Fundamentals of Fire:
BBQ Basics
Perfect for anyone looking to learn the basics of fire cooking in a relaxed and welcoming setting with a small class size. This hands-on introductory course will teach you how to achieve consistent results while learning new barbecue dishes.
£140 per person
Includes all food and drinks
11am – 4pm
At our ‘BBQ Basics’ class, we will take you through the basics of fire cooking with charcoal and wood, including when and where to add fuel and understanding heat zones. You will experience cooking on various styles and types of BBQ, learning how to maintain consistent temperatures throughout your cook, including the importance of understanding direct and indirect cooking. There will be plenty of food and drinks on offer throughout the duration of the class to enjoy.
Please be aware that there are steps to get in to our garden and up to the house to use the facilities. We would ask that you get in touch if you have any mobility issues in advance of booking so we can advise.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 3 weeks before your class and receive a full refund. If you cancel less than 3 weeks before the class, you will be offered alternative, equivalent, class dates without a refund unless the class is of lesser value (valid up to one year of initial purchase). If you cancel 7 days before your class you could lose your payment as the place will be difficult to fill at the last minute and the produce will have been ordered. However, if we manage to fill your place, we can offer you a full refund.
Skills you will learn:
- Using wood chunks, chips, lumpwood and briquettes
- Using a chimney starter
- Understanding heat zones
- How a BBQ with a lid opens up a new world of outdoor cooking
- Using your vents to control consistent airflow and therefore temperatures
- How to tell when your protein is cooked and understand resting times
- What to cook slow, what to cook fast
- Dry rubs and wet marinades and when to use them
- Saucing and glazing
What we will cook:
- Poultry – Whole and portions: How to cook each part perfectly
- Steaks – Thick, thin, cheap, expensive and how to cook them
- Vegetables, and why they’re brilliant on the BBQ
- How to make dry rubs, marinades and finishing seasonings
- Side dishes, crowd pleasers and new favourites
Fundamentals of Fire
| 5 star | 100% | |
| 4 star | 0% | |
| 3 star | 0% | |
| 2 star | 0% | |
| 1 star | 0% |
Amazing day lovely welcome from Sam and Shauna made to feel at home from the start, I really don’t know where the next 5 1/2 hours went (time really does fly when your having fun). The outdoor kitchen is to die for with an array of BBQ and Smokers to learn about. Sam and Shauna’s knowledge of American BBQ and other Cuisines was vast and very informative. There was a lovely mix of hands on cooking and demonstrations. Which resulted in a feast of chicken wings, armadillo egg (not what it sounds like) Brisket, an assortment of Ribs, homemade Sausage, a Mexican bean dish and Coleslaw with a twist. I left feeling I had learned so much, full to the brim and that I had made new friends. Thoroughly recommend this day whether you’re attending alone or with friends, and can’t wait to test my new found skills out on friends and family. Thank you both for a wonderful relaxed yet really informative day, will be talking about it for a long time to come x
What a day! No rain and hard core barbecue: I’ve watched lots of foodie tv; I own a zillion cookbooks. And the detail that marks the divide between “really good” and unbelievable is subtle; as teachers (not to simply say chefs) there is real skill here. My favourite cookbooks have been the ones that focus on the details of technique: e.g. the marvellous books by Michel Roux Sr. The chef hides no details and is determined to raise the reader to the same level of excellence that - by virtue of years of experience - they make seem easy. Well guess what I found in a Welsh back garden? Huge expertise, seasoned with a welcoming hug, and a refrigerator dedicated to condiments! And, honestly, the best barbecue I’ve ever had. Winner winner, excellent dinner.
Thank you so much Sam and Shauna for a fantastic day yesterday. Your BBQ knowledge, skills, enthusiasm and above all, your kindness made the day even more special. The brisket and ribs were the best I had ever tasted. Thank you for a truly magnificent experience
A wonderful experience on every level. Sam and Shauna are so welcoming, friendly and hospitable, creating a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. A brilliant day of learning BBQ lessons from two incredible chefs, who will change how you see cooking over fire - not to mention a day packed full of delicious food. This was booked for me as a Christmas present, but I can't wait to book onto another course in the future. Thank you so much Sam and Shauna!
