SALFORD WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE
Afternoon Tea, From Scratch: Rolling Up Your Sleeves in Salford’s Iconic Baking Tent
A hands-on, 3-hour masterclass in Salford where pairs learn to bake classic Afternoon Tea treats, then present and taste them on-site — this guide explains what to expect and who it suits.
Afternoon Tea, From Scratch: Rolling Up Your Sleeves in Salford’s Iconic Baking Tent.
Set inside The Big Bakes' signature baking marquee in Salford, the British Baking Masterclass — Iconic Afternoon Tea is a lively, all-inclusive, three-hour workshop that guides small teams through the making of Victoria sponge sandwiches, mini cakes and chocolate truffles before serving the results with tea in a relaxed café/cocktail-bar setting.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A purpose-built marquee with full stations
The Big Bakes operates beautiful baking marquees fitted with a dozen fully equipped baking stations and top appliances so everything you need is on hand — aprons, ingredients and professional kit are provided.
Hands-on lessons in classic Afternoon Tea fare
Working in pairs, participants follow guided, practical instruction to create Victoria sponge sandwiches, mini cakes and chocolate truffles, then arrange them on a three-tier stand for tasting.
Sit down to taste what you’ve made
After baking, groups enjoy their fresh creations with tea in the on-site café/cocktail-bar; the experience is designed to be social and accessible — the operator even handles the washing up.
What the day feels like
What the class feels like
The session opens with a welcome drink and a short introduction to the history of Afternoon Tea, then moves quickly into practical work at the stations: paired teams mix, bake and decorate under expert guidance, present their bakes on a three-tier stand and conclude with a communal tasting and tea — an informal, taught workshop that requires no prior experience.
THE VENUE
A purpose-built marquee with full stations
The Big Bakes operates beautiful baking marquees fitted with a dozen fully equipped baking stations and top appliances so everything you need is on hand — aprons, ingredients and professional kit are provided.
THE BAKE
Hands-on lessons in classic Afternoon Tea fare
Working in pairs, participants follow guided, practical instruction to create Victoria sponge sandwiches, mini cakes and chocolate truffles, then arrange them on a three-tier stand for tasting.
THE FINISH
Sit down to taste what you’ve made
After baking, groups enjoy their fresh creations with tea in the on-site café/cocktail-bar; the experience is designed to be social and accessible — the operator even handles the washing up.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most out of this experience — and when it might not be ideal.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The class runs for three hours, encompassing a welcome, hands-on baking, presentation and tasting.
Bring only yourselves and wear comfortable clothes suitable for baking — the operator supplies all equipment, ingredients, aprons, decorations and a take-home cake box. The operator also handles washing up.
The session meets at Unit 2, 4 New Bailey, Stanley Street, Salford M3 5FS; arrive on time to join the welcome drink and briefing.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the masterclass?
The British Baking Masterclass — Iconic Afternoon Tea lasts three hours.
Do I need prior baking experience?
No experience is required; the session is taught and all equipment and ingredients are provided.
Can children attend and what are the age rules?
Children are welcome but rules vary by age: under-5s can attend free as part of a team of three with two full-price tickets; ages 6–13 must bake with a responsible adult; ages 14–17 may bake without an adult but must be accompanied. Supervising adults are responsible for children around ovens and equipment.
What should I bring to the session?
Bring yourselves and wear comfortable clothes suitable for baking — the operator provides aprons, ingredients, decorations and a take-home box.
Can I sit at my baking station if I need to?
Yes — a chair can be provided at your baking station if you require it. Contact the operator in advance to request a chair so they can prepare it for you.
Where do we meet for the class?
The meeting location is Unit 2, 4 New Bailey, Stanley Street, Salford M3 5FS.