Leiths Online: My Experience

I’ve just finished a 24-week Essentials Cooking course with Leiths Online. It was the best decision I’ve made in a long time. Let me tell you all about it…

Until now, I’ve never had any formal training in the kitchen. My experience was almost entirely (shout out to my Mum) self-taught. When I moved out for the first time, I started experimenting and trying new recipes and I haven’t really stopped since.

So, last year, I decided it was about time I invested in myself and opted for a cookery course. With big dreams of one day feeding people for a living, I knew it was something I needed for my next career move.

Unfortunately, my lifestyle wasn’t going to facilitate a multi-term, in-person diploma (who knows, maybe one day?!) I was working 9-5, my weekends were full for months in advance, I had no savings to fall back on.

When I stumbled across this remote course, I knew it was going to be the right thing for me.

Learning Remotely with Leiths Online

With a bespoke app that brings Leiths’ team of expert chefs straight to your kitchen, the learning gets underway immediately.

Modules were released every week over the six-month period. Some weeks, there were two units in the module, other weeks there were five or six. We started with the basics; knife skills, seasoning, principles of cooking.

Gradually, the lessons covered more complex topics. From fileting fish to making fresh bread and choux pastry to chicken jointing. Each session combined technical skill with practical advice that steadily built my confidence and capability.

The Highs Of Cooking With Leiths Online

Do you think I thought I’d ever fillet a flat fish?! Or prepare my own squid?! Or, as a renowned messy cook, get THIS organised?!

Never.

The most invaluable habit I’ve made on my journey with Leiths Online is mise en place. Everything in place. I won’t even cook a roast dinner for my husband and I without getting everything together first. It’s been game-changing for me and I will never cook the same way again. Don’t get me wrong – my kitchen is still chaotic, I’m only human, but it’s the most organised chaos I’ve ever had.

Learning new skills each week, when they eventually clicked, was like levelling up in your favourite video game. It’s as if you can feel a new expansion pack unlock in your brain. After watching, re-watching, trying and practising with each unit, you really do reach a lightbulb moment and think “Oh, I get it now!”

Having finished the course, I feel accomplished and confident in my culinary skills. A feeling that was alien to me before.

The Lows Of Cooking With Leiths Online

There were definite lows on this course. Through no one’s fault other than my own.

Some days it would just be a confidence wobble. I’d feel the imposter syndrome creep in and ask myself what on earth I was doing playing chef like a toddler. Other days, my erratic brain got the better of me and either made me rush, or panic, or lose my cool. None of which are conducive to calm, collected, successful cooking.

When I say I gave blood, sweat and tears to this experience… I mean it.

Don’t worry, the blood was minimal and only happened once with a newly-sharpened knife! The sweat and tears, though. Yikes.

Would I Recommend Leiths Online?

I would whole-heartedly recommend learning with Leiths Online. If you’re remotely interested in food or cooking, this is most definitely a course that will benefit you. I was unsure how much I’d get from it, but I blew away every expectation I had. The helpful feedback from your mentor, the variety of skills, the emphasis on mastering the basics. It does exactly what it says on the tin: teaches you the Essentials.

What Next, After Leiths?

Well, as I write this I’m currently waiting to attend my accreditation weekend in September. Eventually, I’d love to take on the Chef Skills course. But that’s another challenge for another time when I’ve got a bit more money!

Professionally, I’m excited to put my skills to good use. This year, I’m branching out into freelance work for the first time. Having had prior experience of recipe development & food styling, I’m ready to take it on professionally for clients. I’m also staying active on Instagram, which documents my experiments (successful and otherwise) in my chaotic kitchen. I’ll be hosting more supper clubs, too!

Want To Know More? Reach Out!

I’m always happy to chat about my experience with Leiths, so if you want to know more or have a specific question – don’t be shy! Message me anytime using my Contact form or give me a follow and DM on Instagram X

FAQ

Where is Leiths School of Food and Wine?

Leiths cookery school (School of Food and Wine) is located in West London. It’s about a half hour walk (five-ten minute drive) from Hammersmith Station, Acton and Chiswick Park. It’s accessible by train, tube, bus, taxi or – as I’ll be doing in September – on foot!

Who Started Leiths Cookery School?

Prue Leith founded the school in 1975. Her unwavering belief in learning to cook with fresh, seasonal ingredients, holds strong even today.