Borough Kitchen (the four store London based specialist) has ‘reopened’ its Cook School offering online classes and ‘cookalongs’ via Zoom. The launch follow the success of a trial ‘cookalong’ by Cook School director Ibi, with many participants sharing their images on Instagram. Meanwhile, Borough Kitchen is working towards reopening its physical Cook Schools safely with reduced participants and social distancing.
The new 90-minute Cookalongs include Chinese Dumplings and Applied Knife Techniques, while more intimate, interactive two-hour ‘classic’ classes include making fresh pasta and Chinese bao. Private online classes can also be booked, enabling friends, family and co-workers around the world to connect with each other.
Reporting on trade since store re-openings last month, co-founder David Caldana says that Borough Kitchen’s original shop in Borough Market is “quieter” than usual (with people staying away from areas that might be perceived as crowded), but “neighbourhood stores are doing well.”
David also reflects on a “crazy” period for online sales during lockdown, as home cooks realised they needed kitchen kit a week into the ‘stay home stay safe’ period. “We’ve never worked harder and we’ve learnt a lot,” David told HousewaresNews.net. The retailer is now investing in updated systems to enhance its digital capabilities.
Top: Borough Kitchen Cook School director Ibolya Olah.
