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Event News
Celebrating Christmas with Fired Earth at Clarendon Cross
The Aga shop Knightsbridge was invited by Fired Earth, Portland Road, to attend the 
Clarendon Cross Christmas Experience, on the 18th November. We set up a brand new 3-oven Aga in the square, and proceeded to cook a whole host of delicious Christmas treats for the event visitors. Fired Earth warmed up visitors with spicy mulled wine and cheeky hot chocolate (made with a little dash of rum!).
Our Aga was the centre of attention due to is welcoming warmth, and the delicious food it produced. However, the presence of TV chef Valentine Warner really got the crowds interest up and running! Valentine cooked a scrumptious clam chowder on our Aga while chatting to the crowd about his TV series and new book, 'What to Eat Now'.
The event was a fine example of local businesses getting together to host a fun-filled seasonal celebration for the local community. And judging by the high spirits of every visitor, the festive season was truely welcomed in!
Picture right: Regional Manager, Alex, cooks up another fresh round of mince pies.
Aga at the Thames Festival 2008– A Celebration of London Life!
An unusual sight was to be seen on Southwark Bridge, in the heart of the City of London on the 13th September. Amongst the iconic skyline views, modern buildings and bustling Thames river, sat the ultimate country kitchen, with live Aga! The Mayor's Thames Festival was the inspiration for this effort - in partiular the food and community focussed event, 'Feast on the Bridge'.
Southwark Bridge was closed off to traffic and transformed into a food, family and cultural mecca for the day - a celebration of London life. Besides huge, beautifully decorated banqueting tables (that seated 1600!), was a distinctive open-air Fired Earh kitchen with a live 3-oven Aga.
Demonstrator Mark David, along with our Aga, performed wonders by constantly cooking for thousands of visitors throughout the day! Mark was easily inspired with his ingredients, which included fresh vegetables and herbs from the Mudchute City Farm; succulent pork, lamb and sausages from Jack O' Shea's and flavoursome mustard from Turnham-Green. Our unique location seemed to get everyone in the cooking mood and AgaRangemaster CEO, William McGrath, was soon cooking up drop scones along with our Group Marketing Director, Richard Eagleton.
Samples of our freshly made Aga treats were given out in return for a small donation. Over £650 was raised for our initiative to sponsor seeds to various London schools, in order for the children to grow vegetables and learn about the benefits of fresh produce.
The staff were dressed in beautifully crafted aprons - made by local artist, Sophie Hexheimer. Sophie also created unique table cloths, for the banqueting tables, by hand. This was without doubt a huge task, but one that she did with much enthusiasm and vivid creativity!
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| Our Aga gives festival visitors a warm welcome! |
Jo and Rosie model our custom-made aprons |
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| Mark David doing what he does best! |
William McGrath and Sue Fairbrother share their food stories |
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We are extremely grateful to the following people and companies who help us in making this event happen!
The Cooking Experience: Recreational courses, team building days and catering, who will provide chef Mark David for the day.
Turnham-Green: Indulgence with conscience, unique Larder and food gifts for any occasion, who have generously given mustard and other condiments to be used on the day.
Jack O Shea's: Family Butchers since 1790 to be found in Knightsbridge and Brussels. Honestly, the best sausages we've had all year!
Mudchute City Farm: A working farm and a bit of country living, right in the heart of London's financial district!
Find out more about our Local Food Heroes by visiting www.aga-web.co.uk/locallife
The Aga Cookery School in Knightsbridge Autumn - Winter 2008 to 2009
You really can cook anything on an Aga - it’s true! However, sometimes you need someone to show you the Aga way of doing things. Whether you’re the Aga aficionado or a complete beginner, the Aga cookery school is here to help and entertain you. Start with one of our 'Day in the Life' classes. This will ensure the basics are there, so you know what your cooker is and what tools you need to go with it. Then, move on to our themed classes to get some great ideas for entertaining. Our classes were recently featured in The Financial Times Saturday edition - Mrs Moneypenny.
Day in the Life of an Aga with James McIntosh £25
Whether you are completely new to Aga or just want to brush up on your Aga skills, this class will provide you with fantastic tips for getting the best out of your Aga. We’ll take you through a whole day of cooking - from the basics of using an Aga, to fantastic shortcuts, the Aga breakfast, perfect Sunday roasts, and much more!
