Hola con lola

Booked in for class and cancelled without warning. Showed up noboy there. Rescheduled and again nobody was there. Don't waste your time!

Paid $280 for 2 tickets to Feb 2023 cooking class . I read the previous bad reviews but elected to book anyway just in case the previous reviewers had a grudge. Class cancelled at last minute as per prev reviewers. Was contacted by the HCL team a few weeks later and after requesting a full refund, was offered a gift voucher instead. We live in NSW and don’t visit Melbourne often so not very useful.

Was a bit worried going into the class given the many negative reviews, but the class proceeded as there were about 24 of us (despite the website advertising that there are 14 spots in a class). I personally don't think it is worth the $140 for a 3 hour class (I had a voucher), but nevertheless still had fun.Positives- paella was delicious, generous on the seafood that was used too- good location next to a grocerNegatives- not exactly much cooking learned, as people got delegated tasks eg to chop one onion, or a capsicum. I understand it's probably a lot faster that way, but you don't really understand the whole process in detail (eg at individual stations in a normal cooking class). Same with the actual cooking, it will be a few select people who will do it. Similarly with 'sourcing' produce, because there was a large group, everyone was selected to find eg two lemons, to apples. Suggest that all the produce is bought beforehand so that everyone is ready to start cooking.- a bit unorganised with the timing, we ran overtime and the dessert for churros was rushed through. We were also given piping bags with nozzles to pipe through the churro filling, but there was no coupler to hold the nozzle. Consequently, it was difficult to pipe out the churros as the nozzle would come out.The terms of the lessons also seem relatively unfair - you can cancel 72hrs before the class, but they reserve the right to cancel the class at any time due to the weather or insufficient numbers. I suspect a lot of the negative reviews are due to this where participants' classes have been cancelled very last minute.Overall, still had a fun class - Lola is very friendly and funny, and the paella was delicious (+ you get the recipes). However, there are some points for improvement (potentially better communication re cancellations/rescheduling).

The class was so much fun and Lola brings such vibrancy and passion to the kitchen. Now we know to make sangria/tapas, and cut lemons! Just go with the flow, embrace your time together and you'll leave with endless laughs, would highly recommend.

I went to learn “how to make Paella and Sangria.”. Food was absolutely delicious and what a fun day! I totally recommend to book a session with Lola. She is not only a great cook, but also a great host and she will make you feel like at home :) thanks Lola

Total scam! Do not trust this woman. She asked to reschedule our booking due to the heat. I responded asking how we did this. Three messages and and email later and still no response.She is nothing but a thief!!!

This class was rescheduled from February. I took my 3 kids and we had an amazing time. One of my kids is autistic and I didn’t think to tell Lola but she made everyone so comfortable. Lola is very engaging. The entire experience was such good value. Lots of laughs and great food!

Beware, this business now seems closed, with an empty premises. Website still open taking bookings. We were booked back in October 2022 but the class was cancelled at the last minute. Today we were booked in again, only to turn up and find it gone! I recommend not booking in the website. Would give it 0 stars if I could.

I’ve done a few of Lola’s classes and I’m addicted! Lola teaches in a way that brings lots of fun and passion to the kitchen! Lola Is an incredible host/teacher/chef and will always provide lots of laughs. Definitely recommend!

I've been to two classes so far and I've thoroughly enjoyed my time at both. Lola is such a charming and fun host/instructor and made sure we were all engaged with something to do in cooking and preparing all our meals and drinks. The vibe in her classes is very casual, relaxed and welcoming no matter what your cooking skill level is, and you'll have a great time getting along with her and others in your classes. Class sizes are decently sized and just about perfect. And I strongly believe that as long as you have an open mind and are willing to engage, you'll walk away having learnt something.I'm definitely not a good cook by any account and I only occasionally cook at home, but even I left being able to do my own take of Catalan bread with Spanish prosciutto as well as the famous paella. I have Lola and her classes to thank for this.