BRIDES looking for an unusual hen night and interesting activity to do with their bridesmaids and hens are invited to learn how to make chocolates or pizzas at a gastropub in Somerset this year (2018).
The White Hart in Weston In Gordano is offering brides the chance to book in for a masterclass on making truffles or an authentic Italian lunch in the pub’s garden tepee and open-air pizzeria.
Chris Yeatman, who co-owns The White Hart with her husband Mike, said: “Hen parties can book in to have a two-hour chocolate or pizza making class here on a Saturday or Sunday morning, subject to date availability. They are hosted by our talented chef Marco Pilloni who runs our world-class patisserie and pizzeria on-site and previously worked as Head Pastry Chef at the Michelin-starred Club Gascon in London. Booking in advance is essential for Marco Masterclasses.
Unusual hen night master classes
“Those that book for a Pizza Making Masterclass can eat the pizzas they make for lunch at the end of the session in our all-weather garden, with its famous central feature 10-metre high tepee with firepit, and those that come along for a Chocolate Making Masterclass can take home the truffles and chocolate bars they make too. Places cost £50 per person and are limited to 10 people per session, a deposit of £20 per person is requested when the booking is made.
“On Saturdays it is also possible to book for a Pizza Making Masterclass in the morning and then have a Chocolate Making Masterclass in the afternoon, making a full day of it.”
Marco, who hails originally from Sardinia, has also cooked for Her Majesty The Queen while working at the Royal Opera House (ROH) in London with Claire Clark. Claire is the former Head Pastry Chef at the French Laundry, a three-star Michelin restaurant in California, and was a judge on the Great British Bake Off’s Crème de la Crème television series for professionals.
The father-of-one, who now lives in Portishead, added: “With Claire at the ROH, we developed amazing dishes and outstanding afternoon teas. During my time there, I also had the pleasure of cooking an apple and blackberry crumble for her Majesty The Queen!”
While at Club Gascon, Marco ensured high standards were maintained, developed new dishes and worked alongside Michelin-starred chef Pascal Aussignac.
The 38-year-old added: “Chef Pascal has retained his star since 2002 and is a truly living inspiration for me. His passion and energy for the trade will remain with me forever and it’s this, along with my experience and skills, that I bring to my masterclasses at The White Hart.”
The gastropub has also recently officially launched as a wedding venue with brides and grooms invited to use its tepee to host wedding parties for more than 100 people.
The White Hart’s on-site patisserie also bakes tailormade and unique wedding cakes – everything from macaroon towers to grander confections. Brides and grooms can choose from bespoke garden event menus including buffets, hog roasts and huge paellas. Some even have pizzas.
Marco explained: “Nothing tastes better than a pizza made the way we Italians make it. We invented pizza! We have exceptionally high standards and are proud of the food we put on the table in Italy and here at The White Hart too. It is one of our national dishes and is known worldwide. However, not everyone makes an authentic pizza like the ones you would have experienced on holiday in a little trattoria off the beaten track.
“I am teaching those who are willing to learn and have a real passion for food. Our masterclasses offer a wonderful opportunity for anyone keen to learn a new skill and have some fun in the process.
“The secret to a good pizza is using really fresh ingredients, as well as having a good technique when working the dough. I use a ‘00’ flour or if you’re making pizzas at home, then a strong, finely milled white bread flour with a high gluten content is fine and always use fresh yeast. Also use warm, not hot water, with the yeast to activate it. Most kitchen cookers aren’t up to the job when it comes to cooking pizzas. If you’re desperate to make your own authentic tasting pizzas at home, then you need some expensive kit, so I’d always advise you to come and find out how the experts make them first!”
For more information on these unusual or to book a Marco Masterclass, please call The White Hart, which is on Clevedon Road in Weston In Gordano, on 01275 818702 or visit www.whitehartwig.com. Booking is essential.
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