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Event News
Get cooking with AGA this Summer!
From fish to top notch baking, dinner party inspiration and more - our fantastic cookery classes are a must. But don't just take our word for it. Read our customer review below and get the full picture on just how good the Aga experience is...
I recently went along to one of the Aga Knightsbridge evening cookery demonstrations – A Day in the Life of an Aga hosted by James McIntosh, an engaging young Irishman.
The atmosphere was definitely informal and fun, an environment which many of us find easy to learn in. James, obviously an experienced Aga chef, explained the capabilities of the (to some) mysterious Aga with skill and wit. Questions (no matter how stupid) from the floor were encouraged and soon the group felt as though they had wandered into James’ kitchen and were watching him and asking about those points they had always wondered about.
The cooking was a veritable tour de force with James effortlessly producing a seemingly endless array of perfectly cooked dishes from starter to dessert. Perhaps the best part of the evening (at least for the hungry ones) was sitting down to sample (or do I mean devour?) the products of the evening’s cooking coupled with a very welcome glass or two of wine courtesy of the Aga shop. Overall I learnt a lot (despite having had an Aga for a few years) and had a thoroughly enjoyable and fun evening with like-minded Aga lovers.
Paul Monk, Aga owner.
Prestigious Award for AGA Demonstrator
Popular Aga demonstrator and Home Economist James McIntosh has won the prestigious Gourmand World Cookbook Award for Best Cookbook in a Series in the UK. James regularly demonstrates in our shop. With a number of classes lead by James during the month May, this is the perfect opportunity to book yourself in for some great Aga cookery advice!
James’ award winning book ‘mix.’ (with Aga, Rayburn, gas and electric timings) is available from our shop for £4.99 as well as his second book ‘dinner.’
The Aga Cookery School in Knightsbridge Spring 2009
You really can cook anything on an Aga - it’s true! However, sometimes you need someone to show you the Aga way of doing things. Whether you’re the Aga aficionado or a complete beginner, the Aga cookery school is here to help and entertain you. Start with one of our 'Day in the Life' classes. This will ensure the basics are there, so you know what your cooker is and what tools you need to go with it. Then, move on to our themed classes to get some great ideas for entertaining. Our classes were recently featured in The Financial Times Saturday edition - Mrs Moneypenny.
Day in the Life of an Aga £25
Whether you are completely new to Aga or just want to brush up on your Aga skills, this class will provide you with fantastic tips for getting the best out of your Aga. We’ll take you through a whole day of cooking - from the basics of using an Aga, to fantastic shortcuts, the Aga breakfast, perfect Sunday roasts, and much more!
Thursday 11th June, 6pm-8pm with James McIntosh
Thursday 9th July, 12noon - 2pm with James McIntosh
Aga Dinner Parties £35
If you’re entertaining guests, or simply feeding your family, these classes are perfect. Taking inspiration from the season and recipes from many sources, we will show you two canapés, two appetisers, two entrees and two desserts that you can later mix and match to suit your occasion. Menus available upon request.
Thursday 25th June, 12noon - 2.30pm with Mark David
Tuesday 8th September, 12noon - 2.30pm with Sarah Whittaker
Early Bird bookings...
The following classes are really popular so its a good idea to book early. We also limit the numbers on these fantastic specialist classes so you'll go home really knowing your stuff!
Fish and Seafood £45
This area of Aga cooking is often considered difficult - a myth entirely! This class is designed to prove it. Don't be shy to come to both classes, we will ensure that there are no repeats in this eagerly anticipated class.
Wednesday 20th May, 12noon - 2.30pm with James McIntosh
Baking Masterclass with Louise Walker £45
What Louise doesn't know about baking on the Aga.... If you've ever been frustrated by baking on the Aga - whether a 2 oven, 3 oven or 4 oven, this is the class for you. Part 1 takes you through the basics of baking: the best flour to use for what, easy things for the roasting oven, basic breads, fat free cakes and a whole lot more. If that still leaves you wanting, Part 2 is a more advanced class which will tackle some more tricky baking recipes and show you how to WOW your friends with sweet treats!
Part 2 - Thursday 14th May, 12noon - 2.30pm
Private classes
Not able to attend one of our scheduled classes? Perhaps you would like to choose what we cook or maybe you’d like to cook with us. Our private classes are ideal for a group of friends or for you and your family. We can tailor the class to suit your experience with Aga cooking and your taste. We’ve done classes for kids, for vegetarians, classes with just desserts, Asian style cooking and can prepare a menu just for you. Prices start at around £250, please contact the shop for more details.
One-to-One Classes £45 - £65
One-to-one classes are performed in the showroom, by members of staff - most often by Caroline and Angie who have a combined experience of over 10 years of cooking on Agas. We can usually do these at any time or date that you prefer and also adapt them to suit any dietary requirements you or your family may have. One-to-ones are brilliant if you have had no previous experience of Aga cooking and want to know what all the fuss is about!
The Aga Cooking Experience in Beauchamp Place £85 for 3 classes
Want to master the art of Aga cooking? Why not buy the Aga cooking experience. One Day in the Life to get you started and a choice of two more classes all for the total price of £75, a saving of up to £20. Treat yourself and get cooking or it makes the perfect gift to a new Aga owner. Terms and Conditions apply.
General information
Lunch or dinner is served at the end of each class so do come hungry! Classes will finish by the published time but you may need to give yourself a little more time to try some of the delicious food. We do try to start all classes on time but do understand London traffic can be a bit of a nightmare! Please call and let us know if you think you may be running late. A mail order service is available if you wish to buy any of the items youve seen being used but are feeling a bit too full to carry your purchases home! Don’t forget the Aga ‘Product of the Month’ which offers up to 30% off selected items (which changes each month). Payment for classes must be made at the time of booking.
