L’Atelier des Chefs is a cookery school with a difference. Even if you only have half an hour to spare, there is something for you to learn, from sushi to souffle.

The school runs half hour and one hour lunchtime classes at its Marylebone based London branch, where you prepare one or two courses and then tuck in at the end. For those with more time on their hands there are three hour long “All about…” classes, which focus in on a particular technique or cuisine, and four hour “Grande Cuisine” masterclasses.

I tried the three hour “All About Macaroons” class, it was in depth and involved, but with expert tuition and hands on help from my tutor Baldwin, I mastered the art and picked up some useful tips along the way. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, and I left knowledgeable and stuffed with sugar. I was also tempted by the goodies in the professional cookware shop downstairs – perfect for a gift for a foodie friend.

With schools in London, Brussels, Dubai, Paris and several other locations in France, L’atelier des Chefs is poised for European domination. It doesn’t take long to join in, so what are you waiting for?

Prices start from just £18 for the half hour classes.