Pork pies in London, minus the mystery. This 3-hour hands-on workshop at Cook & Craft Collective is led by JoJo, with an upbeat style and 20 years of teaching behind her. You’ll learn by doing, not by sitting and listening, and you’ll get a real sense of the classic British technique behind a proper pork pie.

Two things I really liked: the chance to pick from secret fillings, and the payoff of eating an oven-fresh pork pie warm at the end. One consideration: this is not a watch-only class, so you should be ready to get involved with pastry and assembly from start to finish.

Quick hits before you go

• JoJo runs the show with a friendly, high-energy approach shaped by 20 years of teaching
• Pastry first, then fillings so you understand the structure of a real pork pie
• Secret filling choices make the class feel personal instead of one-size-fits-all
• Warm, freshly baked tasting at the end turns lessons into something you can enjoy right away
• Most dietary needs can be handled with vegetarian options mentioned by guests
• Everything is provided (ingredients, equipment, and the practical know-how)

Meet JoJo at Cook and Craft Collective (the class starts fast)

Your experience begins at Cook and Craft Collective Ltd, at the Buzz for Cook and Craft Collective sign. Go to the reception area and get comfortable there. If you want a hot drink before you start, there’s an onsite cafe where you can pick one up.

At the class start, you’ll be collected for the workshop. That matters more than it sounds. In a cooking class, losing time at the start can throw off your pace. Here, you’re brought in and set up so you can focus on learning rather than figuring out where things are.

You’ll also get a quick read on the vibe: guests highlight that JoJo keeps things fun and organized, with great music in the background. That combination helps when you’re doing something fiddly, like pastry work. You won’t feel rushed, but you will be working.

The real learning: pastry with JoJo’s special recipe

Once you’re settled in, the class flows in a practical order. First comes the pastry. You’ll make it using JoJo’s special recipe, not a vague guideline. This is the foundation that makes the pie more than a themed snack.

Why this order works:

• Pastry is technical enough that doing it early helps your brain remember the steps.
• If you get the pastry right, the fillings and assembly step becomes much easier.
• You learn what the pastry should do, not just what it should look like.

Guests also describe the class as relaxed and easy to work with, which is exactly what you want when you’re trying a new technique. If you’re the type who gets tense in cooking settings, this is the kind of environment where you can relax and still come away with real skills.

And because everything is included—facilities, equipment, and ingredients—you’re not hunting down tools or guessing amounts. It turns a potentially intimidating recipe into something doable.

Choosing fillings and the fun of the secret options

After the pastry, you move into fillings. This is where the experience becomes more than instruction. You’ll choose your fillings, and there are even some extra secret filling ideas to pick from.

That sounds like a small detail, but it changes the feeling of the class:

• You’re not locked into one outcome. You get a hand in creating your final pie.
• It turns the workshop into a mini creative decision, while still staying grounded in classic technique.
• If you’re cooking for people with different tastes, you can steer your choices.

There’s also a clear signal that vegetarian options are on the table. One guest specifically noted JoJo teaches vegetarian options, which is helpful if your group isn’t all pork-pie fans. The broader info says the workshop is suitable for most dietary requirements, but since specifics aren’t listed here, your best move is to mention your needs when you arrive or when booking.

Assembling your pies: where patience pays off

Next comes assembly—creating your pies. This step is the bridge between skill and the final result. Pastry is one thing, but turning it into a proper pie shape is where you’ll feel the satisfaction.

You’ll be working with your chosen filling inside the pastry, following JoJo’s approach. Even if you’ve baked before, expect a few moments of focus. A pork pie is a structured savory item, not a loose pastry situation. The goal is a neat build that bakes well and holds together when you cut into it.

Guests repeatedly mention that JoJo is kind and warm, and that the experience feels supportive. That matters because pastry work often benefits from encouragement. You can’t fake the technique, but you also don’t need to be a pro to succeed here.