For more information on any of our classes of to enquire about private classes or The Aga Cooking Experience, please call
020 7589 6379 or email knightsbridge@aga-web.co.uk .
This Month's Top Aga Tips
Rosie's five top tips on making the most of your warming plate...
Forget the ban marie! Simply melt chocolate, butter and even marshmallows in a bowl, directly on your warming plate.
Dry and iron your teatowels. Once out of the washing machine, fold and place the towels directly onto your warming plate - turning occassionally.
Loosen those tightly closed jars. Simply pop the jar, lid down, onto the warming plate for a few minutes. The warmth will expand the metal lid and opening it will be a doddle!
Rise bread, rise! Pop your bread dough onto a teatowel, on the warming plate. It reduces the proving time and give bread a nice even texture.
Ideal meat rester. Pop your Sunday roast onto the warming plate once cooking is done. It will rest the meat perfectly while the rest of lunch finishes cooking.
Meet the Team
Caroline - Shop Manager
After living and working in the Philippines for seven years, Caroline decided it was time to come back home to the UK. Her previous job of promoting fine restaurants has put her in good stead for working at Aga. Her culinary knowledge spreads far and wide, having also spent time in Italy and France, quickly learning their delicious offerings. When not busy running the London showroom, she can be found hovering around the Aga, cooking up a fabulous green curry and other delicious Asian treats!
Mary
Mary is our English rose! With a background in home economics, she knows all there is about food. Mary has been with the Aga shop since the beginning and has a wealth of information about Aga cooking, owning one herself. She is practised in Middle Eastern cooking, and finds the Aga simmering oven perfect for cooking her favourite Middle Eastern dish – Dolmas. This consists of vine leaves stuffed with veggies, minced lamb, spices and rice, in a rich tomato and lemon sauce! Mouthwatering stuff.
Angie - Assistant Manager
Our South African ‘import’, Angie loves warming up by the Aga on those chilly London winters, hugging yet another cup of coffee. After completing a business degree in marketing and economics, Angie decided to venture north, and soon felt right at home with Aga, where she helps run the show with Caroline. A fan of great design, the Aga appeals to her in every way – especially as it is so practical. She loves creating dishes on the Aga with a South African flare, and is always trying to think of new ways to entice customers into the Aga way of life.
Jo
Jo joined the Knightsbridge team in 2005, only to disappear off to Corfu for six months the following May. Thankfully, Jo returned (with a tan) ready to help us through Christmas and has promised never to leave again. Jo has lots of retail experience and is happy to provide excellent advice to those considering an Aga. She always manages to go the extra length to help out. Those of you who have met Jo will know that she was expecting a baby in early November. Indeed we are pleased to announce that Jo gave birth to a beautiful little girl on November 7th!
Rosie
After living student life in Leicester, Rosie joined the Knightsbridge team in 2007, and quickly adapted to Aga life! She has never been disappointed by the fine results the Aga produces, and is now an established pro at making delicious breads and cakes. She has been a vegetarian all her life, and is the person to speak to when requiring inspirational, scrumptious ideas for vegetarian recipes.
Jessica
A recent graduate from Plymouth University, Jessica joined us in October. Full of enthusiasm, Jess quickly formed a part of the team - all thanks to her stirling effort at making coffee cake (this certainly made the grade and played a good part in securing her future here!). Jess has travelled all over the world and loves trying out all sorts of different cooking styles on the Aga but particularly enjoys making delicious soups for us all to enjoy.
Danika, whose mum works in The Aga Shop in Marylebone, is loving the fact that her 1st job involves making cakes!
and our Cooks....
Mark David has been cooking for us in Knightsbridge for a long time. His enthusiasm for easy family cooking is infectious and he is a born entertainer.
Expect the recipes to change a little as we go through his classes but also expect fabulous results at the end. For those who want to be entertained whilst you learn some new tricks, Mark's classes are a perfect choice.
 James McIntosh, our youngest and probably our cheekiest Aga Chef! That said, you will leave every one of James' classes feeling confident that you can cook the dishes at home. A home economist by training, an Aga cook by upbringing; James' notes on how to get the best out of your Aga are for keeps. If you're looking for a useful stocking present this year - check out James' new book MIX, available at The Aga Shop Knightsbridge.
Directions
Nearest tube: Knightsbridge (Piccadilly line)
Take Harrod’s exit, walk along the front of Harrod’s. Beauchamp Place is the third road on the left. When directing a Taxi to the showroom, Beauchamp Place is pronounced ‘Beecham’. A number of bus routes pass through Knightsbridge. Please ring the shop for more information
Products on display
The full range of Aga cookware is on display at the Aga Shop, Knightsbridge. There are two live Agas – one 4 oven, gas fired convenional flue Classic Special Edition (only available in cream) and the other a black 4 oven, gas fired power flue with an electric module. There's also a live cream 6:4 with a gas hob. We hold the full range of product brochures in store.
Cold appliances include:
2 oven Agas
13amp electric Aga in claret with AIMS
3 oven Agas
13amp electric 3-Oven Aga in heather with AIMS
13amp electric 3-Oven Aga with gas hob module, in pewter with AIMS
Gas fired 3-oven conventional flue Aga in Dark Blue
4 oven Aga
Gas fired balance flue Aga 2000 Special Edition
Conventional cookers
4:2 with gas hob (only gas hobs available) in pewter
6:4 with electric hobs in aubergine
6:4 with gas hobs in cream
Masterchef Delux with gas hobs in black
Stoves
Little Wenlock in black
Rayburns
Gas fired Special Edition Rayburn XT (only available in black)
Solid fuel and wood fired Rayburn Heatranger in black
Gas fired condensing boiler Rayburn Heatranger in claret
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