Tuesday 10th February, 12noon - 2pm
Saturday 7th March, 12noon - 2pm - Family Cooking with Deborah Miller
Aga Dinner Parties £35
If you’re entertaining guests, or simply feeding your family, these classes are perfect. Taking inspiration from the season and recipes from many sources, we will show you two canapés, two appetisers, two entrees and two desserts that you can later mix and match to suit your occasion. Menus available upon request.
Thursday 29th January, 12noon - 2.30pm with Mark David
Tuesday 3rd February, 12noon - 2.30pm with Sarah Whittaker
Early Bird bookings...
The following classes are really popular so its a good idea to book early. We also limit the numbers on these fantastic specialist classes so you'll go home really knowing your stuff!
Fish and Seafood £45
This area of Aga cooking is often considered difficult - a myth entirely! This class is designed to prove it. Don't be shy to come to both classes, we will ensure that there are no repeats in this eagerly anticipated class.
Thursday 26th March, 12noon - 2.30pm with Mark David
Wednesday 20th May, 12noon - 2.30pm with James McIntosh
Baking Masterclass with Louise Walker £45 each or £80 for both classes
What Louise doesn't know about baking on the Aga.... If you've ever been frustrated by baking on the Aga - whether a 2 oven, 3 oven or 4 oven, this is the class for you. Part 1 takes you through the basics of baking: the best flour to use for what, easy things for the roasting oven, basic breads, fat free cakes and a whole lot more. If that still leaves you wanting, Part 2 is a more advanced class which will tackle some more tricky baking recipes and show you how to WOW your friends with sweet treats!
Part 1 - Thursday 12th February, 12noon - 2.30pm
Part 2 - Thursday 14th May, 12noon - 2.30pm
Private classes
Not able to attend one of our scheduled classes? Perhaps you would like to choose what we cook or maybe you’d like to cook with us. Our private classes are ideal for a group of friends or for you and your family. We can tailor the class to suit your experience with Aga cooking and your taste. We’ve done classes for kids, for vegetarians, classes with just desserts, Asian style cooking and can prepare a menu just for you. Prices start at around £250, please contact the shop for more details.
One-to-One Classes £45 - £65
One-to-one classes are performed in the showroom, by members of staff - most often by Caroline and Angie who have a combined experience of over 10 years of cooking on Agas. We can usually do these at any time or date that you prefer and also adapt them to suit any dietary requirements you or your family may have. One-to-ones are brilliant if you have had no previous experience of Aga cooking and want to know what all the fuss is about!
The Aga Cooking Experience in Beauchamp Place £85 for 3 classes
Want to master the art of Aga cooking? Why not buy the Aga cooking experience. One Day in the Life to get you started and a choice of two more classes all for the total price of £75, a saving of up to £20. Treat yourself and get cooking or it makes the perfect gift to a new Aga owner. Terms and Conditions apply.
General information
Lunch or dinner is served at the end of each class so do come hungry! Classes will finish by the published time but you may need to give yourself a little more time to try some of the delicious food. We do try to start all classes on time but do understand London traffic can be a bit of a nightmare! Please call and let us know if you think you may be running late. A mail order service is available if you wish to buy any of the items youve seen being used but are feeling a bit too full to carry your purchases home! Don’t forget the Aga ‘Product of the Month’ which offers up to 30% off selected items (which changes each month). Payment for classes must be made at the time of booking.
For more information on any of our classes of to enquire about private classes or The Aga Cooking Experience, please call
020 7589 6379 or email knightsbridge@aga-web.co.uk .
Meet the Team
Caroline - Shop Manager
After living and working in the Philippines for seven years, Caroline decided it was time to come back home to the UK. Her previous job of promoting fine restaurants has put her in good stead for working at Aga. Her culinary knowledge spreads far and wide, having also spent time in Italy and France, quickly learning their delicious offerings. When not busy running the London showroom, she can be found hovering around the Aga, cooking up a fabulous green curry and other delicious Asian treats!
