FLAVOURSOME FRIENDS Exquisite Sushi & Cocktail Masterclass at the Prestigious Avenue Cookery School

Beginning her culinary journey as chalet chef, owner and head chef Diana Horsford has founded a number of specialist food ventures in her lengthy career. Teaching for seven years at the renowned Grange Cookery School, the dynamic cookery school boss approaches her cooking classes with the same enthusiasm as she does her food. Founding The Avenue Cookery School in 2014, Diana has transformed the business into a warm and loving family venture with her son, Richard and daughter, Sophie, who both share their mother’s passion for food. With a keen interest in pushing the traditional boundaries, Richard is the self-proclaimed sushi-master of The Avenue’s kitchen, eager to share his modern sushi rolling techniques.Your mouth-watering journey takes place amongst the warmth of The Avenue’s Wandsworth-based kitchen. Atmospheric candles and fairy lights illuminate the cookery school, making the kitchen familiar and comforting. The evening kicks off with a lively cocktail demonstration from an expert mixologist, as they share insider tips and tricks on cocktail making. Whilst nibbling on beautiful bites of freshly baked homemade bread, have fun playing with different exotic ingredients to create two homemade cocktails. Paying homage to the classics, your first concoction is a tantalizing Amaretto Sour, an artful mix of disaronno, egg white, sugar syrup and lemon juice. Then it’s time for a Japanese-inspired Yuzu Cocktail, infused with sake and yuzu; the perfect accompaniment to your homemade sushi to come. With gorgeous ingredients and professional equipment at your disposal, it’s time to really let your creativity shine! After some cocktail creating, it’s time to turn to some sushi making! The class begins with a detailed demonstration from one of The Avenue’s passionate sushi connoisseurs, as they introduce you to the history of the Japanese-inspired dish. Then it’s time for you to master master the perfect sushi roll. Prepare to get your hands sticky and your mouth watering as you learn the essentials of sushi preparation, from cooking the sushi rice, to mastering those all-important knife skills and finally, constructing the sushi.Finish the evening socialising with new friends under the warm glow of fairy lights, admiring and nibbling your artful Japanese creations. With the wine flowing, the soy sauce pouring and the wasabi in abundance, it’s a marvellous evening of sophisticated tastes that will amuse and delight your palate.