If you're looking for something a bit different to do this summer, you KNEAD to get yourself down to Rudy's for an authentic Neapolitan pizza masterclass!
Located at Rudy's Pizza Academy on Portland Street, you'll have the opportunity to learn from some of the very best pizzaioli and PROOVE your skills as you create your own Neapolitan pizza from start to finish.
We headed down on a sunny Saturday afternoon, dedicating the next two and a half hours to absorbing as much knowledge, skill, and pizza as possible. With an intimate group of just 10 people, we donned our aprons, made our introductions, and took our places at the chef's table - raring to go!
Led by the talented and incredibly patient AVPN-accredited pizzaioli, Pierluigi, with the assistance of the wonderful Claudio, our session began with a deep dive into the famous dough recipe used across all Rudy's pizzerias. Rudy's prides itself on delivering the same great experience wherever you visit, with everything down to an exact science - from flour, yeast, and water ratios to the weight of the dough balls and even the shape of the pizza. If it ain't broke, don't fix it! The passion and craftsmanship behind every step really highlight Rudy's commitment to preserving authentic Neapolitan pizza-making traditions.
After perfecting the art of dough, we took a well-earned break for some delicious antipasti and soft drinks. It was also a great chance to get to know our fellow classmates. Some had travelled all the way from Nottingham specifically for the masterclass, while others were there solo after receiving it as a birthday gift. Whether you're coming on your own or with friends, the atmosphere couldn't have been more welcoming.
Now onto the serious business... pizza time!
After a step-by-step demonstration from Pierluigi, we each took turns creating and cooking our own pizzas, with a little friendly competition thrown in. The best pizzaiolo would be crowned and awarded a Rudy's t-shirt (spoiler alert: it wasn't me).
After dusting the dough with semolina and stretching it out, it was time to choose our toppings. I went for their classic tomato sauce, basil, fior di latte, oregano, pepperoni, and a hefty drizzle of olive oil.
Next came getting the pizza onto the peel (that massive spatula-like thing used to slide pizzas into the oven). Rudy's has even designed their own peels to act as a template for the perfect size and shape - yet another detail that helps keep everything consistent.
Then came the difficult bit: the pizza oven.
As a person who's only 5'3", manoeuvring a pizza around a 400-degree oven to ensure an even bake was no easy task. But with Pierluigi by my side, anything was possible! Just 60 seconds later, my pizza was cooked and looking pretty impressive, if I do say so myself.
Believe it or not, Pierluigi can complete this entire process in just two minutes - no wonder the service is always so speedy!
With pizzas flying out left, right, and centre and a real sense of accomplishment in the air, we gathered for some group photos to commemorate a fantastic afternoon.
And the fun didn't stop there as, in addition to the pizzas we'd made and a giant tub of dough to take home, we were also given a bake-at-home pizza, tiramisu, a certificate, and an apron. With enough dough to make five or six pizzas, there was quite literally pizza for days.
I, however, opted to turn my dough into two loaves of focaccia instead - one topped with rosemary, sea salt, and chilli oil, and another with sundried tomatoes, rosemary, and sea salt.
With enough pizza to last for days and a freezer full of focaccia, I can confidently say the masterclass is worth every penny. At £100 per person or £175 for two, you definitely get more bang for your buck with the pair ticket, making this the perfect summer activity for you and your pals.
After putting in a solid shift, we headed straight out for an Aperol Spritz to celebrate - only fitting after all that hard work.
Whether it's a gift for a loved one, an overdue catch-up with old friends, or you're simply a massive foodie, Rudy's Pizza Academy has something for everyone.
If you fancy IMPROOVING your skills, all you KNEAD to do is head to the Rudy's website and book yourself on.
Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply in it for the pizza, I can't recommend this enough.
Ciao!
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