The best moment: eating your warm, oven-fresh pork pie

This class saves the payoff for the end. You’ll eat a yummy pork pie warm, fresh out of the oven. That’s not just a courtesy. It’s the best way to check your learning.

You’ll taste:

• how the pastry baked and set,
• how the filling behaves when heated,
• and whether your pies feel like the real deal, not just something that looked right in the room.

This also becomes a strong souvenir experience. One guest said the recipe will be a great souvenir to bring home and show off new skills. Even without you needing to “think of a lesson,” the tasting makes your brain connect method to result.

Price and value: why $80 can make sense for London

At around $80 per person for a 3-hour workshop, you’re not paying for a quick demo. You’re paying for hands-on teaching plus ingredients and equipment, with a final tasting that confirms your work.

Here’s how I think about value in a class like this:

• You get the full cycle: pastry, fillings, assembly, and a warm finished product.
• The materials are included, so you’re not hit with hidden costs for ingredients or tools.
• The instructor brings decades of teaching experience, which can shorten the learning curve. That’s real value if you want to leave with confidence.

If you’re comparing this to a casual food activity in London, it’s more “doing” than “watching.” That’s often worth it, especially if you like taking home a skill rather than only a meal.

What to bring (and what to expect during those 3 hours)

Plan for comfortable, practical clothing. Closed-toe shoes are required, since you’ll be working in a kitchen environment. Think: a space where you might stand, move, and handle ingredients.

You should also bring your own booze to enjoy throughout your experience. That’s a fun British touch and it fits the social side of a cookery class. If you’d rather not drink, you can still enjoy the cooking, but the instruction is clearly aimed at letting you bring something to sip during the workshop.

As for language, the instructor is English, so it’s straightforward if you’re comfortable following cooking directions and small group feedback in English.

The class is also designed to accommodate most dietary requirements. That’s good for groups. Just don’t assume every need is identical—if you have allergies or strict dietary rules, you’ll want to clarify them when you book.

Who this pork pie class fits best

This is a great choice if you want an authentic London-ish food activity that still feels British in a hands-on way. It’s not trying to be trendy. It’s teaching a traditional savory classic.

I’d especially recommend it if:

• you enjoy making food with your hands and don’t mind getting a little flour on the way,
• you want a date night or small-group activity that’s more interactive than a typical dinner,
• you’d like a teachable skill you can recreate later,
• and you’re curious about classic pork pie structure, not just the taste.

It’s also a strong pick for mixed diets within a group, since vegetarian options are referenced by guests and the workshop is described as suitable for most dietary requirements.

Should you book the London Traditional Pork Pie Cookery Class?

Yes—if you want a structured, fun cooking experience that ends with warm, oven-fresh results you made yourself, this is a smart booking.

Book it when:

• you’re ready for a hands-on class (pastry and assembly are part of the deal),
• you like guided instruction with a friendly teacher like JoJo,
• and you value included ingredients and equipment so the experience stays easy to join.

Skip or reconsider if:

• you’re looking for a quiet, no-participation food tour,
• or you’re sensitive to smells/heat from baking (since you’ll be working and then tasting warm pies right away).

If your goal is to leave with real confidence and a delicious souvenir in your stomach, this pork pie cookery class does that well.

FAQ

How long is the London Traditional Pork Pie Cookery Class?

The workshop lasts 3 hours.

Who teaches the class?

The instructor is JoJo, and the class is taught in English.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes the 3-hour workshop plus ingredients and teaching on how to make pork pies.

Is the class suitable for dietary requirements?

The workshop is described as suitable for most dietary requirements, and vegetarian options are mentioned by guests.

What do I need to bring?

Bring comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. You should also bring your own booze to enjoy throughout the experience.

Where do I meet the group?

Meet at Buzz for Cook and Craft Collective. You can get comfortable in the reception area, and you’ll be collected at the start of the class.

Do I need to bring tools or ingredients?

No. All facilities, equipment, and ingredients are included.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.