Learn to grill with an England legend

Hands-on BBQ classes with Matthew Hoggard MBE in The Bull and Swan's Secret Garden, Stamford.

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Matthew Hoggard at the grill in a leather apron Coming soon Hear from Hoggy, on film
Matthew Hoggard bowling at a celebrity cricket match
Still bowling: celebrity cricket match, 2024

Meet Hoggy

Matthew Hoggard was part of the England side that won back the Ashes in 2005. Since 2020 he has been teaching people to grill properly, with plenty of stories along the way.

Read Hoggy's story

From the crease to the coals

  1. 01 At 18

    Johannesburg

    Plays cricket in South Africa and falls for the braai: fire, friends and food.

  2. 02 29 June 2000

    England Test debut

    Against West Indies at Lord's.

  3. 03 2005

    Ashes winner

    Part of the England side that won back the Ashes.

  4. 04 2006

    MBE

    Named in the New Year Honours after the Ashes.

  5. 05 2013

    Celebrity MasterChef

    Takes his cooking onto national television.

  6. 06 2020

    Hoggy's Grill opens

    A BBQ school where everyone gets hands-on over the fire.

  7. 07 1 Oct 2026

    A new home

    The Bull and Swan's Secret Garden, Stamford.

What's on

Sat 24 Oct

Oktoberfest

At The Bull and Swan, with 200 people on the waiting list.

Sold out

More sporting nights are on the way, with plenty to get stuck into. Follow us on Instagram to hear first.

Past events

  • Jan 2022An Evening with Monty PanesarEngland spinner, for Veganuary
  • An Evening with Martin Corry and Geordan MurphyLeicester Tigers legends
  • Six Nations watch-along with Harry EllisFormer England scrum-half

Bring the team. Or bring us to you.

Grilled bites being served onto plates at a long outdoor table
Corporate and private hire

Team days and parties at the Grill

Cook-offs, team days, birthday and Christmas parties and long-table feasts in The Bull and Swan's Secret Garden: up to 120 seated, and up to 450 for larger events.

Our most popular team format is Ready, Steady, Compete: teams cook against each other, with Hoggy on hand.

“…a delightful evening with great food, great beers, and an exceptionally charming host. We will be back again, and I'd highly recommend it.”

Dev, Smurfit Kappa
Plan a team day
A tray of Yorkshire pudding canapés topped with rare roast beef
Events and party catering

We bring the grills to you

Birthdays, garden parties, festivals and charity dinners, cooked over fire on site. We cater for veggie, vegan, halal and gluten-free guests too.

Recently cooked for

  • Nevill Holt Opera
  • Debenhams corporate day at Goodwood
  • The Matt Hampson Foundation
  • An ECB dinner
  • Beefy's Charity Foundation, after the Three Peaks challenge
  • Middlesex v Durham, T20 at Richmond

“Matt & Sarah catered for my 30th and my Mum's 60th birthday party which we held at home for 110 people. They were absolutely incredible and we can't thank them enough.”

Emily D., Google review
Plan your event

Rated 5 stars on Google

  • Gift
    “I bought the 1-2-1 Meat Masterclass as a birthday gift for my husband and wow, what a fantastic gift! My husband has not stopped talking about it since he took the class yesterday!”
    Anna L., Google review
  • Family
    “My son and I did the ultimate burger class and it was awesome. A load of meat and spices and encouragement to try a bit of everything. So welcoming, well organised and ultimately delicious! Highly recommended. I'd book this rather than go to a restaurant!”
    Chris D., Google review
  • Learning
    “Hoggy is a brilliantly blunt, amusing and clear coach - I came away with loads of tips I've been using for the rest of the summer.”
    Richard F., Google review
  • Cricket
    “Everything cooked to perfection and a treat to be taught by one of England's famous fast bowlers of winning Ashes fame. Thank you Hoggy”
    John D., Google review
  • Teams
    “We have been multiple times as both a family and work event - always over delivers! Just a MUST!!”
    Matthew H., Google review
  • All levels
    “Lots of fun for BBQ-ers of all skill & experience levels. Hoggy will nurture novices and push those with experience at the same time. And it's impossible to hear enough about Ashes 05!”
    Ed H., Google review

Bowl like Hoggy

Take 3 wickets in an over

Six balls. Hit Bowl when the marker is inside the stumps zone. Take three wickets and unlock 5% off when you join Hoggy's emails.

Ready when you are.

Good questions

Anything else? Email sarah@hoggysgrill.com.

Where are you?

In The Bull and Swan's Secret Garden, 24 High Street, St Martins, Stamford PE9 2LJ.

How long are the classes?

The Ultimate Burger class is 2 hours. The 3 Course Basic and 4 Course Gourmet classes are 4 hours. The 1-to-1 sessions with Hoggy typically last about 90 minutes.

Can I book a 1-to-1 with Hoggy?

Yes. There are three private sessions: Introduction to Grilling (£120 per person), Meat Masterclass (£175 per person) and Seafood Masterclass (£200 per person). Come on your own or as a pair. Email sarah@hoggysgrill.com to pick a date.

Can children come?

Our classes are for ages 16 and over. Younger guests are welcome with a parent or guardian: just let Sarah know when you book.

Do you cater for vegetarians, vegans and allergies?

Yes. We cater for all dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan and pescatarian. Email sarah@hoggysgrill.com before your class, especially about allergies, so we can talk it through.

Can I use a gift voucher for a different class?

Yes. Any of our gift vouchers can go towards any class, and they last for a year.

Can we book a private class for our group?

Yes, for groups of 8 or more (we're flexible), subject to availability. Email sarah@hoggysgrill.com with your dates.

Do you do corporate events and catering?

Yes. Team days, parties and private hire for up to 120 seated in The Bull and Swan's Secret Garden, and we bring the grills to you for parties, festivals and charity dinners.

Find us

The Bull and Swan
The Secret Garden
24 High Street, St Martins
Stamford PE9 2LJ