BBQ SCHOOL
Polhill BBQ School was created to bring the joy of live-fire cooking to a wider audience, right here in Kent. After years of building up our specialist BBQ showroom and seeing a growing appetite for outdoor cooking, we realised there was a real desire for people to not only buy the right equipment but to learn how to use it properly. The school was born out of that simple idea, to help people gain the skills, confidence and know-how to get the most out of their grill.
Our classes are hands-on, welcoming and packed with practical advice. They are run by a duo who know their way around flame and flavour: the legendary Peter Oakley, also known as @thebeardedfoodieskitchen, and Luke Novell, the cook behind @novycooks. Between them, they bring years of experience, a love of food and an easygoing teaching style that makes every session enjoyable as well as informative.
From learning how to light and control a fire to nailing low and slow techniques or whipping up quick crowd-pleasers, each class is designed to give you usable skills that translate straight to your own garden. You will cook on a range of top-quality grills, including Kamado Joe, Traeger and Gozney, with all ingredients provided.
Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned griller looking to sharpen your skills, Polhill BBQ School offers a great way to learn, eat and enjoy the social side of barbecue.
Events

Kamado Joe Beginner Class | Polhill BBQ School
Whether you're new to ceramic BBQs or want to sharpen your skills, this hands-on course is the perfect way to get more from your Kamado-style grill.
Our Kamado Beginner Class at Polhill BBQ School is designed for anyone looking to build confidence, understand core techniques and enjoy cooking with live fire. You’ll gain the knowledge you need to get consistent, delicious results at home.
Led by BBQ expert Pete Oakley @thebeardedfoodieskitchen, the full-day session runs from 10.30am to 4.00pm and includes:
· How to light your Kamado and manage airflow
· Understanding temperature zones and fire control
· Best practices for cooking, cleaning and maintenance
· Hands-on use of ceramic BBQ accessories
Throughout the day, you’ll prepare a variety of dishes on the grill, enjoy tastings of everything you cook, and have plenty to take home and share.
All meat, ingredients and equipment are included. Unlimited free soft drinks are provided, with hot drinks and alcohol available to purchase.
This Kamado BBQ class is ideal for beginners or as a thoughtful gift for any BBQ lover looking to get the most out of their grill.
Please note: BBQ School sessions are based on two attendees per grill or oven. This ensures everyone gets hands-on experience while working in pairs. View full terms and conditions here
Book now
Traeger Beginner Class | Polhill BBQ School
Ready to fire up your Traeger but not sure where to start? Join our Traeger Beginner Class at Polhill BBQ School, designed for newcomers who want to learn how to cook with confidence using wood pellet grilling.
Whether you're aiming to perfect ribs, master burgers or simply get to grips with your grill, this hands-on class is the ideal place to begin. You’ll learn how to control temperature, cook with wood-fired flavour and use your Traeger for both low and high heat cooking.
Led by BBQ expert Pete Oakley (thebeardedfoodie), this relaxed, full-day session runs from 10.30am to 4.00pm and includes:
· Step-by-step guidance on setting up and using your Traeger
· Tips for grilling, smoking and roasting with wood pellets
· Essential cooking techniques for beginners
· Direct, hands-on experience with real-time instruction
You’ll cook a variety of dishes throughout the day, with plenty of time to taste, learn and take food home to share. Expect a fun and friendly atmosphere with fellow BBQ enthusiasts of all levels.
All meat, ingredients and equipment are provided. Unlimited free soft drinks are included, with hot drinks and alcohol available to purchase.
Whether you're treating yourself or gifting the class to someone else, this beginner BBQ course is the perfect way to get the most from your Traeger.
Please note: BBQ School sessions are based on two attendees per grill or oven. This ensures everyone gets hands-on experience while working in pairs. View full terms and conditions here
Book now
Kamado Joe Advanced Class | Polhill BBQ School
Take your BBQ game to the next level with our Kamado Joe Advanced Class, built for grill enthusiasts ready to push their skills and unlock the full potential of ceramic cooking.
