Celebrate the magic of the season in London, a city that does the holidays in grand style, with an unforgettable experience designed for passionate bakers, food lovers, and joy seekers. This intimate retreat blends iconic English traditions with exclusive baking experiences, elegant accommodations, and festive seasonal charm.
Our Great British Bake Off dreams will come true when we bake in our very own “tent” for the day with renowned baker and cookbook author Edd Kimber, winner of the very first season of the baking show that’s inspired bakers around the world. But the baking dream doesn’t stop there! We’ll enjoy a pastry tasting experience at Cedric Grolet at The Berkeley; learn hands-on techniques from Paula Stakelum, Global Director of Chocolate & Patisserie at Red Carnation Hotels; and spend a day at renowned department store Fortnum and Mason, we’re we’ll bake, enjoy afternoon tea, and shop. Each day offers a carefully curated balance of learning, indulgence, and discovery. Explore London’s premier shopping street, Portobello Road, as well as other quaint neighborhoods, and connect with fellow bakers in one of the world’s most enchanting cities during the holiday season.
Throughout the retreat, guests will stay at the luxurious Milestone Hotel, a beautifully restored Victorian landmark overlooking Kensington Gardens.
This retreat is limited to 20 bakers and is designed for those who love baking, beauty, and thoughtful travel.
Each registered baking participant will receive a one-year subscription to Bake from Scratch or another Hoffman Media magazine. If you’re already a subscriber, you may extend your subscription or gift it to someone who loves baking.
Arrive in London at your leisure and settle into The Milestone, our elegant home for the retreat. Private transportation will be provided from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to our hotel.
In the evening, gather with fellow bakers for a festive welcome reception in the cozy Stables Bar at The Milestone, the perfect beginning to our London holiday baking experience.
As The Great British Bake Off hosts say, “On your marks, get set, BAKE!” We’re headed for the ultimate baking experience in our very own “tent” for the day with celebrated baker and author of the new Chocolate Baking book Edd Kimber at The Big London Bake.
Bakers will enjoy a hands-on class focused on rich holiday-inspired creations like Edd’s Mincemeat and Custard Hand Pies, while learning techniques and tips from one of Britain’s most beloved baking personalities.
The remainder of the afternoon and evening will be free to enjoy London’s fabulously festive holiday lights.
In the morning, Brian Hart Hoffman and Brooke Bell will be your guides for a shopping experience along Portobello Road, where Brian bought his first antique copper baking pans. We’ll pop into our favorite spots for culinary antiques, tea pots, antique engravings, wooden boxes, and more.
After our shopping excursion, we’ll enjoy lunch together in picturesque Notting Hill.
In the late afternoon, one group will head to Cedric Grolet at The Berkeley for a Champagne and pâtisserie tasting experience. Cedric is the brilliant pastry artist that creates stunning, fruit-shaped desserts.
The remainder of the evening will be yours to relax and enjoy London at your own pace.
Today features an exclusive hands-on workshop with Paula Stakelum, fondly known as Paula Pastry, the Global Director of Chocolate and Pâtisserie at Red Carnation Hotels, offering guests the opportunity to learn about her intricate chocolate work in an intimate setting.
Those that did not enjoy the Champagne and pâtisserie tasting experience at Cedric Grolet at The Berkeley the previous day will do so in the afternoon.
The evening is free for relaxation, dining, or exploring London.
We’ll head to the iconic Fortnum & Mason, one of London’s most celebrated department stores and culinary destinations that’s supplied the Royal Family since 1898, for an exclusive day of baking, afternoon tea, and shopping.
Enjoy a final evening in London with time to revisit favorite neighborhoods or cozy cafés.
Depart on your own, with private transfers arranged for you to London Heathrow Airport (LHR).
