and the fact you choose your own fillings, including secret options. That mix of learning and customizing keeps it playful, even if you’re not a confident cook. One thing to consider: you should plan on getting your hands a bit messy and moving at a steady kitchen pace.

What You’ll Notice Right Away (The Recipe Teaches Itself)

You’re not just watching someone else cook. You’re making pastry with a special recipe, selecting fillings, shaping the pies, and then finishing with the best reward: a warm pork pie you can actually taste while the day still feels like vacation.

The only real drawback is time. Three hours is enough to learn the process, but not enough to slow down and perfect every little detail the way you might at home with a full day and unlimited practice. If you prefer leisurely cooking, pace yourself and focus on the skills, not perfection.

Key Highlights Worth Booking For

• JoJo’s 20 years of teaching experience turns kitchen stress into simple steps you can follow.
• Pastry-making from scratch means you learn the foundation, not just the filling.
• Pick-your-fillings options, including extra secret fillings, so your pie feels personal.
• Vegetarian-friendly choices are included as part of the filling options.
• All facilities, equipment, and ingredients included, so you show up ready to cook.
• Eat warm at the end, with a fresh pork pie straight from the oven.

The Real Point of This Class: Learning a Skill, Not Just Eating Lunch

This pork pie class works because it teaches a repeatable method. You’ll start with pastry, then move into filling choices, then learn how to assemble. By the end, you’re not only full. You’re leaving with a recipe you can use for a picnic, a party, or that rare moment when you decide to be the person who brings the good snacks.

The focus is on classic British comfort food, but the structure is what matters. You get guided instruction in a short window, which is ideal if you’re visiting London and don’t want a half-day that turns into a food-tour afterthought.

Also, the class encourages enjoyment, not just technique. Bring your own booze to sip during the experience. That’s a small detail, but it changes the feel. It’s more workshop night than rigid cooking lesson.

Where to Meet: Cook and Craft Collective’s Reception Setup

You’ll meet at Buzz for Cook and Craft Collective. Show up, get comfortable in the reception, and if you want a hot drink, there’s an onsite cafe where you can grab one. Then the team collects you at the start of your class.

This is practical for two reasons. First, it’s not stressful trying to find the right room in the middle of London’s side streets. Second, arriving early gives you time to settle in before you start handling pastry—because yes, you will handle pastry.

If you’re coming straight from sightseeing, wear comfy clothes and closed-toe shoes. You’ll be on your feet at some point, and you don’t want to be distracted by footwear.

The Class Flow: Pastry First, Then Fillings, Then the Oven Reward

The workshop runs about three hours, so the pacing is tight in a good way. Here’s what you can expect in the order it happens, and why it matters.

Starting the Pastry: The Foundation of a Proper Pork Pie

You’ll learn how to make pastry using JoJo’s special recipe. This is the stage that separates a decent pie from a pie that actually feels right when you bite into it.

Pastry skills are useful beyond pork pies too. Even if you only use what you learn here, you’ll understand texture and handling—when the dough needs attention and when it just needs time to behave. The class includes teaching and all ingredients, so you’re not trying to figure out brands or substitutions.

You’ll work as you learn. Expect the kitchen to be interactive and upbeat, with the instructor talking you through what to do next.

Choosing Your Fillings: Classic Pork Plus Options

Next comes the fun part: picking fillings. The experience includes regular pork pie filling ideas and also extra secret fillings to choose from.

That matters because it turns a strict recipe into something you can personalize. You can build a pie that matches your taste—more savory, more adventurous, or more comforting. If you’re traveling with different dietary needs, the class is described as suitable for most dietary requirements, and JoJo also teaches vegetarian options.

Important practical note: fillings are where people often overstuff pies at home. In class, you get guidance on how to portion and assemble. That’s a key benefit of hands-on instruction: you’re less likely to end up with a pie that doesn’t seal or bake properly.

Assembling the Pies: Where You Learn the Shape Trick

When it’s time to create the pies, you’ll put pastry and chosen fillings together. This is the stage where you learn how to form a pie that can actually hold its contents and emerge from the oven looking like a real pork pie, not a tasty pastry accident.

The workshop includes the facilities and equipment you need, so you aren’t hunting for tools. Your focus stays on technique: how the pastry should sit, how you manage the filling inside, and how you finish the pie so it bakes as intended.

