This masterclass takes you through the essential elements of classic Italian antipasto and aperitivo culture.

You’ll begin with a hands-on session led by Executive Chef Malcolm W alongside antipasto enthusiast Terry P, learning how to prepare, pickle and preserve a range of Italian favourites.

From bright vegetable pickles to rich olive tapenade and coastal-style pickled calamari, this class is all about simple ingredients, proper technique and big Mediterranean flavour.

After the hands-on session, we step behind the bar for a relaxed introduction to Italian aperitivo culture. Our bar team will guide you through classic drinks including the Negroni, Hugo Spritz, Limoncello Spritz and Bellini, served alongside a curated antipasto tasting platter.

It’s practical, generous, approachable and designed to give you ideas you can recreate at home.

What You’ll Learn

In this hands-on cooking class, you’ll learn how to:

• Prepare classic Italian antipasto
• Balance acidity, salt, herbs and aromatics
• Pickle and preserve vegetables for giardiniera
• Prepare pickled calamari with herbs, vinegar and olive oil
• Make a rich black olive tapenade
• Create peperonata with roasted capsicum and aromatics
• Build flavour-packed antipasto platters
• Understand the basics of Italian aperitivo culture
• Pair classic aperitivo cocktails with savoury bites

What You’ll Make

During the class, you’ll prepare and learn how to make:

Giardiniera
A vibrant Italian vegetable pickle balancing acidity, crunch and aromatics.

Pickled Calamari
A southern Italian coastal tradition preserving tender calamari with herbs, vinegar and olive oil.

Black Olive Tapenade
A rich Mediterranean spread of olives, capers and garlic, perfect for antipasto platters.

Peperonata
Slow-cooked roasted capsicum with olive oil, vinegar and aromatics — one of Italy’s most loved antipasto classics.

Aperitivo Section

No antipasto experience is complete without aperitivo.

Our bar team will guide you through a tasting and demonstration of classic Italian aperitivo cocktails, including:

• Negroni — bitter, sweet and strong
• Hugo Spritz — elderflower, mint and prosecco freshness
• Limoncello Spritz — bright citrus and sunshine in a glass
• Bellini — the elegant Venetian classic with fresh peach purée

Enjoy these alongside a curated antipasto tasting platter as you learn how Italians turn simple ingredients into unforgettable moments.

Dietary Notes

Vegetarian-friendly options are available.

Unfortunately, this class cannot cater to vegan diets due to the seafood and antipasto components.

Please let us know any dietary requirements when booking.