I honestly can't recommend the BBQ basics course enough. My brother-in-law and I had the most fantastic day, cooking and eating some incredible food, drinking some cracking IPAs and having a fantastic laugh with Sam and Shauna - and I vow never to buy light-in-the-bag charcoal ever again! In fact, I've since bought myself a Weber master touch and have cooked Cote de boeuf, butterflied lamb leg and spatchcocked chickens, all within 2 weeks, as well as some delicious sides! Who knew barbequing could be so stress-free and enjoyable! Thanks so much, both - I'll be back!
Thank you so much Sam and Shauna for a fantastic day yesterday. Your BBQ knowledge, skills, enthusiasm and above all, your kindness made the day even more special. The brisket and ribs were the best I had ever tasted. Thank you for a truly magnificent experience
Thank you, Sam and Shauna! After years of really basic BBQing, you've opened my eyes to the possibilities of indirect cooking and smoking. It was a really fun learning day, and the warmth of your welcome counteracted the rather chilly Welsh spring weather!
I've now got myself a proper BBQ and have started down the indirect cooking path.
I cannot recommend this course enough!
An amazing beginner course. So much knowledge condensed into manageable chunks. Sam and Shauna are so lovely too; no question is too simple or stupid-sounding. They make you feel like you’re friends round for a chilled shindig.
The back yard is a properly enviable space! BBQs galore. I loved how they explained the pros and cons of the various choices too.
One of my favourite parts, which they do on all courses (and yes, I have done most of them now :-)) is the chat about the different fuels. Sam does a great job of going through the different options and explaining the different scenarios of use.
We cooked several different meats using several different methods and made some delightful sides to go with them too. Then we all got to eat what we made - with left lovers to take home!
I would thoroughly recommend attending as a way of getting better at bbq or simply to have a great day out with great food and company.
They say never meet your heroes but they are wrong! Sam & Shauna’s American BBQ Masterclass was an outstanding day of fire cooking inspiration in a really fun, professional but relaxed setting. You will have the warmest welcome, and you get to eat everything that is cooked on the day! We did brisket, ribs, armadillo eggs, mac & cheese and sausage making. The small class size allows everyone to get involved, ask questions, make food - the extra insight you get from learning up close and personal can’t be beat. We had such a good day, so many laughs as well as great food and loads of information. Sam & Shauna are fantastic hosts and tutors, as well as being genuinely lovely people to be around. Do yourself a favour and get on one of their classes ASAP!
Just had the most perfect day with Sam and Shauna. What gorgeous humans they are, warm, welcoming and inclusive from the moment we walked in, to the moment we left. We both learnt masses, they are so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about bbq and the food was just amazing! Thank you so much to both of you, we loved it and will definitely be back.
This BBQ Festive Feast Masterclass was a 10 out of 10! I have followed the girls for years and as soon as I saw this Festive Masterclass come up.... I was in!
The day started with a super friendly welcome from Sam and Shauna, a cracking cup of tea and a homemade sausage roll..... or two! Then we spent the next 6 hours learning how to make a salmon gravlax starter, prepping a dry brine turkey with bacon lattice, wet brine turkey legs, combined with loads of beautiful sides and a BANGING dessert! The whole day was full of top tips, getting stuck in, science, laughs, eating, eating some more and then eating some more! All the food was amazing and we even got to take home a lovely smoked pork loin we cooked. Roll on 3 weeks when I can impress my family with my new smoked Christmas meal!
I can't recommend their BBQ classes highly enough, I have already signed up for their masterclass next year. Feliz navidad mi amigas!!
