Taste, smell and try the delicious results of outdoor cooking with Beacon Charcoal by booking one of our specialist cookery school classes.

Whether you are an absolute beginner or a budding pitmaster wanting to expand your
knowledge and expertise, and just enjoy sharing your passion with fellow BBQ fans, our
cookery school will ignite your passion and tickle your tastebuds. You’ll come away confident
at cooking with lumpwood charcoal, buzzing with recipes and maybe even a few leftovers to enjoy.


Join us for a class that will open your eyes to the difference of cooking with a quality
lumpwood charcoal like Beacon Charcoal. On all our courses, you will:

  • Find out where Beacon Charcoal comes from, what makes it so good for outdoor
    cooking and learn about the best way to construct your outdoor cooking source.

  • Use our restaurant-grade charcoal to cook up some quality ingredients.

  • Discover new recipes, tips and ideas for improving your home grilling experience.

  • Enjoy the fruit of your labour with a big cookout and meal with the group at the end of
    the experience (and yes, we always have plenty of food!)

  • Click on the this link to book or scroll down to book by clicking the image below, or to shop for our charcoal. For more details find our FAQs section, including recommendations of where to stay locally when you attend the course at the bottom of the page.

FAQs & Useful Information

How Many People Are in Each Class?

‘Too many chefs’ in our case means more than 10, to ensure that everyone has enough space and gets the opportunity to get hands on with the cooking. That said, we also require a minimum of 6 people to run the class so if numbers drop below that, we reserve the right to reschedule and offer you the next available slot.

How Do I Book?

Choose your class you want to go on and select a date you wish to attend. Then follow the payment link to our secure online payment.

What Should I wear?

As much as we’d love to host our cookery classes on a sunny beach somewhere (South Africa or Sydney, perhaps?!), we are instead based at our purpose–built outdoor kitchen in
rural North Leicestershire. So please dress comfortably and according to the (reliably unpredictable) British weather. There is shelter if it rains, aprons will be Supplied but sensible closed toe footwear is a must (no flip-flops or sandals please).

What do I need to bring with me?

We will supply pretty much everything you should need, including recipe notes on the
workshop for you to take home. Please feel free to bring along a large sealable container to take any leftover food home with you.

What if I have to cancel?

A minimum of 48 hours
notice, we will give you a voucher to allow you to re-book. Anything less than that
means that we can't re-book your slot, so I'm afraid we will not be able to refund you
however, you can transfer your place to another person if you have someone who
can attend in your place.

What if Beacon Charcoal BBQ School has to cancel?

Whilst every effort is made to hold classes on the designated date, sometimes things
happen. When we have to cancel a class you will be
advised as soon as possible and offered an alternative date or a voucher to rebook the class for an alternative date.

What if I have allergies or specific food requirements?

Just email us before booking and we can advise you if this will be an issue. We do try
to accommodate everyone on our workshops, so it really shouldn't be a problem.

Where are the BBQ classes held?

The classes are held in our amazing purpose built outdoor kitchen and BBQ area, using Kamado Joe barbecues, at Birstall Garden and Leisure, 35 Sibson Rd, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4DX. There is parking
available just over the road from the BBQ school.

What happens to the food we cook during the Workshop?

Everyone is invited to eat together at the end of each Workshop. Refreshments are provided and participants can also to take any leftover food home with them. Please bring a sealable container or a cool box.

The Location

Our purpose built outdoor cookery school is based in between the thriving city of Leicester
and the rugged, rural countryside of North West Leicestershre and the National Forest. So whether you’re a city dweller looking for a smart hotel, budget chain hotel or something more boutique like a little B&B, there is plenty to choose from. Use our postcode, LE7 7NE to search for nearby accommodation online.


There are rail and bus links from Loughborough and Leicester City Centre. There is a Park and Ride bus service from Leicester City Centre to Birstall. We are also within a stones’ throw of the extensive cycle and pedestrian network that runs through Watermead Park to Leicester City Centre. We’re not just about the grilling - as dedicated foodies, we know a few great country pubs and restaurants nearby. Just ask us
for our recommendations!