Overview:
Get your taste buds tingling with our gastronomic experience that will challenge everybody, no matter how good (or bad) you are in the kitchen. Food is a great way to bring people together and this event is all about having fun and interacting with colleagues, learning new skills (and showing off hidden talents) while cooking and eating a selection of scrumptious dishes.

Our expert chefs will be on hand offering advice, tips and techniques to ensure that you make the tastiest food possible. This is a great activity with lots of scope for learning and being creative.

Format:
The event starts with our experienced chef instructing and demonstrating how to make a selection of dishes. Then it's up to the teams to prepare and cook a two course meal. This can either be a starter and main, or main and pudding. All equipment and fresh ingredients are provided for each team to use. Once teams have finished cooking, teams can ‘break bread' and enjoy their creations at the end of the session.

Sample Dishes:
Groups can choose the two courses that they would like to create from the menu below:

Starters
Smoked haddock fish cakes & Hollandaise Sauce
Wild Mushroom & Artichoke
Red Onion & Stilton Tart & Walnut Dressed Salad
Asian fishcakes with wasabi mayo and lemon dressed leaves (V) Roasted butternut squash cakes with coriander and chilli with lemon dressed leaves
Pancetta, slowly cooked leeks & parmesan tart with rocket

Mains
Ballontine of Chicken, Celeriac Puree & Green Beans
Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb with Tomato Farci*
Sri Lankan Chicken Curry & Lime Leaf Scented Rice
Pearl Barley & Tomato Risotto (V)

Pudding
Dark Chocolate Fondants
White chocolate & raspberry tart
Treacle tart, lemon creme
Pear & Frangipane Tart
Apple & Cinnamon Strudel
Chocolate Tart with Raspberry Coulis

*An additional surcharge of £3 per person will be added to Lamb dishes

 

Included:
· Fresh ingredients
· All equipment
· Safety equipment
· Public liability insurance
· Experienced chef
· Full event management
· Presentation and fun prizes for the winning teams

Duration:
Available as a half day (3 hours) or full day (6 hours) event

Please note:
We supply food, utensils, and aprons for the session and generally two people to run the event. This event can take place in a hotel conference room using our mobile mini ovens, or in a fully equipped kitchen. We can liaise with the venue to check suitability.

· All electrical goods are tested and we follow all health and safety regulations.
· Ingredients can be tailored to fit in with times of the year or cultural themes.
· We hold current food and hygiene certificates

Feedback on this event from our clients:
“Thanks for fixing a tremendous event- the attendees were so happy with the whole day it was unbelievable, and the Gourmet Challenge was a huge part of that. Your team did a super job, despite the disparate skills and personalities on display from our group. They were courteous, funny, service-minded, capable and patient beyond belief. I look forward to being asked to put together another such event in the future- and when I am, you will be the first person I call. Please make sure to pass this e-mail on to your managers, and the team on the day to ensure you all get the credit that you deserve for this fantastic event”
- Thomson Reuters

“We all had a fantastic time, thank you so so much for your help! The service from Hoops and the girls was perfect, always willing to help (despite how needy we can be, as you know!) The atmosphere was brilliant and the team really enjoyed the surprise. I special thank you to you though, I could not have organised any of it with out you! Please look out for a little thank you in the post”
- Cadbury

“Thank you so much for all your help in organising yesterday's very successful event. The feedback I've received so far was extremely positive. The event met all of our expectations and we really had fun. The chefs were excellent and really made it an enjoyable yet informative experience. Please reiterate our thanks to them. Their expertise, lively personalities and words of encouragement really made the event work. We were all nicely surprised that the food tasted incredible at the end too. So that was a real bonus. Thanks to Danny for managing and introducing the event and explaining the values and benefits to the team”
- BSkyB

Overview:
French ‘patisseries' is a culinary workshop where the group will learn a new skill and have fun together, creating a selection of French cakes & patisseries for afternoon tea.

With our expert chef on hand with tips and techniques your group will enjoy this challenge however good (or bad) they are in the kitchen.

Format:
Our professional chef will demonstrate how to make a selection of stylish and tasty French cakes & patisseries. Then he will hand over to the group to have a try for themselves. Groups will need to copy the chefs' examples and make a selection of cakes.

Each team must prepare and cook. This is a great activity with lots of scope for learning and being creative. At the end of the session teams can ‘break bread' and enjoy their cooking.