I met Sam and Shauna very briefly at the Ludlow Food Festival, their enthusiasm for outdoor cooking was so infectious. I booked onto their Better BBQ course and a wonderful day was had. The welcome was warm and the BBQing red hot. It was a really useful combination of demonstration and hands on cooking, not to mention great hints and tips and advice. We cooked three delicious courses and got to eat them too! I can't wait to go back.
Fab day. Sam and Shauna were so friendly. Great tips and tricks (and hacks). Food was delicious. I even had a go at making the scotch egg myself at home and it was a huge hit. Thanks for boosting my confidence with dirty cooking and indirect cooking!
We had the most wonderful day yesterday in the company of super hosts Sam and Shauna. Their hospitality is outstanding and you are made to feel like friends and family from the moment you step over the doorstep to their amazing outdoor kitchen and garden.
They have a wealth and depth of knowledge that they are keen to share - it’s positively infectious
The food of course is delicious and we shall definitely be booking another course in the near future.
Thank you for a wonderful day to remember x
What a thoroughly enjoyable day. Sam and Shauna make you feel at home as soon as you come into to their backyard kitchen. Top notch hosts and fantastic teachers. The food was incredible and has given me the confidence to push on with BBQ and cook more interesting and delicious meals for friends and family. Thanks you very much both for a wonderful time. We will be back for the advanced class. Many thanks Ben.
From the moment you arrive to the time you reluctantly depart. Shauna and Sam are the perfect hosts. You are welcomed like friends to a relaxed get together in their lovely garden and in this informal atmosphere learning new skills becomes a pleasure. I gained so much in a short period of time with hands on experience cooking the quality ingredients that was provided as we replicated a garden dinner party.
Then at intervals I sat down with the rest of my fellow students and enjoyed the fruits of our labour. Chatting like long lost friends over a drink.
If you want to gain confidence and develop your skills in the art of outdoor cooking I can highly recommend this experience you won’t regret embarking on a magical journey with these two wonderful chefs.
My wife bought me a BBQ class for my birthday, and it was absolutely brilliant. Loved the demonstrations as well as getting hands on with them too. Learned a lot and topped off with eating some amazing food. Would recommend to anyone!
What an amazing experience. Went far beyond my expectations. Travelled from Yorkshire and so glad we did! So informative with so many tips and new ideas from Sam and Shauna. My advice - just book it!
Sam and Shauna - Thank you. We absolutely loved it and we’ll be back!
Karen & Sally
Spent the day at Sam and Shauna’s house learning the basics of Barbecuing. Now I thought I knew how to bbq but we’ve been doing it wrong for years.
The course is fantastic. They explained the different fuels, controlling temperatures with direct and indirect cooking and how to cook chicken, veg and steak. Sharing recipes with us.
Sam and Shauna are great hosts, making the course fun, relaxing and informative.
Drinks and food are provided throughout the day and the group size was perfect.
I highly recommend this course.
Attended this course today by Sam & Shauna, and highly recommend to anyone who enjoys Barbecuing.
We went through the types of fuel, temperature control, direct and indirect cooking, dry rub and marinated, and cooked various parts of chicken to make a lunch, followed by cooking different types of steak for a steak dinner.
The course was very informative, in a relaxed manner and in a small group so you get to ask plenty of questions as well as gets hands on experience. Even with experience working in the food industry, still learnt so much today.
Sam and Shauna were excellent hosts, made you feel very welcome and relaxed in their beautiful outdoor kitchen. Drinks and snacks were provided throughout, and of course you get to eat what you cooked on the day!
Having been a follower of them for many years, it was great to learn directly from them. Will definitely be looking to put what I learnt into practice soon, as well as booking onto the intermediate course!