5 nights at The Milestone (five-star accommodations)
2 baking classes
1 chocolate workshop with Paula Pastry
Champagne tasting experience at Cedric Grolet at The Berkley
Antiques shopping along Portobello Road
Welcome reception, lunch in Notting Hill, afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason, and breakfast daily
Transportation to and from all scheduled retreat activities
Private round-trip airport transfers
One-year Bake from Scratch subscription
Gift bag with curated favorites
Airfare to and from London
Some meals
5 hotel nights at The Milestone (five-star accommodations)
Welcome reception and breakfast daily
Private round-trip airport transfers
Airfare to and from London
Some meals
Baking classes, workshops, and tasting experiences
One-yearBake from Scratch subscription
Gift bag with curated favorites
The Milestone Hotel
Located in the heart of Kensington overlooking Kensington Gardens, The Milestone is one of London’s most elegant boutique luxury hotels. Rich in historic character and timeless British charm, the hotel offers beautifully appointed accommodations, exceptional service, and an intimate atmosphere perfect for the holiday season.
Its central location provides easy access to London’s festive neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, luxury shopping, and celebrated culinary destinations.
You’ll fly into London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR), which is serviced from most major hubs in the United States.
Private round-trip airport transportation is included, along with transportation to and from all scheduled retreat experiences throughout the week.
The Bake from Scratch team is available to assist with travel planning. Email events@bakefromscratch.com for guidance.
Single Baker Occupancy
$10,750 per Baker
1 Baker | 1 Private Hotel Room
Shared Baker Double Occupancy
$9,750 per Baker
2 Bakers | 1 Hotel Room
Baker & Non-Baking Guest
$12,250 per Baker & Non-Baking Guest
1 Baker + Non-Baking Guest | 1 Shared Hotel Room
A 50% deposit is due within 48 hours of confirmation, along with signed travel waiver and cancellation policy acknowledgment
The remaining 50% balance is due August 15, 2026
Payments accepted: ACH direct deposit, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, Diners Club, Union Pay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay
All prices are listed in U.S. dollars
A 3% discount is included for payments made via secure bank transfer (ACH).
A 1% discount applies when paying the full retreat cost at booking.
All bookings for this retreat are final and nonrefundable under all circumstances. For this reason, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, interruption, illness, and other unexpected events. You agree that you will not initiate a charge-back or payment dispute for amounts properly charged in accordance with this policy.
If you choose not to purchase travel insurance, you understand and agree that you are responsible for all costs or losses related to trip interruptions.
Changes, Cancellations & Unforeseen Events
We are not responsible for expenses related to travel delays, cancellations, illness, injury, or other events beyond our control, including but not limited to weather, government actions, and airline or transportation issues.
In the event that we must cancel this retreat due to circumstances beyond our control, our liability will be limited to a refund of amounts paid to us, or a credit toward a future retreat, at our discretion. We are not responsible for additional expenses such as airfare, lodging, or other travel costs.
Health & Travel Risks
Travel involves inherent risks, including the risk of exposure to communicable illnesses. By booking this retreat, you acknowledge these risks and agree to assume responsibility for your own health and safety during the trip.
If you become ill during the retreat, particularly with a suspected or confirmed contagious condition, the group leaders may require you to modify or end your participation if they reasonably believe your presence poses a health or safety risk to other participants. In such cases, no refund or credit will be provided.
Program Changes
Due to circumstances beyond our control, certain activities, instructors, services, or amenities may be modified, substituted, or unavailable. Such changes do not constitute grounds for a refund, but we will work tirelessly to make sure you have the best experience possible.
Acknowledgment
By booking this retreat, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to this Trip Cancellation & Travel Risk Policy.
Do single travelers attend your retreats?
We always have single travelers on our retreats, and many make plans in advance for dinners and free time. We will connect you with all travelers ahead of the retreat via WhatsApp.
What airport should I fly into?
You’ll fly into London Heathrow Airport (LHR). Private transfers are included to make your travel days stress-free and seamless.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, daily breakfast is included.
Are the baking classes hands-on?
Yes, all baking sessions are fully hands-on.
Are children allowed?
All participants must be 18 years or older.
What should I wear?
Smart casual attire is recommended. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Is this retreat suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. Retreats are designed for passionate home bakers of all skill levels.
Will we have free time?
Yes. Leisure time is thoughtfully built into the itinerary.
Can I extend my stay?
Email events@bakefromscratch.com if you’d like to extend your hotel stay before or after the retreat.