Bread Ahead Doughnut Making Workshop At Borough Market, London Review
DISCLOSURE – THIS EXPERIENCE WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST/S FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW.
Reviewed by LS
If you’re looking for a baking experience in London that’s as fun as it is delicious, the doughnut making workshop at Bread Ahead Bakery School in Borough Market, London, is an absolute winner. It truly deserves a five star rating, offering the perfect mix of expert teaching, a friendly atmosphere, and irresistible treats.
Bread Ahead is a name many London food lovers already know. Since its founding in 2013, it has become famous for its iconic doughnuts and outstanding bakery classes. The school has three locations across London: Borough Market, Chelsea, and Wembley, with each offering a wide range of baking courses. But there’s something especially magical about the Borough Market branch. Nestled among the hustle and bustle of one of London’s most famous food markets, it’s surrounded by the sounds, smells, and energy of a true culinary hub.
The location is straightforward to reach, just a few minutes’ walk from London Bridge station, which is well connected by tube, train, and bus. It makes attending the class simple, whether you’re local or visiting from further afield. I arrived early to wander the market before class and taste some of the delights.
The bakery school itself is bright, bustling, and welcoming, filled with the comforting scent of freshly baked bread, located right in the heart of Borough Market, with a constant queue of doughnut lovers waiting to purchase a treat. Over 6,000 doughnuts are sold daily.
The workshop was led by a wonderful staff member, who absolutely made the day. She struck that rare balance between professional expertise and genuine warmth, keeping things fun and approachable without ever losing sight of the technique. From the very start, she created a relaxed, cheerful atmosphere that put everyone at ease.
What’s lovely about this class is that it’s perfect for everyone, regardless of your previous baking skills or whether you’re attending with friends or, like me, going solo. I went on my own, but it never once felt awkward. Everyone was friendly and supportive, celebrating every little success and offering advice.
The class began with a freshly baked Bread Ahead treat and a hot drink, a welcoming treat that immediately set the tone for the session.
The staff member explained that the dough needed to make doughnuts is a two day process, requiring a long rise to develop its rich, airy texture. Since we couldn’t wait two days, we used pre-prepared dough to make our doughnuts. She taught us a range of kneading techniques to create the perfect doughnut shape, which requires more skill than I imagined.
Under her guidance, we learned how to handle the delicate dough and how to fill each one generously without bursting it. The results were impressive: six beautiful, golden doughnuts filled with rich crème pâtissière, tangy raspberry jam, and a combination of both to create a raspberry ripple filling. All finished with a dusting of sugar that made them sparkle.
The crème pâtissier was made together as a group, taking turns to whisk, stir, and watch as it thickened into a smooth, glossy vanilla custard. She kept us all involved, adding little nuggets of advice about temperature, texture, and flavour, followed by the all important taste test once it had cooled down. Delicious!
We also made our own batch of dough, which is the same as the dough used for doughnuts, from scratch to bake into a soft, golden brioche loaf. It was the perfect way to experience the whole process from start to finish as brioche dough doesn’t need such a long time to prove.
Midway through, there was another break for refreshments and more freshly baked treats, which gave everyone a chance to relax and chat before diving back in. The whole experience felt relaxed, friendly, and indulgent.
By the end, we each had six perfectly filled doughnuts and a freshly baked brioche loaf to take home, along with a few extra baking tips and a big sugar high. She rounded off the session by sharing advice on storing, freezing, and adapting the recipes at home.
Bread Ahead offers a fantastic selection of other courses, including sourdough and Turkish baking, pastries, and festive bakes. With three London locations, there’s something for every taste and schedule. I’m already looking forward to returning in the future.
All in all, the doughnut making course at Bread Ahead is a five star experience in every sense. It’s engaging, challenging, welcoming, and incredibly rewarding, whether you’re a confident baker or a complete beginner. I left not only with a box of freshly made doughnuts and a brioche loaf to share with my family but also with new skills and a huge smile.
The half day doughnut making workshop costs £95.
For further details of this course and others, visit https://www.breadahead.com
Rating: 5/5