Included:
· Activities and equipment
· Safety equipment
· Public liability insurance
· Experienced chef
· Full event management
· Presentation and fun prizes for the winning teams

Duration:
1 - 2 hours

Feedback on cookery events from our clients:
“Suzy was really helpful and was always either available to speak to or called me straight back which made organising an event at short notice really easy - and the event was excellent!”
- Topman

“We all had a fantastic time, thank you so so much for your help! The service from Hoops and the girls was perfect, always willing to help (despite how needy we can be, as you know!) The atmosphere was brilliant and the team really enjoyed the surprise. I special thank you to you though, I could not have organised any of it with out you! Please look out for a little thank you in the post”
- Cadbury

“We all had a great day and thoroughly enjoyed the cooking. The Chef was brilliant and we had a bit of fun along the way and every one was able to eat their own food. We will definitely look into doing this again”
- British Gas

“Thank you so much for all your help in organising yesterday's very successful event. The feedback I've received so far was extremely positive. The event met all of our expectations and we really had fun. The chefs were excellent and really made it an enjoyable yet informative experience. Please reiterate our thanks to them. Their expertise, lively personalities and words of encouragement really made the event work. We were all nicely surprised that the food tasted incredible at the end too. So that was a real bonus. Thanks to Danny for managing and introducing the event and explaining the values and benefits to the team”
- BSkyB

Overview:
Food is a great way to bring people together, making this a good option for teams to bond.

This event is all about having fun, encouraging creativity and interacting with colleagues and friends while learning new skills (and showing off hidden talents).

During this culinary workshop teams create tasty canapés and nibbles using a large variety of fresh ingredients.

There will be an expert chef on hand with tips and techniques so that your group will enjoy this challenge however good (or bad) they are on the kitchen.

Format:
The event starts with our experienced chef instructing and demonstrating how to make a selection of stylish and tasty canapés. Then it's up to the teams to have a try for themselves.

Everyone will be encouraged to be creative through experimenting with different flavours and ingredients to develop the perfect canapés.

Once everyone has stopped cooking, our head chef will judge each team's canapés by how well they worked together (too many cooks or a smooth operation), the canapés appearance and most importantly how they taste.

Once the cooking and judging is over teams can ‘break bread' and enjoy their creations at the end of the session.

Included:
• Fresh ingredients
• All equipment
• Safety equipment
• Public liability insurance
• Experienced chef
• Full event management
• Presentation and fun prizes for the winning teams

Duration:
2 hours

Feedback on this event from our clients:
“Many thanks to you and your team, Hoops in particular for providing such an enjoyable event. The set up was good and with plenty of ingredients and the odd steer from your team the Canapé Challenge went really well. All of our people had a good time and it certainly got the evening off to a good start, plus we ate most of what we prepared so it lead nicely into the meal and further catch ups, networking and discussions etc. Please do pass on my thanks to the team. I will recommend Chillisauce to others and they got a good mention at our conference the next day”
- Logica

“The feedback from the day has been really positive – please pass on a huge well done and thanks to your teams. Thanks again, and I look forward to working with you again at some point in the future”
- Lloyds TSB

Overview:
A culinary workshop where the whole group will learn a new skill and have fun together creating a selection of tasty Spanish 'Tapas'.

With an expert Chef on hand with tips and techniques your group will enjoy this challenge however good (or bad) they are on the kitchen. Food always brings people together and this culinary activity creates an environment that promotes creativity, communication and co-operation among participants.

Format:
The event starts with demonstrations from our chef on how to make a selection of stylish and tasty Spanish Tapas. Then he will hand over to the group to have a try for themselves. Groups will need to copy the chef's examples and create a new Tapas of their own creation. This can be a competition style event if required with our chef and catering assistants being the judges.

Generally the Tapas will be a hot and cold selection as mobile equipment will be provided for the group to cook hot options. This is a great activity with lots of scope for learning and being creative.

The event concludes with guests enjoying their tasty Spanish tapas creations.

