Book for yourself, or for a friend
Adults (16+) £150
Children (5-15) £50
About the masterclass
Join us for a masterclass in fish and shellfish preparation with Hawarden Estate chef Adam Williams.
Guests will enjoy a spectacular fire-cooked seafood lunch, discover new knife skills, prepare fish and learn to build and maintain the best fire.
You will learn:
How to open and clean scallops
How to shuck oysters
How to cook oysters
Filleting round fish
Filleting flat fish
How to prepare papillote
Hot and cold smoking
The menu
Smoked trout with rye bread, pickled beetroot and dill
Oysters served natural and kilpatrick or rockefeller
Grilled Pembrokeshire scallops in the shell with pickled apples and seaweed butter
Conwy mussels steamed with white wine, cream and parsley with sourdough bread
Blackened mackerel, fennel, cucumber and grapefruit salad
Lemon Sole en papillote with olives, capers and spring greens
Line caught seabass wrapped in fig leaves and baked in the embers served with cumin and dill potatoes, grilled asparagus and aioli
About the day:
9:00am: Welcome introduction.
9:15am - 10:00am:
Building your fire, wood and coals.
Moisture content and seasoning of wood.
Using the right type of fuel – coals and wood, what to look for.
Splitting logs and making your own kindling.
Building your fire – the foundations.
Fire lighting techniques such as using flint and hay.
Controlling your fire and keeping it going economically. The use of feeder fire – controlling heat levels10.00am – 10:30am: Break – Tea, coffee and bakestone Welsh cakes from the fire.
10.30am - 12:30pm: Cooking and preparing lunch.
Preparation of seasonal fish and vegetables to cook over the fire, alongside basic knife skills. Seasonings, marinades and vegetables will be at the forefront. Adam will share techniques to elevate your flavours.
Fire techniques: tempering, hanging, smoking, slow cooking, fast, direct on the coals, over and under.12.30pm - 13:00pm: Snacks.
Smoked trout with rye bread, pickled beetroot and dill
Oysters served natural and kilpatrick or rockefeller13:00pm - 13:30pm: The finishing touches
13:45pm - 15:00pm - Sit down for lunch
15:00pm - 15:30pm - Closing down your fire and Q&A’s
Limited to 20 guests.
This masterclass isn’t aimed at children, although they are welcome to join alongside an adult.
Book your place below
Adults (16+) £150
Children (5-15) £50
Some common questions answered
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Just yourself, a water bottle and some suitable clothing for the weather. We have lots of areas under cover, should the sun not shine. All equipment and ingredients are provided.
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The car park is a short walk (one or two minutes) from The Walled Garden. Parking is free.
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This masterclass is open to a maximum of 20 guests.
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Absolutely! Our team are here to make your day special, comfortable and FUN. You’re going to learn new skills and gain new confidence.
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We offer refreshments at every class, talk and masterclass and most include a lunch. Please make us aware of any food allergies or specific dietary requirements you or your group may have prior to the course taking place.
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Yes! Our school is friendly and welcoming. You’ll spend your day among likeminded people.
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Yes! You’re welcome to come in groups to our classes and workshops. For bespoke sessions, please get in touch.
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No. With small numbers, we’re able to tailor many aspects of your day to you as an individual, so if there’s anything you’d rather not do, please let us know.
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These workshops and masterclasses are designed to be relaxed, engaging, educational and fun for all who join. The idea here is to take away meaningful learnings for the future, all whilst having a great time in The Walled Garden.
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Absolutely! Gift vouchers are available in our shop, here.
About The Walled Garden School
Masterclasses in open fire cooking, photography, yoga, business, fermentation, butchery, baking, natural dyeing, growing, foraging, beekeeping and more.
Amateurs, novices, experts and on-lookers are warmly invited.
All set within the bucolic surroundings of Hawarden Castle’s Victorian Walled Garden.
Book a stay
Relax in complete comfort after your day spent at The Walled Garden School.
This elegant Georgian home, with its simple but refined garden, has been the home to generations of head gardeners and -indeed- artists.
It has now been completely refurbished to the highest standard, while retaining a strong connection to those gardeners and artists. Gardener's House can accommodate parties of 5 or 9.
Private, design-led, luxury accommodation with incredible experiences attached.
