An Introduction To Sourdough Workshop

Luke's Bakery is running a sourdough masterclass at Carlton Towers Estate on Saturday 12 September, from 10:00 to 16:00. It's a full day in the Cooks Kitchen, and it's open to everyone from complete beginners to people who've been baking at home for years.

The morning starts with the dough itself. Once that's sorted, there's a coffee break while Luke talks through the sourdough starter — the wild yeast that gives the bread its flavour and lift. The afternoon is where you actually get your hands in it: you'll spend the session practising kneading and shaping, with Luke demonstrating the techniques as you go. By the end of the day, you'll be baking your own loaf.

When you leave, you don't just walk away empty-handed. You take home the bread you've baked, and you'll also get some of Luke's own levain — the starter — so you can keep the process going in your own kitchen. Lunch is provided on the day, and they'll ask for any dietary requirements when you book, so you can just turn up and focus on the baking. All the equipment is sorted too, so there's nothing you need to bring along.

It's £150 per person for the day, and since it runs from 10:00 to 16:00, you'll have plenty of time to get a proper handle on the whole process before you head home with your loaf and your starter.