Included:
· Fresh ingredients
· All equipment
· Safety equipment
· Public liability insurance
· Experienced chef
· Full event management
· Presentation and fun prizes for the winning teams

Duration:
1.5 - 2 hours

Feedback on cookery events from our clients:
“Suzy was really helpful and was always either available to speak to or called me straight back which made organising an event at short notice really easy - and the event was excellent!”
- Topman

“We all had a great day and thoroughly enjoyed the cooking. The Chef was brilliant and we had a bit of fun along the way and every one was able to eat their own food. We will definitely look into doing this again”
- British Gas

“Many thanks for helping arrange this for the Oncology team. We had a very productive meeting and the team building events were excellent. Everyone had a great time”
- Bristol- Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Limited

Overview:
A culinary workshop where the whole group will learn a new skill and have fun together, creating a selection of fresh pasta and fresh bread. 

With an experienced chef on hand with tips and techniques your group will enjoy this challenge however good (or bad) they are in the kitchen.

Format:
After a demostration from our chef on how to make fresh pasta and tasty fresh bread, it'll be over to the group to have a go.  Groups will need to copy the chefs' examples and make their own. This can be a competition style event if required with our chef and catering assistants being the judges.

The final Pasta creations can be served at dinner or as a final snack before guests depart.  Food always brings people together and culinary activities create an environment that promotes creativity, communication and cooperation among participants.

The fresh pasta and bread made will also be cooked as mobile equipment will be provided for the group to cook hot options.

Included:
· Fresh ingredients
· All equipment
· Safety equipment
· Public liability insurance
· Experienced chef
· Full event management
· Presentation and fun prizes for the winning teams

Duration:
1.5 - 2 hours

Feedback on cookery events from our clients:
“Suzy was really helpful and was always either available to speak to or called me straight back which made organising an event at short notice really easy - and the event was excellent!”
- Topman

“We all had a great day and thoroughly enjoyed the cooking. The Chef was brilliant and we had a bit of fun along the way and every one was able to eat their own food. We will definitely look into doing this again”
- British Gas

“Many thanks for helping arrange this for the Oncology team. We had a very productive meeting and the team building events were excellent. Everyone had a great time”
- Bristol- Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Limited

Overview:
This is the ultimate cookery experience, where teams spend the first part of the event exploring London's heritage markets and food halls, sourcing tasty ingredients to use. The second part of the day is spent being creative making scrumptious dishes to enjoy.

This is a fun culinary experience is a great way to bring people together by learning new skills (and showing off hidden talents). There will be the right balance and pace so that your guests aren’t rushing around in a panic and are able to really enjoy all the sights and learn along the way. 

Format:
With a list of ingredients, a cash budget and a strict time limit, each team heads off into the hustle and bustle of London’s heritage food markets, where their bargaining skills can be put to the test, then to an elegant food hall to experience London finest food hotspots.

Using their purchases, each team cooks a ‘culinary delight’, against the clock and under the expert eyes of an experienced chef. Each team prepares and cooks two courses. This can be a starter, main or dessert. This is a great activity with lots of scope for learning and being creative. 

Teams can ‘break bread’ and enjoy their cooking at the end of the session. Culinary activities create an environment that promotes creativity, communication and co-operation among participants.

Included:
· Fresh ingredients
· All equipment
· Safety equipment
· Public liability insurance
· Experienced chef
· Full event management

Duration:
Half to full day event

Overview:
Teams have to create a new and unique pie brand from concept to producing the actual gourmet dish. There is something for everyone in this hands-on ‘cooking’ challenge.

Pie Factory is an exciting and challenging event that compels participants to combine their culinary skills with their entrepreneurial flair. The objective is for teams to concoct a completely original pie creation within a limited time scale and budget. They must also create the packaging and design a marketing strategy to sell their new pie sensation to their target market.

Format:
Teams need to plan their time carefully and watch their budget to ensure they can meet the requirements to:

· Create and make a unique pie using the ingredients provided
· Design a marketing strategy that takes into account the sector, pricing, promotion, profit and brand
· Present ideas to the judges

Results:
The end product will be scored on taste, quality, profitability, originality, teamwork, variety and effectiveness of the marketing plan. Presentations at the end of the session prove to be a hilarious and great end to a perfect team challenge.

