Bread Making with Chef Michel – November 2026

Learn to Make a Sourdough Starter

First, discover how to cultivate a stable culture of natural yeast and lactic acid bacteria in flour and water. This foundational step allows you to create a reliable sourdough starter for all your artisan bread-making projects.

Master the Art of Sourdough Bread

Then, using natural fermentation, watch your dough develop a tangy flavour and longer shelf life, thanks to the activity of lactobacilli and yeast. By mastering these techniques, you’ll be able to bake authentic sourdough bread with confidence.

Create Authentic Italian Focaccia

Next, bake soft, airy, flat Italian focaccia, similar in style to pizza. This versatile bread works perfectly as a side dish or sandwich bread, and you’ll learn tips to achieve its signature texture and flavour.

Perfect Plaited Bread Techniques

Afterward, learn the essential techniques to shape and bake beautiful, braided loaves. This session teaches the art of plaited bread, helping you create visually stunning and professional-looking artisan breads.

Prepare Your Own Pizza Dough

Finally, make your signature pizza dough entirely from scratch and enjoy a freshly baked pizza lunch. This hands-on step ties together all the bread-making skills you’ve learned throughout the day.

Learn to Make a Sourdough Starter for Artisan Bread

First, discover how to cultivate a stable culture of natural yeast and bacteria. This essential step forms the foundation for all your artisan bread-making projects.

Understand Why We Prove Dough for Better Bread

Next, explore the science of fermentation and dough rising. Understanding why we prove dough is crucial for achieving optimal flavour, texture, and structure in your loaves.

Make Basic Sourdough Bread at Home

Then, use your starter to bake classic sourdough bread. This hands-on session allows you to put your knowledge into practice while developing essential baking skills.

Master Flour Hydration for Perfect Dough

Afterward, see how water impacts dough texture and consistency. Learning about flour hydration will help you achieve better crumb, elasticity, and overall bread quality.

Discover Different Types of Yeast

Moreover, learn the differences between fresh and dried yeast, and understand how each affects your bread’s rise, flavour, and aroma. This knowledge is key to mastering bread-making techniques.

Practice Stretching and Folding Techniques

In addition, practice stretching and folding your dough to build strength and structure. These techniques ensure a light, airy crumb and professional-quality results.

Form Beautiful Artisan Loaves

Subsequently, shape your bread like a professional baker. Learn how to create visually appealing loaves that rise evenly and bake perfectly.

Develop Essential Kneading Skills

Furthermore, gain confidence handling different doughs by mastering kneading techniques for both soft and firmer breads.

Learn the Art of Plaited Bread

Next, create visually stunning braided bread. This session teaches the art of plaiting bread, adding elegance and skill to your baking repertoire.

Prepare Your Own Signature Pizza Dough

Finally, make pizza entirely from scratch using your own dough. This hands-on step brings together all the bread-making skills you’ve learned throughout the day and allows you to enjoy a fresh, homemade pizza.

Bread-Making Course in Eccleshall, Staffordshire

This bread-making course takes place in the historic town of Eccleshall, right in the heart of rural Staffordshire. Moreover, it’s easily accessible from Derbyshire, Shropshire, and Cheshire, just minutes from the M6, A51, A50, and A34. Plus, free on-site parking is available for all participants.

Full-Day Artisan Bread-Making Experience

Throughout the day, our friendly “kitchen angels” will be on hand to support you. We provide an apron, all necessary equipment, and high-quality ingredients. In addition, we take care of all the washing up, so you can focus entirely on your artisan bread-making experience.

Hands-On Baking and Tasting Opportunities

As the day progresses, there are plenty of opportunities to taste your creations. Furthermore, you’ll enjoy a freshly prepared pizza at our farmhouse table—made entirely by you. In addition, you’ll prepare food to take home, and we encourage bringing your own containers to help reduce waste.

Course Schedule and Preparation

The course runs from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm, with morning refreshments available from 9:15 am. After booking, you’ll receive a detailed email with all the specific course information to help you prepare for your day. This ensures you arrive ready to enjoy a full, hands-on bread-making workshop.

Michel has worked in many well-known kitchens across London. However, it was his move to Shropshire that marked the beginning of his mission to use the finest locally sourced food.

More recently, he served as Executive Head Chef at the Albright Hussey Manor Hotel, where he achieved 2 AA Rosettes for nine consecutive years.

In addition, Michel shares our passion for supporting local farms, preserving heritage and open spaces, and contributing to a healthier environment.

Read more about Michel’s experience here  

Bread-Making Course – No Experience Required

No prior experience is needed for this bread-making course, making it ideal for keen bread baking enthusiasts. Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy a fabulous culinary experience, guided by Chef Michel, who is passionate about creating delicious, high-quality food. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to meet new people and experience the warm hospitality of the Perrys Field to Fork team.

Allergy and Dietary Information

To ensure your needs are fully met, please let us know of any allergies or specific dietary requirements when booking. While we strive to accommodate various dietary preferences, our kitchen handles all 14 regulated allergens as well as other known allergens. Despite careful precautions, we cannot guarantee that dishes are completely free from trace allergens.

Severe Allergies and Special Requests

If you have severe allergies, please contact us directly so that we can discuss the best way to assist you. This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone attending the artisan bread-making workshop.

Booking Your Bread-Making Experience

You can conveniently book online or call us on 01785 851911 with any questions. Additionally, remember to advise us of any allergens or dietary requirements before booking to make your day as safe and enjoyable as possible. By planning ahead, you’ll be ready to fully enjoy this hands-on bread baking course.