Kickstart a new hobby with these classes and workshops in London

Pinterest has officially declared the ‘hobby’ is back in fashion for 2019 after seeing the search in hobby-related activities skyrocket across the platform. So it got us wondering, what’s out there? And how do you pick the right hobby when there’s so much choice?  DOSE writer Amanda has done the hard work for you and found the best of what London has to offer. Keep reading to find your next big obsession…

Getting arty

Modern calligraphy 

Join Alice Gabb and learn modern calligraphy at her trendy studio in east London. Her beginner’s workshop allows students to master the basic techniques and then move onto perfecting letterforms. All equipment is provided and not only will you be able to write your name or favourite quote by the end of the class, but you will also be able to take home a full calligraphy kit. Oh and did we mention she provides tea and cake? How lovely!

£65pp available via Airbnb experiences

Watercolour painting 

Dubbed the art gym for your creative muscles, Make Your Own in Borough and Peckham has everything from ceramic painting through to tote bag design. We recommend the watercolour painting course with the wonderfully talented Polly Crossman, who eases you into painting your very own watercolour based on a fresh flower arrangement.

£40pp available via myo.place

Natural lipstick making 

Lippy lover? Token Studios, in Fulham, offers London’s first ever lipstick making workshop where you can personalise you own lipstick, from the shade to the packaging. During the 90-minute session they’ll show you how to create matte, nude and metallic lipsticks all using 100% handmade and vegan-friendly products.

Currently available for £36 via TokenStudio.co.uk

Hey green fingers

Terrarium introduction

Build your own miniature garden in a jar with the Ben and Daz of The Botanical Boys. Hot and cold drinks will be provided along with all supplies needed for your very own terrarium, from tropical plants to mosses. And the best bit? You get to take home your creation to display proudly on your shelf. If you’re passionate about plants, this one is for you.

£40pp available via Airbnb experiences

Flower arranging 

Botany expert Amulet, whose floral work has been exhibited in Buckingham Palace, will take you on a journey of British-grown flowers and foliages and teach you how to design and construct a floral bouquet. Head to her florist in Hackney for a therapeutic afternoon that’s ideal for individuals or groups. Tea and cake included, plus you get to keep your bunch of blooms.

£48pp available via Airbnb experiences

Cook up a storm

Michelin-starred masterclass

Go behind the scenes at Pied á Terre, one of London’s longest running Michelin-starred restaurants in Fitzrovia. Cook alongside head chef Asimakis Chaniotis and learn how to create some of their renowned dishes, while picking up kitchen tips and tricks. After you have worked up an appetite in the kitchen enjoy a delicious four-course lunch with paired wines in the restaurant.

£230pp including cookery class, lunch and goodie bag. Available via pied-a-terre.co.uk

Plant-based crash course

Learn the fundamentals of leading a plant-based lifestyle with Hackney’s brand new cookery school, The Plant Academy. This Spring it launches a plant-based course, called Plant One, which will run across five days. Topics covered include vegan nutrition, nut and seed butters, the art of vegetables including knife skills, dressings and dehydration, as well as fermentation and dessert-making.

£1,250pp available via planthub.net

Now you’re speaking my language

Italian for beginners 

Alesha’s Italian Masterclass teaches you the language of love over a cappuccino and plate of pasta. Held at Nonna Rosa’s Cafe in Coulsdon, students will get to grips with the basics and before long be able to introduce themselves, order food and ask for directions in Italian. Prepare to start speaking to the language from day one. Classes are held every Friday for five weeks.

£125 for five sessions, including all materials and free food and drink. Available via italianmasterclass.co.uk

Basic Chinese Mandarin

This lively course will teach you the foundations in essential Mandarin and will cover situational dialogues, pronunciation and reading characters. You do not need any previous knowledge of Chinese and after five sessions you’ll be well on your way.

£199 for five sessions available via citylit.ac.uk

Main photo: The Plant Academy

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