Tarte Aux Fraise (Strawberry Tart) - French Tart Masterclass

About this experience

Discover the elegance and tradition of French patisserie right here in the North East with our Tarte aux Fraises workshop. Held at our kitchen in South Shields, this hands-on experience brings the iconic Tarte aux Fraises to life—a dessert beloved across France and recreated in patisseries from Paris to Provence. This two-hour class offers a taste of authentic French pastry culture right on your doorstep in South Tyneside, making it a perfect experience for locals and visitors alike.

Your journey begins by mastering the essential technique of creating a crisp, buttery tart shell from scratch. Guided by our expert team, you’ll learn how to combine flour and butter to achieve the ideal pâte sucrée—a delicate, slightly sweet dough that bakes into a golden, flaky shell. With expert tips, you’ll roll, shape, and line your tart tins perfectly, then chill the dough briefly to lock in its structure.

While the shells bake, we’ll move to the luxurious vanilla crème pâtissière. This classic French custard, infused with vanilla, is thickened to a smooth, rich consistency that complements the pastry. You’ll discover the art of whisking and tempering, creating a filling that’s both velvety and stable.

For the final touches, you’ll prepare and arrange fresh strawberries, learning the art of layering them beautifully. A light apricot glaze brushed over the fruit gives your tart that perfect patisserie finish. Each participant will leave with four stunning Tarte aux Fraises—elegant creations crafted by your own hands.

At the end of the workshop, you’ll take home four individually crafted tarts to enjoy, along with recipes and tips to recreate this beautiful dessert at home. This North East-based patisserie class is a must for food lovers in South Shields, Newcastle, and beyond, making it an unforgettable experience to share with family and friends.

Important Information - Please Read Before Booking

This is a practical, hands-on workshop held in a small-group setting with no more than 6 participants, allowing for personalised guidance. Please inform us of any allergies or dietary requirements at the time of booking, as our kitchen handles many allergens. For any concerns, contact us before booking.

Participants must be 14 years or older. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult. We are unable to accommodate non-paying spectators, babies, or pushchairs in the kitchen.

Please bring minimal personal belongings. Light refreshments are included, but you’re welcome to bring a drink in a sealed bottle.

Aprons and hairnets are provided, and participants will stand for the duration of the workshop. Limited seating is available if required. Contact us for specific accessibility needs so we can ensure we can accommodate.

Please arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before the session, and allow up to 2 hours for the full experience. Once booked, workshops cannot be rescheduled or refunded, so please choose your date carefully. In the unlikely event minimum numbers are not met, we will reach out to offer alternative dates.

Gift vouchers are available if you’re booking for someone else—give the gift of an unforgettable patisserie experience in the heart of the North East!