What a brilliant day spent learning the basics of barbecuing with the perfect hosts! Sam & Shauna provide everything you need to learn the essential “how to’s” of bbq from fuel choices, hot spots, temperature control, flavourings, rubs & marinades. Best of all, once you’ve tried your hand at it all you get to sit in their lovely garden and eat the fruits of your labours! This is a relaxed class that de-mystifies cooking outdoors in an easy and accessible way. Absolutely loved it - highly recommend
We've just got back from this course at Sam and Shauna's beautiful outdoor kitchen. What an awesome experience. So many things learned about BBQ'ing that I thought I knew but quickly realised I didn't. I highly recommend this course for beginners and intermediates alike. The atmosphere was fun and relaxed, the group size just right and the time between learning and eating spot on. And yes, there's plenty to eat and drink!
I bought the basic backyard bbq course as a birthday gift for my sister and had to come along. I’ve been on lots of cooking courses and this was the best. Sam and Shauna were so welcoming, funny and knowledgeable and I felt comfortable asking very simple questions. I learned loads and have since booked 3 more courses!
I had a really good day learning the basics of grilling and charcoal. I would definitely be interested in trying the other courses as well. Highly recommend giving one of the courses a go!
What an amazing day with Sam and Shauna, greeted with smiles and warmth from the moment we arrived. The schedule was unhurried and relaxed but insightful and spot on. Nothing seemed too much trouble and all questions were answered simply but thoroughly. I enriched my knowledge and skills cooking on fire. These two are a class apart. We will definitely be going back for the masterclass and to share some more beer and stories with Sam and Shauna. Highly recommended!
What an amazing day with Sam and Shauna, greeted with smiles and warmth from the moment we arrived. The schedule was unhurried and relaxed but insightful and spot on. Nothing seemed too much trouble and all questions were answered simply but thoroughly. I enriched my knowledge and skills cooking on fire. These two are a class apart. We will definitely be going back for the masterclass and to share some more beer and stories with Sam and Shauna. Highly recommended!
Over the weekend I attended the BBQ Backyard Experience and what a great gift it was! Sam and Shauna were so welcoming and friendly, were full of knowledge, and looked after us for the whole day. The class was suitable for all different experience levels and budgets (both of mine at the lower end!), and it was just an inspirational day. I felt that there was the right balance of learning and hands-on parts, I got a better appreciation for charcoal and a new love of smoked meat. I'm definitely going to have a go at some of the dishes and techniques myself, and I am doing away with my repeated burnt sausages and burgers for sure. Nothing was a silly question, we battled the elements together and had a great day. Thanks both, I am trying to round up some friends to do another class with me.
A huge thank you to Sam and Shauna for hosting a brilliant day of learning all things BBQ and having fun in the process. We were all made to feel very welcome from the get go and this warmth continued throughout the day.
Lots of learnings, tips and tricks taught throughout the day - make sure you take a note pad for them all!
I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for future classes!
This was our second BBQ class and I think this one surpassed the first! We did the Fundamentals of Fire this time and learnt so much. This class had a lot of really practical ideas we can apply to cooking meals outside at home. We will definitely be able to apply them both when we are cooking a simple family meal with our teenagers or catering for guests. Sam and Shauna were the perfect hosts and made everyone feel welcome to their home. Thank you ladies, you’re awesome :0)
This was a birthday gift and what a wonderful experience! From the fabulously warm welcome we knew we were in for a fun day. Relaxed and friendly vibes in a beautiful outdoor setup; loads of opportunities to learn from Sam and Shauna and ask questions; incredible food (and plenty of it!); lovely company. Honestly couldn’t ask for more. We loved it and I’ll definitely be back for more.
Huge thanks to you both 😊
Firstly thank you for an awesome class today. wow!wow! what a great experience to come to your class today. Full of knowledge of cooking, ingredients and the most of all is equipments that use in the class coals, logs and fire balls (lighter) is sustainable stuffs local products. You have changed my mind to Love the Scotch eggs😋 love the cool technique of cooking steak and chicken wings is amazing too. Highly recommend 😊
It goes without saying that the expert insight into barbequing was delivered in spades. A fabulous day in every respect. However, the standout was the warmth of the genuine welcome into the home of 2 wonderful characters. Funny, engaging, interesting and genuine throughout. They wrap you up, educate you, feed you and leave you feeling like you have spent the day with your best friends. Perfect.