Mary
Mary is our English rose! With a background in home economics, she knows all there is about food. Mary has been with the Aga shop since the beginning and has a wealth of information about Aga cooking, owning one herself. She is practised in Middle Eastern cooking, and finds the Aga simmering oven perfect for cooking her favourite Middle Eastern dish – Dolmas. This consists of vine leaves stuffed with veggies, minced lamb, spices and rice, in a rich tomato and lemon sauce! Mouthwatering stuff.
Angie - Assistant Manager
Our South African ‘import’, Angie loves warming up by the Aga on those chilly London winters, hugging yet another cup of coffee. After completing a business degree in marketing and economics, Angie decided to venture north, and soon felt right at home with Aga, where she helps run the show with Caroline. A fan of great design, the Aga appeals to her in every way – especially as it is so practical. She loves creating dishes on the Aga with a South African flare, and is always trying to think of new ways to entice customers into the Aga way of life.
Jo
Jo joined the Knightsbridge team in 2005, only to disappear off to Corfu for six months the following May. Thankfully, Jo returned (with a tan) ready to help us through Christmas and has promised never to leave again. Jo has lots of retail experience and is happy to provide excellent advice to those considering an Aga. She always manages to go the extra length to help out. Those of you who have met Jo will know that she was expecting a baby in early November. Indeed we are pleased to announce that Jo gave birth to a beautiful little girl on November 7th!
Rosie
After living student life in Leicester, Rosie joined the Knightsbridge team in 2007, and quickly adapted to Aga life! She has never been disappointed by the fine results the Aga produces, and is now an established pro at making delicious breads and cakes. She has been a vegetarian all her life, and is the person to speak to when requiring inspirational, scrumptious ideas for vegetarian recipes.
Jessica
A recent graduate from Plymouth University, Jessica joined us in October. Full of enthusiasm, Jess quickly formed a part of the team - all thanks to her stirling effort at making coffee cake (this certainly made the grade and played a good part in securing her future here!). Jess has travelled all over the world and loves trying out all sorts of different cooking styles on the Aga but particularly enjoys making delicious soups for us all to enjoy.
Danika, whose mum works in The Aga Shop in Marylebone, is loving the fact that her 1st job involves making cakes!
and our Cooks....
Mark David has been cooking for us in Knightsbridge for a long time. His enthusiasm for easy family cooking is infectious and he is a born entertainer.
Expect the recipes to change a little as we go through his classes but also expect fabulous results at the end. For those who want to be entertained whilst you learn some new tricks, Mark's classes are a perfect choice.
 James McIntosh, our youngest and probably our cheekiest Aga Chef! That said, you will leave every one of James' classes feeling confident that you can cook the dishes at home. A home economist by training, an Aga cook by upbringing; James' notes on how to get the best out of your Aga are for keeps. If you're looking for a useful stocking present this year - check out James' new book MIX, available at The Aga Shop Knightsbridge.
Directions
Nearest tube: Knightsbridge (Piccadilly line)
Take Harrod’s exit, walk along the front of Harrod’s. Beauchamp Place is the third road on the left. When directing a Taxi to the showroom, Beauchamp Place is pronounced ‘Beecham’. A number of bus routes pass through Knightsbridge. Please ring the shop for more information
Products on display
The full range of Aga cookware is on display at the Aga Shop, Knightsbridge. There are two live Agas – one 4 oven, gas fired convenional flue Classic Special Edition (only available in cream) and the other a black 4 oven, gas fired power flue with an electric module. There's also a live cream 6:4 with a gas hob. We hold the full range of product brochures in store.
Cold appliances include:
2 oven Agas
13amp electric Aga in claret with AIMS
Oil fired Aga in British racing green
Gas fired conventional flue Aga in heather
3 oven Agas
13amp electric Aga in heather with AIMS
Gas fired conventional flue Aga in dark blue
4 oven Aga
Gas fired balance flue Aga 2000 Special Edition
Conventional cookers
4:2 with gas hob (only gas hobs available) in pewter
6:4 with electric hobs in aubergine
Masterchef with gas hobs in black
Stoves
Little Wenlock in black
Rayburns
Gas fired Special Edition Rayburn XT (only available in black)
Solid fuel and wood fired Rayburn Heatranger in black
Gas fired condensing boiler Rayburn Heatranger in claret
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