Baking and the Best Moment: Eating It Warm

Then comes the payoff. The class saves the best part for last: you eat a yummy pork pie warm, fresh out of the oven.

That’s not just a nice ending. It’s a tasting lesson. When you eat it immediately, you can notice how the pastry and filling change as the pie cools. You can taste what you did right, and you can feel what you should repeat next time at home.

If you’re a fan of food souvenirs, this is one of the rare classes where the main reward isn’t just photos. It’s warm, edible proof of your work.

The Instructor Effect: JoJo’s Style and Why It Helps You Succeed

You’re learning from JoJo, and the vibe is clearly part of the value. The teaching style is described as interactive and upbeat, and she has 20 years of teaching experience. That combination usually means two things: you’ll get clear directions, and you won’t feel embarrassed if your first attempt isn’t perfect.

From feedback, people also highlight JoJo’s warmth. She’s set up to make you comfortable quickly, which matters in a kitchen class. Cooking teaches best when you’re relaxed enough to focus on instructions instead of worrying about messing up.

There’s also a social element. You may meet other people from different countries, which makes the time move faster. Even if you come solo, you’re not stuck in a silent seat while someone else cooks.

Price and Value: Is $80 for 3 Hours Fair?

At about $80 per person for a 3-hour workshop, the price can feel steep until you look at what’s included.

Here’s what you’re getting:

• teaching and guidance throughout
• ingredients for making pork pies
• all facilities and equipment included
• a warm pork pie to eat at the end
• pastry-making from scratch, not just tasting or assembling

When you factor in ingredients plus instruction, this is less like buying a meal and more like paying for a guided skill session. The best part is that you’re walking out with both satisfaction and capability. That’s worth it if you enjoy hands-on cooking or want a London experience that’s more personal than a museum visit.

Also, it’s a good value if you compare it to doing a similar workshop by piecemeal. You’re not paying extra for tools, extra ingredients, or a separate tasting.

What to Bring (And How to Set Yourself Up for a Smooth Class)

Keep it simple. Bring:

• comfortable clothes
• closed-toe shoes

And if you want to enjoy the experience the way the class suggests, bring your own booze. That’s optional, but it’s part of the workshop feel.

If you’re planning your day around it, build in a little buffer time for London travel. Food classes start on time, and you’ll want a calm arrival rather than sprinting in with flour anxiety.

Who This Workshop Is Best For

This class fits best if you want:

• a hands-on London activity you can actually eat
• an approachable cooking lesson with a friendly teacher
• something fun for a date night or a small group day out
• a picnic-quality British souvenir you can take home and show off later

It’s also a solid option if you have food considerations. The workshop is described as suitable for most dietary requirements, and vegetarian options are taught.

If you’re an absolute beginner, you’re in the right place. The class is designed to guide you through making pastry, choosing fillings, building pies, and then tasting them warm. You don’t need to know anything first.

If you hate any kitchen mess or you’re short on time, that’s where it may not fit. You will do hands-on work, and you should be comfortable being in a working kitchen for the full three hours.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the London pork pie cookery class?

It’s a 3-hour workshop.

What’s the price per person?

The price is listed as $80 per person.

Where do I meet for the class?

Meet at Buzz for Cook and Craft Collective, then the team will collect you at the start of your class from the reception area.

Is the class taught in English?

Yes, the instructor teaches in English.

What’s included in the workshop fee?

You get the 3-hour workshop plus ingredients and teaching on how to make pork pies. All facilities and equipment are included.

Do I need to bring any cooking ingredients?

No. Ingredients are included as part of the class.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes.

Can I drink during the class?

You should bring your own booze to enjoy throughout your experience.

Are there vegetarian options?

Yes. JoJo teaches vegetarian options as part of the workshop’s filling choices.

What if I need to cancel?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there an option to book and pay later?

Yes, you can reserve now and pay later (pay nothing today).

Should You Book This Pork Pie Class?

Yes, if you want a London food experience that’s genuinely practical. You’ll learn pastry-making, pick fillings (including extra options), assemble proper pies, and finish with a warm slice you helped create.

Skip it only if you’re looking for something purely observational or you want a slow, no-pressure session. This is hands-on, and it moves at workshop speed for a reason: three hours is enough to teach you the process without turning your day into a full cooking marathon.

If you love comfort food, like doing things with your hands, or want a fun rainy-day plan that ends in something you can taste, this is a strong pick.