I have just spent an amazing day with Sam and Shauna at their beautiful outdoor kitchen in Llantwit Major. The entire experience was fantastic from the WAGU Beef appetixer to the Roast Belly Pork Main Course. All of the food cooked over Charcoal - I couldn’t recommend the experience enough, it is a fantastic opportunity to learn tips and tricks and cook amazing tasty food whilst being guided by the uk’s best outdoor chefs.
Thank you both for a wonderful day, great food and good company. Highly recommend David B
Second lesson with the fantastic Sam and Shauna, this masterclass was a brilliant step by step guide to cooking American BBQ.
Great practical tips, help with questions and a delicious platter of amazing food as the perfect end to a fantastic day.
Had a fab day yesterday gaining confidence with all things bbq & learning that fish is beautiful when bbq'd (&everything else, of course 😉). 6 of the family descended on Sam & Shauna & we couldn't have been made more welcome. The whole day, start to finish, was professionally handled, amazing food created, discussed & eaten & plenty of drinking happened too! It was a real pleasure to meet Clare & Steve too & to share the day with them & their experiences. Thank you Sam & Shauna for a really amazing day 😍
What a great way to learn how to do things properly from accomplished experts. Sam and Shauna were perfect hosts, mixing a party atmosphere with detailed instructions in a relaxed and friendly setting.
We were able to join in with some preparation and cooking before eating a delicious 3 course lunch packed full of subtle flavours. What a treat.
I don't like writing reviews immediately after an event. I like to take time to reflect and consider whether my initial impressions are the same as those on the day. Having had a few weeks since my Backyard BBQ experience I can honestly say that this is a must for any BBQ lover out there. From the moment that you arrive and are greeted enthusiastically by Sam and Shauna in their jaw-dropping outdoor kitchen with a cup of tea/coffee and welcome nibbles you know that you're in for a treat. The whole day was full of useful hints and tips on ways to improve your technique: from what to look out for when sourcing and buying native, ethically-produced charcoal, to the best way to add flavour to your dishes. There was an opportunity to prepare and cook a range of different meats and side dishes and, best of all, plenty of opportunity to eat them, accompanied by a great selection of cold alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The price of one of these classes may seem expensive at first sight but the knowledge gained and the experience of cooking and eating a generous supply of deliciously-prepared food with a group of like-minded people was great value for money. It would make an ideal gift for anyone looking for a unique and memorable experience.
I can't fault Sam and Shauna. They welcome you into their incredible BBQ area, imparting great knowledge on different BBQs and techniques, even pivoting to do a different type of cooking to demonstrate a technique for another guest. The food produced was delicious and I can't wait to do more cooking at home. I was also really grateful to be included in a toast as a teetotaller with a delicious shot of maple syrup. I would recommend a visit to see Sam and Shauna to learn more about BBQ.
Amazing day. Like going found to a friend's house but with world famous food. Learnt loads and came a way with a real burning desire to get BBQing again. Winter be damned. Sam and Shauna couldn't be more friendly and accommodating. 5 star review if for no other reason than I got a pickle back shot before noon (try and organise not to drive).
Top day at @hangfirebbq American BBQ Masterclass. Learning all the secrets of great American BBQ. The bonus is we got to eat some of the best brisket, ribs, wings, sausage and sides.
Being part of Sam and Shauna’s American BBQ Masterclass was not only a really instructive and enjoyable experience it was also a great eating experience.
I have come away with a much better understanding of how to get the best from my own BBQ. Sam’s really clear explanations gave the whys and not just the hows so the information definitely went in better than simply being shown how to do something. Knowing how to treat British brisket as compared to American or Argentinian brisket. What I need to ask my butcher for and knife skills. And I now know what I was doing wrong with my sausages. I cannot wait to get my meat grinder out again!
With a small group we all had the chance to ask questions and I feel that all the people on our days course went away with some gems. Thanks