25/10/2024
A few days ago we quietly wrapped up season 10 of London Barbecue School. 10 years since we lit the first fire! When we started it wasn’t even certain if anyone would actually come… We’ve since taught many thousands of people about food and fire - and it’s been wonderful that some people who came in year 1 have continued to come for classes ever since.
A few things come to mind that have made the last 10 years of playing with 🔥 so special: some phenomenal pieces of meat (and more plants than might be assumed); seeing people’s eyes light up when they realise what is possible - and what they are capable of - with a box of matches and a barbecue; and Peckham, still a little rough around the edges 10 years later (and all the better for it).
But, without wanting to gush, what something like a barbecue cookery school is ALL about is the people: every person who has come to a class - not just the folks who’ve traveled between continents to do a class (yes, more than you or we would expect), or the ones who’ve done the same class *every* year because they like it so much (👋🏻) but EVERYONE who has come and got stuck in, even in the rain and *shudder* once or twice in unseasonal snow. Each supplier who has provided top notch ingredients or *whispers* beers, wines, ciders and meads for thirsty cooks. And especially every member of our team who has worked so hard to create a service we are proud of, whether expertise in fish, Cantonese barbecue, plant-based cookery, butchery, wood-fired paella, Texas-style barbecue, something else, or those who have kept the cogs running smoothly with endless grill cleaning, smiles, and enthusiasm - it wouldn’t have been possible (nor as fun or as good) without you.
Thank you all! For now the feet are up and the batteries are recharging. We will be back next year (perhaps with a 10th birthday party when it warms up?! 🎉) - and hope to be around for at least another “10 Years Of Promoting Recreational Pyromania” (©️®️).
