Learn to bake, eat, and share the healthiest bread in the world. Discover how to bake as Lifestyle Medicine from the walled gardens of Dr Vanessa Kimbell’s beautiful Victorian home in rural Northamptonshire in the UK, where we train healthcare professionals, teach bakers, and support individuals to bake personalised bread using nutrigenetics and gut health assessments.
A handy checklist of things you need to bring with you.
The most important thing that you need to bring with you is an open mind and compassion. We are not a traditional cookery school. Vanessa will ask that you dig deep into what bread means to you, and why this matters. After that, each course has its own life.
Suggestions
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU TO A WORKSHOP OR RETREAT
The most important things to bring are an open mind and compassion. The Sourdough School is not a traditional cookery school. Vanessa will invite you to reflect on what bread means to you — and why that matters. Everything else is practical.
Each course has its own rhythm, but here’s a general guide to help you prepare.
ONE-DAY WORKSHOP
These are shorter, focused days — usually introductory or themed sessions.
Please bring:
One apron (neutral colours if possible — please avoid bright colours or red)
A lidded container or jar to take your starter home
A pot or bowl for your starter
Any of Vanessa’s books you’d like signed
Everything else is provided, and you’ll go home with your bakes, inspiration, and a pot of starter to continue at home.
THREE-DAY WORKSHOP
These are immersive and hands-on, with multiple bakes and fermentations.
Please bring:
Two aprons (ideally in muted, neutral colours — we avoid bright colours or red to support sensory balance)
Indoor shoes
Three clean, odourless containers with lids (for jam, cultured butter, pickles, etc.)
A small clean bottle (an empty water bottle is perfect for taking syrups home)
Any of Vanessa’s books you’d like signed
We will give you a bag on the final day to take your bakes and materials home. International students, do allow luggage space to carry items back with you.
RETREAT (IMMERSIVE WEEK)
These are deeper, holistic experiences combining baking with walks, cycles, and self-reflection.
Please bring:
Everything listed above under the Three-Day Workshop PLUS
Swimming costume
Flask for hot tea
Outdoor walking shoes or trainers
Weather-appropriate clothing (it can be chilly or muddy depending on the season)
A torch – essential in winter months as the village gets very dark and there are no floodlights
A lunch box or container – often there are extras of soup, salad, or bread you may want to take home for supper
Bright jacket if you’re cycling – roads are rural and unlit
If you are sharing a lift, please coordinate with others via WhatsApp. The School cannot accept responsibility for transport arrangements.
Final reminders Please do not arrive early unless you’ve pre-arranged to meet Vanessa for a walk. Make sure you book a taxi home in advance — the day ends at 6.20pm. And of course, if you’re travelling from abroad, don’t forget your passport.