Whether you've had your Kamado Joe for years or you're just getting serious about live fire cooking, this hands-on BBQ School course will take you beyond the basics. You’ll explore advanced techniques that make the most of ceramic heat retention, fuel efficiency and fire control, all while cooking alongside fellow BBQ fans in a relaxed, friendly setting.
Led by BBQ specialist Pete Oakley @thebeardedfoodieskitchen, this full-day class (10.30am to 4.00pm) covers:
· Multi-zone cooking with indirect and direct heat
· Low and slow smoking techniques for perfect tenderness
· High-temperature searing and crust development
· Charcoal strategy and fire management
· Wood smoke pairing to enhance flavour
As a highlight of the day, Pete will also prepare a showpiece brisket, demonstrating expert trimming, smoking and slicing techniques that showcase the Kamado Joe’s full potential.
All meat, ingredients and equipment are provided. Unlimited free soft drinks are included, with hot drinks and alcohol available to purchase.
Whether it’s a gift for a BBQ lover or the next step in your own grill journey, this Kamado Joe masterclass delivers flavour, technique and fire-cooking confidence.
Please note: BBQ School sessions are based on two attendees per grill or oven. This ensures everyone gets hands-on experience while working in pairs. View full terms and conditions here
Book now
Traeger Advanced Class | Polhill BBQ School
Already comfortable with your Traeger but ready to go beyond the basics? This Traeger Advanced Class at Polhill BBQ School is designed for confident grillers who want to sharpen their skills, explore new techniques, and get even more from their pellet grill.
Led by BBQ expert Pete Oakley @thebeardedfoodieskitchen, this hands-on cooking class dives deep into temperature control, flavour layering, and the precision techniques that define real BBQ mastery. This full-day class (10.30am to 4.00pm) covers:
Balance low 'n slow cooking with hot & fast grilling
· Perfect the art of reverse searing
· Try your hand at cold smoking
· Build layered flavour profiles that elevate your cooking
As part of the session, Pete will also be preparing a showpiece brisket, giving you a front-row look at trimming, smoking and slicing techniques that take this classic cut to the next level.
You’ll cook alongside fellow BBQ enthusiasts in a relaxed, interactive setting, with plenty of time to ask questions, taste every dish, and pick up pro-level tips.
All meat, ingredients and equipment are provided. Unlimited free soft drinks are included, with hot drinks and alcohol available to purchase separately.
Whether you're looking to master your Traeger or buy a memorable gift for the BBQ fan in your life, this advanced BBQ class delivers everything you need to level up your grill game.
Please note: BBQ School sessions are based on two attendees per grill or oven. This ensures everyone gets hands-on experience while working in pairs. View full terms and conditions here
Book nowPolhill BBQ School was created to bring the joy of live-fire cooking to a wider audience, right here in Kent. After years of building up our specialist BBQ showroom and seeing a growing appetite for outdoor cooking, we realised there was a real desire for people to not only buy the right equipment but to learn how to use it properly. The school was born out of that simple idea, to help people gain the skills, confidence and know-how to get the most out of their grill.
Our classes are hands-on, welcoming and packed with practical advice. They are run by a duo who know their way around flame and flavour: the legendary Peter Oakley, also known as @thebeardedfoodieskitchen, and Luke Novell, the cook behind @novycooks. Between them, they bring years of experience, a love of food and an easygoing teaching style that makes every session enjoyable as well as informative.
From learning how to light and control a fire to nailing low and slow techniques or whipping up quick crowd-pleasers, each class is designed to give you usable skills that translate straight to your own garden. You will cook on a range of top-quality grills, including Kamado Joe, Traeger and Gozney, with all ingredients provided.
Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned griller looking to sharpen your skills, Polhill BBQ School offers a great way to learn, eat and enjoy the social side of barbecue.