“What a wonderful evening at CWS HQ! Marcus was the perfect host for a really enlightening gastronomic experience. The food was stunning – from the chicken thighs to the dirty hanger steak (and who knew you could do a perfect roast beef in a Weber?!). It’s given me so much more confidence to gently smoke meat on a few coals – rather than overpower with heat and wood!”
-James from Devon
“I was lucky enough to attend the first session of the BBQ basics class. Like many I’ve been BBQ’ing for a while and thought I knew a fair amount about it, but the evening gave me a small insight into just some of the knowledge Marcus clearly posseses and in the process learnt a huge amount. The session was relaxed, friendly, hands on and informative and all questions raised were answered and even some that weren’t. If you want to move on from burger & sausage and have the confidence to do so, this is the course for you. I highly recommend this course and looking forward to the next level when they become available. I’ll be cooking the things passed very soon……….roast beef with a dry rub and a hint of smoke here I come”
-Steve from Newport
“Amazing experience Marcus. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, home and hospitality. Anyone thinking of doing this course, do it! I feel so charged with enthusiasm for outdoor cuisine. Bring on warmer days and late night outdoor parties with friends.”
-Dan from Devon
Who am I?
Marcus Bawdon will be running each course personally.
I am a passionate BBQ’er and keen to pass on the basics of BBQ and Outdoor Cooking to get people inspired to cook outdoors with confidence.
Founder of CountryWoodSmoke and Editor of UK BBQ Mag, I have years of helping people get started with cooking BBQ, the courses are relaxed and laid back, but there will be plenty to learn and eat!
Where am I?
I’m 5 minutes from Junction 28 of the M5 Cullompton and easy to get to from the A303.
I live in a small village with limited parking, so if you can car share with a couple of mates, then it is appreciated.
CountryWoodSmoke HQ is a dedicated outdoor cooking and teaching area in my garden. The weather can be variable, and a roof keeps off the rain, but please dress appropriately for the time of year.
Course details
BBQ Basics
Where better to learn the basics of how to cook on a BBQ than CountryWoodSmoke HQ in deepest darkest Devon.
This course is intended for people who are looking to get into real BBQ, how to control heat in a BBQ, which fuel, smoke and food combinations work well.
You will learn how to make a dry rub, and when best to apply it. When to apply a sauce or baste.
Simple BBQ dishes will be cooked such as chicken thighs, steaks and roasts.
The atmosphere is lovely and laid back, you will take lots of new ideas and techniques away to get you inspired to cook outdoors. The course will have 3 hours of teaching/cooking, and then an hour to enjoy eating the food we have cooked, chat and ask questions.
BBQ Basics Course Dates
The courses are intended to be short notice “pop up” style, if you can’t make a particular date, there will be others to book coming along soon. Please read the FAQ below for booking details. The BBQ Basics course is £80 per person, and includes plenty to eat on the day.
26th May 1pm till 5pm – £80 per person 2 places left
10th June 12pm till 4pm – £80 per person 3 places left
Please use contact form below to be kept informed of new course dates or to book in on classes.
Intermediate BBQ Skills
The cost for this will be £100 as it is an hour longer than the basics class, and will include baby back ribs, bacon weaving and how to make a fatty, and I will look to be doing BBQ scotch eggs, there will also be a bit of reverse seared steak action. This will include a full belly and a drink, beer, wine and soft drinks available.
The Intermediate BBQ Skills course is for those who are looking to step up their BBQ, and take their basic skills to another level.
Please email using the contact form below if you are interested in a course either for yourself or a present, and I will let you know when more dates become available.
FAQ & Contact details
FAQ’s
I want to come on a course…how do I Book?
Please use the contact form below to get in touch. PayPal payment details will then be provided, along with course instructions and further details for the course. Payment in full is required at the time of booking.
I need to cancel or postpone a course?
Please get in touch as soon as you realise you can’t make a course. At least a week notice for full refund, three days before for 50% refund days notice less than 3 days notice and it is unlikely we could fill the space, so unfortunately no refund, but we would allow a friend to come in your place.
What should I wear/bring?
Recipes and notes are provided for everything covered in classes. A pad and pen is a useful way to record your own ideas and thoughts for when you get cooking at home. Please dress appropriately for the time of year, the classes are under cover, but can get cold in the evenings, especially if windy. Wrap up warm and bring extra layers just in case.
Special Dietary Requirements?
Please advise any allergies or dietary requirements when booking, the basics course isn’t really suitable for non meat eaters. If there is enough interest in non meat courses then please get in touch to see if there is enough interest to run a separate course in the future.
Will I go hungry?
Nobody ever goes hungry at CountryWoodSmoke HQ… we will be cooking together and eating together. A choice of drinks will be provided.
Do I need any cooking skills/prior knowledge?
No prior knowledge is assumed for the BBQ Basics course.
How many in a class?
Classes are kept small to provide the best level of teaching and will be 6-8 people max. Courses are for over 16 year olds only.
B&B’s / Taxi’s etc.
We can provide details of local B&B’s and taxis firms if required. It’s a beautiful corner of Devon and worth making a trip of and to explore.
