and...we're back!

Finally, as lockdown regulations began to ease and the government allowed the gradual opening up of the hospitality sector, we have been able to recommence our workshops. Admittedly, just before the Summer recess, but we are thrilled to be back doing what we love.
 
New protocols are in place to keep staff and students safe, and classes are much reduced in size going forward. This will remain the case for the rest of this year and will be reviewed going into next.  Our biggest worry has been one that is common to the hospitality sector in general, but one particularly pertinent to our way of working as we already keep to small class sizes. How would our relaxed atmosphere be affected by reduced numbers and extra ‘procedure’?
 
We encouraged our first post-lockdown class to share their thoughts with us and were delighted to be able to implement a few tweaks to make our students feel more relaxed and comfortable. We’ll be as flexible as we can and will be responsive to any necessary changes going forward, but we hope we now have the right balance: a fun and relaxed working atmosphere paired with with sensible protocols and rigorous hygiene.  We’ve also thrown open our windows and doors and, for as long as we are able, we are enjoying taking breaks and lunches outside, forever grateful for our glorious cottage garden that can accommodate us all.
 
Here is some feedback from 2 students on our most recent workshop. We’re so grateful to them for taking the time to share their thoughts and for their fulsome reviews. We want to share them with you to show how we are embracing our ‘new normal’ and still having fun!
 
Ultimately, we do what we love. We want you to love it too!
 
"I took photos of the bread yesterday evening and couldn't quite believe that I had made them! Your tuition was fantastic...I felt very confident attending White Cottage Bakery; your communication regarding the class size beforehand reassured me that the current public health guidelines were being adhered to. 
On arrival, you and [your staff] were very welcoming and I felt comfortable immediately. There was a lovely relaxed atmosphere. You managed to strike a perfect balance between vigilance with the required sanitation and making us feel at home and relaxed. That's difficult, as being responsible for any kind of gathering in the current climate could make a person anxious!
The practical help and explanations were great; you have an encouraging manner, which made us all believe ourselves capable (this is the battle won in any classroom!!).  Lunch was delicious and the change in format to a single platter each did not impact on the pleasurable experience.  Many thanks again for such a great day. I will be recommending your course!"
 
"What a lovely day we all had, blessed with some great participants and so enjoyed your course.  It was the perfect blend of being well structured and informative as well as fun and relaxing.  I came away feeling confident with what we had learnt and inspired to do more.  We ate the first loaf having a drink in the garden and the second one for breakfast this morning and they were both delicious and so rewarding to have made them by hand.  Thank you and your team so much for looking after us so well, it was such a treat after the lockdown and I couldn't have asked for more.
Please let me have any details of future courses, I will check your website, but also of the Tuscan cookery week which sounds idyllic.  I am sure you will be seeing more [of us]."