Anyone completed a sugarcraft/chocolatier class/course

[bacon]

I'm eyeing up a Squires kitchen course...I know they are expensive but OH owes me 3 weeks hols for all his cycling/stags etc and wonder if anyone else has done a professional course.

The LA do 1.5hrs course which is cheap but its endless and would rather have intensive training. Has anyone completed a LA course and benefited.

Squires kitchen is 2hrs drive from me so would have to stay with relative near.

Suppose that the course is only one section of what I'd like to learn as my sugarpaste is far from up to scratch and modelling dreadful but do you think doing an intensive professional course wins hands down over a long winded LA course?

Perhaps someone has done a brilliant sugarcraft course around south west area?

I would love to do a proper intensive professional course. I've had a look at our LA courses, but unless you can find one that's advanced I'd think you'd just be repeating the basics. Looking at your pictures you seem to have those mastered :)

I have. I have the full advanced City and Guilds 7900 qualification which covers everything from chocolate,blown and pulled sugar, royal icing, modelling. If you want to do a proper, professional course it's the only one.

however, as I was training to be a pastry chef at the time it was a bit different for me. I did it as a full time 10 week course at a private college (donkeys' years ago - well, 16 to be precise)

I've done a couple of day courses, not an intensive one over several days though, mainly as I am not entirely sure they would really be that useful to me. I have looked at the Squires chocolate one though and the Slattery chocolate ones.

Some of the LA/college evening courses are very, very good. Eddie Spence runs a Royal Icing class in his area in the evenings and he is very, very good at what he does. I also know several people who tutor at LA classes who are extremely good at what they do, so depending on the tutor, I would say they are very useful.

Personally, I would think about what you want to do and then look for someone known for teaching that. That way you will learn each skill to a much higher level, rather than being 'quite good' at everything.

You could also join your local Sugarcraft Guild, they have some really good demonstrations and classes at very low cost with sometimes the best tutors in the country for what they do.

My problem is not always being able to turn up with our business, baby sitting and children's stuff.

This is why I like the intense 3 day course. The LA course that I can do is only 2hrs and wonder if you can get that much cramed in with setting up and clearing.

This course with Squires is a chocolate wedding cake course which is ideal as I am doing one for APril.

I'll have a look at the Eddie Spence too.

There is a cook shop that does ad-hoc afternoon courses too so may try these at £35 a shot.

I see. I think for chocolate the courses are useful, as it's a skill that is harder to learn yourself.

Sometimes local sugarcraft shops offer one day or half day courses with tutors known for specific things, although those I know are at the Northern end of the country, which I am guessing you're not if you're nearish to Squires.

I am hoping to do some private tuition with a couple of people later on in the year (when my DH is back from Afghanistan) due to similar restraints, although I do attend some of the BSG evenings.

I would love to go on an Eddie Spence course. He made the flowers for my 18th birthday cake :)