Frequently Asked Questions
1. I have an allergy/dietary requirement. Can I still attend your classes?
We will be happy to accommodate dietary requirements as best we can. Each class page has a detailed list of ingredients that will be used in the lesson, please confirm on the appropriate pages. If unclear, please email info@sozai.co.uk detailing the class you are interested in and the nature of your dietary requirements.
We will respond to you with the available options, or confirm that the class is unsuitable for your requirements. Please understand that some classes are less adaptable than others and options may be limited.
Please also see our regular vegetarian/vegan friendly classes.
2. What size are your classes?
For most classes, the maximum number of participants is 15. If there are fewer than four participants on any given class, we reserve the right to cancel the class. In such an instance, you will be offered a free transfer to an alternative class or a full refund.
3. Who will be teaching my class and what sort of qualifications do they have?
Sozai has a great team of instructors, all of whom have a wealth of professional culinary and teaching experience. Please see our Instructors page for details about our instructors.
4. Where are your classes held?
We have various cooking classes available at private venues - please check the class page for details. If you've already booked, all venue details are on your confirmation email.
5. What time do the classes start and finish?
Start and finish times will depend on the class. Please check the class page and your confirmation email for details of timings. Please try to be on time; we recommend arriving 10 minutes prior to the class start time to ensure we can begin promptly.
6. I've never made sushi before / I'm a complete beginner. Can I still attend?
Unless specifically mentioned in the class description, all of our classes are suitable for all levels. We keep student numbers down to a level that enables our instructors to give due attention to each student and provide assistance as far as possible. Please contact us by email at info@sozai.co.uk if you have any further questions.
7. I am an experienced cook, are all the classes suitable for me?
Unless specifically mentioned in the class description, all of our classes are suitable for all levels. If you are looking for professional training, we are able to offer tailored/bespoke training classes and one-to-one classes. Please contact us by email at info@sozai.co.uk for further details.
8. I would like more information on the class that I am booking.
In the first instance, please refer to the class page on our website, which will give a description of each class. You can also learn more about the instructor for each class by taking a look at our Instructors page. If you have any further questions, you can email us at info@sozai.co.uk
9. I have booked a class but I am now unable to attend, can I change my class? *Please see 19 below for the condition of event, private dining and catering.
If you need to cancel or reschedule a booking you must contact us by emailing to info@sozai.co.uk at least 7 days before the date of your class and you will be given a full refund for the cooking class. We are sorry that we will be unable to refund or reschedule a cookery class with less than 7 days’ notice.
Please note that any refund will be made on the same card. If you would like to change or cancel your booking, please email us at info@sozai.co.uk.
10. Do you have any classes suitable for children?
Yes, children from 8 years old are welcome at any of our classes, however under 16's must be accompanied by one paying adult. Please note there are no discounts for children.
11. Will I eat the food I make or can I take it home with me?
At the end of each class, students sit down together and eat what they have made. You will be offered a complimentary alcoholic or soft drink to accompany your food.
12. What should I wear? Do I need to bring anything with me?
Please wear comfortable clothes and comfortable, close-toed shoes. We will provide you with an apron. You will be sent the recipes introduced at the class by email after the class. However, you may wish to bring a pen and paper to take notes.
13. How can I get my refund? *Please see 19 below for the condition of event, private dining and catering.
If you need to cancel or reschedule a booking you must contact us by emailing to info@sozai.co.uk at least 7 days before the date of your class and you will be given a full refund for the cooking class. We are sorry that we will be unable to refund or reschedule a cookery class with less than 7 days’ notice.
Please see our terms and conditions for full details of our cancellation policy. If you have any questions, please email info@sozai.co.uk
14. Who processes the transactions and which cards are accepted?
Payments are taken via our website through Stripe.
15. Can I buy a gift voucher?
We offer cash equivalent gift vouchers, which recipients can use to purchase a class of their choice. Please click here to find out more about.
16. How long are gift vouchers valid for?
The gift voucher is valid for two years from the purchase date. The recipient of the voucher can use the gift voucher code to apply the credit when they make a booking.
17. I am a journalist and would like to attend a class / write a review. How do I arrange this?
Please contact us at info@sozai.co.uk for all media requests.
18. Do you offer private or one-on-one classes?
Yes, we offer bespoke private and one-on-one classes. Please contact us at info@sozai.co.uk outlining your requirements.
19. I need to cancel my event/private dining/catering. Will I be refunded?
If you give us 14 days or more notice prior to the booking date, we will refund 100% of your payment. If you give us less than 14 days’ notice and at least 7 or more days’ notice prior to the booking time, we will refund 50% of your payment. If you give us less than 7 days’ notice we are unable to offer any refunds.
Please note that refunds will be made on the original payment method. If you would like to change or cancel your booking, please email us at info@sozai.co.uk.