A sourdough workshop as a gift: what they get on the day

A place on one of Helene's sourdough workshops gives someone a full day in her microbakery in Mears Ashby, a homemade lunch, two loaves they've shaped themselves and a starter of their own to keep. To give one as a present, message Helene on WhatsApp for the price and she'll sort out the details with you.

Who it suits

Anyone who loves good bread. No experience is needed, because the day starts from the very beginning. It's especially good for someone who has tried sourdough at home and given up, because the day covers what usually goes wrong and how to fix it.

It works well for two people, too. One guest came with her granddaughter, another with her mum. Katie Frost, who was given a place as a present, wrote on Google: "I was fortunate enough to be gifted a place on one of Helene's Sourdough Workshops. What an amazing day from start to finish!"

What the day includes

The workshop runs from 10am to 4pm, with no more than six people. They'll learn how to make and keep a starter, how fermentation works, and how to mix, shape, score and bake a loaf. Lunch is homemade and eaten round the table, and there are drinks through the day.

They go home with a San Francisco-style boule and a seeded loaf, ready to bake in their own oven, plus their own sourdough starter and the recipes.

How to arrange it

Message Helene on WhatsApp and say it's a gift. It helps to mention who it's for and whether they'd want to come alone or with someone. New workshop dates go up in the WhatsApp group first, so it's worth joining if you'd like to choose a date together. The sourdough workshops page answers the common questions.

If they'd rather just eat the bread

Helene sets out a table on Wednesday afternoons in Mears Ashby and Saturday mornings in Earls Barton. Those are the planned days, so check the WhatsApp group for the next sale. There's more in where to buy real sourdough near Wellingborough and Northampton.