Fire Horse Ikebana Chocolate Showpiece Masterclass.

2-Day Hands–On Chocolate Sculpture Class – All Levels Welcome
Date: 5th & 6th January 2026 • Location: The Taste Lab London

The Taste Lab London
Classic Fine Foods
291 Abbey Rd, London NW10 7SA

Online bookings and further details are available at The Taste Lab website below:
FIRE HORSE IKEBANA CHOCOLATE SHOWPIECE BY MARTIN CHIFFERS – THETASTELAB
COST OF 2 DAY CLASS £525 inc VAT

This class is suitable for all skill levels, from complete beginners to working pastry chefs. Whether you’ve never attempted a chocolate showpiece before or want to refine your structural and artistic techniques, Martin will guide you step by step through an achievable yet visually striking design.

Blending the elegance of Ikebana with the dynamic movement of the Fire Horse, this showpiece features:

• A stylised Fire Horse bust
  • Flowing sculptural elements and curved chocolate forms
  • A refined floral arrangement for height and balance
  • A stepped geometric base with textured cut-out detailing

What You Will Learn

Fire Horse Ikebana Showpiece Design

• Understanding the artistic direction of combining Ikebana and Fire Horse symbolism
  • Recognising movement, balance, and visual flow in a 1.2 metre chocolate showpiece
  • Breaking down a complex design into simple, manageable components suitable for beginners

Chocolate Construction Techniques

• Casting and moulding flat and curved chocolate pieces
  • Creating a stepped multi-layer base with varied textures and patterns
  • Building layered 3D sculptural components
  • Carving, shaping, and stencilling methods to add detail and form

Ikebana Floral Techniques

• Creating multi-petal chocolate flowers
  • Forming curved stems, branches, and accents
  • Arranging flowers with height, movement, and natural elegance

Finishing & Colouring

• Custom colour creation
  • Airbrushing and spray-gun techniques
  • High-shine, gradient, and modern decorative finishes
  • Surface textures and detail enhancements

2-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Design, Casting & Core Elements

• Showpiece design and construction
  • Planning and drawing your sculpture to full scale
  • Templating different components
  • Casting and forming chocolate pieces
  • Understanding silicone and the use of 3D and silicone moulds
  • Carving, shaping, and stencilling techniques
  • Working with silk screens for texture and detail

Day 2 – Assembly, Detailing & Presentation

• Full showpiece assembly and joining technique
  • Completing signature chocolate flowers with branches and leaves
  • Custom colour creation and chocolate colouring
  • Spraying and painting for visual impact
  • Final colouring, shine and texture work
  • Tips for transport, storage and photography
  • Group review and final presentation of each showpiece

Daily Schedule

8:00 – Welcome and breakfast
9:00 – Start of class
13:00 – 14:00 – Lunch break (included)
17:30 – End of day

What’s Included

• Hands-on class
  • All ingredients
  • All professional pastry and chocolate equipment
  • Recipe and technique booklet
  • Certificate of Participation
  • Breakfast and lunch both days prepared by:
  – Michelin-starred Chef Russell Bateman
  – Pastry Chefs Denis Dramé MCA & Giacomo Pischiutti

The Taste Lab Experience

At TheTasteLab, you’ll enjoy a unique blend of education, creativity, and comfort:

• A cosy Guest Lounge for relaxing, networking and enjoying fresh pastries
  • Breakfast and lunch prepared by our Michelin-starred and award-winning chefs
  • Support from our Specialists and Account Managers throughout your visit

Spaces are limited to 10 reserve your place today and create your own Fire Horse Ikebana Chocolate Showpiece with Martin Chiffers.