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7 Manchester Baking Classes That Will Make Your Life Sweeter
They say cooking is an art and baking is a science, making the latter a more challenging skill to master. But don’t be sad if your baking expertise is non-existent (or let’s just say that it’s still developing)—becoming an expert takes time!
It also takes a lot of effort, so taking a one-off class or a series of workshops on baking as a starting point to becoming a master of the oven wouldn’t hurt at all.
You can even choose what kind of baked goods you’ll focus on—artisan breads like sourdough are a popular choice for beginners. Once you’re skilled enough, you can move on to more complicated items like French pastries!
With the right determination and guidance from the baking classes we’ve curated in this list, you’ll be able to create your own version of your favourite sweets and Mancunian specialities without breaking a sweat.
Food Sorcery Cookery School – Didsbury
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Address: Adjacent to the Waterside Hotel, Wilmslow Rd, Didsbury, M20 5WZ
Contact details: 0161 706 0505
Operating hours: Daily – 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Pricing: £££
Baking your own bread and cakes will no longer feel like unexplainable magic once you take some baking classes at Food Sorcery Cookery School at Didsbury.
Learn how to make the famous macaron or catch up with friends with finally baking your own sourdough bread; the skilled instructors at Food Sorcery will guide you every step of the way. Once your masterpiece is done, get to taste the fruit of your labour, too!
The baking classes at Food Sorcery cover a wide range of topics, so you’ll always have new recipes to try and skills to learn. These classes are scheduled regularly, with sessions available weekly throughout the year.
| Pro tip: Already hungry or thirsty during your cooking class? Don’t worry—Food Sorcery has you covered with a complimentary drink, and you can buy more if needed. |
The English Rose Bakery
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Address: 89a Flixton Rd, Urmston, M41 5AL
Contact details: 7523 067502
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – CLOSED
Pricing: £££
The English Rose Bakery at Urmston is certainly a macaron-lover’s paradise. With the expertise of master macaron makers Emma and Marie, learning to make these legendary French desserts can be as easy as eating one!
Book a private masterclass at this bakery to learn how to perfectly mix and bake vegan macarons or how to decorate cakes in the whimsical drip style. All ingredients and equipment to be used are already part of the fee, so all you need to do is show up on your schedule.
Plus, you get to take home whatever you bake and share the sweet treats with friends and family.
| Pro tip: The macaron masterclass schedules aren’t regularly posted on the shop’s social media or website. To get the latest information, email [email protected]. |
Hey Little Cupcake! – Spinningfields
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Address: 2 Hardman St, Spinningfields, M3 3HF
Contact details: 0161 832 0260
Operating hours:
- Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Friday – 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Sunday to Tuesday – CLOSED
Pricing: £££
The baking classes at Hey Little Cupcake are a must-try if you want to explore the world of the shop’s namesake single-serve iced confections. Conveniently located in the Spinningfields area, its classes are easy to get to, even on weekdays.
In the two and a half hour baking session, you’ll learn to make crowd favourites like cookies, cupcakes, and brownies.
You don’t need to bring anything but yourself, as everything you’ll need is provided as part of the class fee. If you book during a holiday, you might even get lucky and take home a small gift!
| Pro tip: Hey Little Cupcake’s baking classes are great for both young and adult individuals. However, we highly recommend choosing the cupcake decorating classes if kids will be the main participants, for better safety. |
The Big Manchester Bake
Media from The Big Bakes
Address: Unit 2, 4 New Bailey, Stanley Street, Salford, M3 5FS
Contact details: 7852 617295
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Friday – 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 10:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Pricing: £££
Experience the thrill and vibe of THAT famous competitive British baking show while learning and having fun at The Big Manchester Bake! Although it just opened in October 2024, this bake-off, erm, class, is quickly becoming a must-do activity in Manchester.
You’ll never have to use the oven alone, as The Big Bakes’ system pairs groups of two or three people to tackle a recipe together. Everything you need for the cake or dessert of the day is provided, and the friendly staff are on hand to assist and clean up after you.
Don’t forget to smile for the photos and be proud of your team’s finished creation!
| Pro tip: You can bring your service animal with you while you bake! Just coordinate with The Big Manchester Bake management in advance so they can make accommodations for you and your companion, which typically includes your own separate workstation. |
COOK! with The Vegetarian Society
Media from The Vegetarian Society
Address: 15 Jersey St, Ancoats, M4 6EZ
Contact details: 0161 925 2000
Operating hours: varies; contact the organisation directly for details
Pricing: £££
The Vegetarian Society, a beloved UK charity and movement, has been helping those who want to start a vegetarian or vegan diet by offering cooking lessons on various types of dishes. The vast number of dishes that can be made entirely with veggies and plant proteins is indeed surprising.
Their COOK! classes are excellent for ultimate beginners and casual bakers.
The Vegan and Gluten-free Afternoon Tea Masterclass teaches how to make basic sweets and pastries typically paired with a cup of tea. On the other hand, there’s also a vegan and vegetarian baking class for professional chefs that includes more intricate cake decorating techniques.
| Pro tip: Paying the class fee in instalments is allowed, but the full amount must be paid before your booking date, or your slot will be forfeited. All payments prior made in this case are also non-refundable. |
The Cheshire Cookery School
Media from The Cheshire Cookery School
Address: Norman Rd, Altrincham WA14 4EP
Contact details: 0161 928 5120
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Saturday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday -CLOSED
Pricing: £££
Next on our list is The Cheshire Cookery School in Altrincham, one of Greater Manchester’s charming towns. This facility has been teaching the science and art of cookery, including baking, since 2009.
The baking classes here typically focus on two key topics: making sweet and savoury breads, and creating classic French patisserie and macarons. These start with a complimentary cup of coffee and a chat with the skilled instructor before diving into the challenge!
The baking classes at The Cheshire Cookery School are typically done on Saturdays in consideration of the topic’s intensity. Each session lasts a few hours, so it’s best to allocate most of the day for it.
| Pro tip: You don’t need to have your own apron nor ingredients for the baking classes here—The Cheshire Cookery School will provide that! Just bring your lovely self and dress up appropriately with closed-toe, non-slip shoes and comfy clothing. |
Saddleworth Cookery School
Media from Saddleworth Cookery School
Address: Unit 11, Warth Mill, Huddersfield Rd, Diggle, Oldham OL3 5PJ
Contact details: 01457 873333
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Sunday – 1:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Pricing: £££
If you don’t mind touring out of the city towards Oldham over the weekend, we highly recommend the baking classes at Saddleworth Cookery School. This institution welcomes learners of all ages!
The baking classes are delightful, thanks to the school’s focus on using the freshest local ingredients and the experienced, lively instructors who make each session enjoyable.
Saddleworth offers baking classes as a series of sessions or workshops, one-off sessions, or leisurely activities for small groups. Whatever type of activity you choose, you’ll learn to make your own artisan bread or buttery pastry in no time.
| Pro tip: You can enjoy the Saddleworth Cookery School experience without even turning on the oven! Visit its own bakery (at the same premises), and indulge in the delicious treats baked in-house. |