Please note: Events will be run using either sweet OR savoury ingredients

Included:
· Professional Chef
· Experienced event manager and assistants
· Full Event Management 
· Certificates in food & hygiene
· Disposable aprons & hats for all guests
· Shop area with ingredients and equipment
· Fun prizes
· Public liability insurance 

Duration:
2 - 3 hours

Feedback on this event from our clients:
“A quick note to say thanks very much to you & the team for an excellently executed event. The teams really enjoyed the event, were engaged with the pie making activity and had a great time. The team were attentive to the different team dynamics & ensured that everyone was involved, kept to time & delivered the task. Overall a great success, so please can you pass on my thanks & appreciation to everybody”
- United Biscuits 

Overview
Based on Raymond Blanc's TV series 'The Restaurant', this culinary activity gives teams the chance to work together and prove they have what it takes to set up a successful restaurant business. This event will require good communication, co-operation and creativity among participants.

Format
This is event is run by professional chefs and puts a business slant on a cookery workshop. Participants will be divided into teams, each of which will be opening a different themed restaurant; Chinese, Indian, Italian etc. Teams must use the ingredients provided to devise a menu for their restaurant and then cook all the dishes on it. Teams must also design a business plan, produce a cash flow diagram and create a marketing strategy for their new culinary venture. At the end of the allotted time the team will give a presentation on their restaurant to the rest of the group. The presentation must include tasters from the menu that they have prepared themselves. Participants get to eat what they have cooked and then present extra dishes for judging. Judging will be based on taste and the how successful the chefs perceive the business would be if were real. Once the judging is over there will be a fun prize giving ceremony to reward your efforts!

Included
- Professional staff
- Full event management
- Travel
- Equipment
- All ingredients
- Public Liability Insurance

Duration
3 hours. Usually 10am - 1pm.

Overview:
Sushi - the fashionable Japanese fast food - has taken Britain by storm, and now you and your team can get creative in the kitchen with a sushi making master class! Until recently the thought of snacking on raw fish and cold rice would have been laughable, but now it's all the rage and sushi restaurants are popping up all over the place.  This master class will get everyone working together and learning a new skill.

Format:
Under the expert tuition of professional sushi chef(s), the group will be split into small teams and must work together to create different types of sushi. The team tasks will enhance communication within the group and help develop creativity.  The session starts with an introduction to sushi, the chef will then teach the group how to prepare the fish and vegetables before giving demonstrations of rolling techniques where they will make Maki, Futomaki and Californian rolls. Each participant will have their own rolling set, complete with sushi rolling mats and chopsticks - everything they need to become a specialist!  The rice comes pre-prepared (cooked, cooled and sticky) so teams can focus on the actual making of the sushi.  This makes the experience more enjoyable.  The chef will then guide the group through the process of hand moulding, where teams will produce Nigiri, Temari and Inari sushi.  To finish the process, teams will decorate their delicious delights to give them a touch of style and individuality.
Teams will be judged on how well they have made their sushi and prizes will be awarded to the winning team.

Included:
- Fresh ingredients 
- All equipment
- Safety equipment
- Public liability insurance 
- Experienced chef
- Full event management
- Presentation and fun prizes for the winning teams


Duration
2/3 hours - this activity is flexible. 

Feedback of this event from our clients:

"We had a great experience last Thursday. The staff was fantastic and the food was great.
Please report back that we truly enjoyed our evening and would like to thank them for their generous hospitality"
- Norwegian Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority

"Thank you so much for organising such a fantastic event. The team really enjoyed it. I really appreciated all your help (especially given the short turnaround time)"
- TESCO

Overview
The objective of this event is for teams to build a box of original cupcakes within a limited budget and time scale. They must also create the packaging and design a marketing strategy to sell their cupcake sensations to their target market.

We can make your event as fun or as team building focused as you wish and can guarantee that this fantastic activity will appeal to everyone’s taste buds!

Format
Teams need to plan their time carefully and watch their budget to ensure they can meet the requirements to:
• Create and decorate a selection of cupcakes
• Design a marketing strategy to take into account the sector, pricing, promotion, profit and brand.
• Present ideas to the judges
• Create an advert to promote the new cupcakes

The end product will be scored on quality, profitability, originality, teamwork, variety and effectiveness of the marketing plan. Presentations at the end of the session prove to be a hilarious and great end to a perfect team challenge. Our expert will be on hand throughout to give you some direction, but creative flair in decoration will be solely up to you as your team’s best efforts will be pitted against that of your opposing teams in our end competition

Includes
• Chef event manager
• Experiences assistants
• Pre event planning
• Certificates in food and hygiene
• Disposable aprons and hats for all guests
• Shop area with ingredients and equipment
• Chocolate fun prizes
• £5 million public liability insurance


Duration
1.5-2.5 hours