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The Tomono Sushi Party Blog
Insights & Guides on Sushi Making, Events & Group Experiences
Discover practical insights, expert tips, and real-world advice on sushi making, party planning, and group experiences. Written by Tomono — a Japanese sushi chef with years of teaching, event delivery, and organising experience — our blog covers everything from sushi technique and ingredient guides to thought-ful reflections on what makes kids’ parties more engaging and what organisers actually care about for corporate team building. Whether you’re planning a celebration, considering a team social, or simply curious about sushi culture and experiences in London and the South East, this is your resource for trusted, experience-driven guidance.
Sushi Team Event Playbook: Stations, Timing, Roles, and Mixed-Diet Tips
Transform Ordinary Team Days Into Immersive Sushi Journeys Team events work best when people are doing something with their hands, learning something new and sharing food together. Authentic sushi-making events bring all three into one experience, which is why they fit so well around Q2 kick-offs, end-of-year planning days or pre-summer strategy sessions when teams need fresh energy and real connection. Instead of adding a quick activity at the end of a long meeting, sushi ma
Tomono
4 days ago4 min read
What Should I Expect to Learn in a Sushi Making Class in London?
Hello, I'm Tomono. After teaching thousands of students across London and the South East since 2020, I'm often asked what people will actually learn in a sushi class. This comprehensive guide explains exactly what to expect, what skills you'll develop, and how to choose the right class for your needs. Quick Answer: Core Skills You'll Learn In a typical sushi making class in London, you can expect to learn: Core sushi-making skills (what most classes teach): Rolling techniques
Tomono
Feb 199 min read
How to Plan Inclusive Sushi Making Parties for Every Diet
A kids' sushi-making party can be so much more than a few fun photos and a sugar rush. With the right structure, it becomes a gentle first step into real kitchen skills, from using tools to cleaning up properly.
Tomono
Feb 185 min read
Bento Sushi Parties Teach Kids Kitchen Responsibility by Age
A kids' sushi-making party can be so much more than a few fun photos and a sugar rush. With the right structure, it becomes a gentle first step into real kitchen skills, from using tools to cleaning up properly.
Tomono
Feb 156 min read
Authentic Vegan Sushi: Fish-Free Techniques, Umami Fillings, and Sauces
Discover Deep Flavour Sushi Without the Fish Authentic sushi is really about the rice, balance, and care in each step, not just raw fish. When the rice is seasoned well and every part tastes clean and bright, you do not miss the seafood at all. This is where vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free sushi can shine, as long as we treat the ingredients with the same respect as a traditional sushi counter. At Tomono Sushi Party, we focus on classic Japanese techniques that work beautif
Tomono
Feb 85 min read
Can You Eat Sushi When Pregnant?
When I was pregnant with my children, sushi was one of the foods I felt most unsure about. I grew up in Japan, where sushi is part of everyday life, but pregnancy changes how you think about food. You become more careful and start asking questions you may not have thought about before. My children are teenagers now, but I still remember that feeling clearly, and it’s one of the reasons people often ask me about sushi during pregnancy. The reassuring news is that you can eat s
Tomono
Feb 74 min read
Can I Make Sushi or Sashimi From Supermarket Fish?
I’m often asked this question at events and classes: “Can I use supermarket fish to make sashimi at home?”
It’s an understandable question. Supermarket fish looks fresh, it’s convenient, and many people want to try sashimi without sourcing specialist ingredients. But the honest answer is that most supermarket fish in the UK is not suitable for eating raw.
Tomono
Feb 53 min read
Inclusive Sushi Events for Adults: Allergy Safety and Menu Planning
Building Confident, Inclusive Sushi Experiences for Adults Inclusive food experiences are no longer a nice extra at events; they are expected. When adults meet for a birthday, hen do or team day, people come with many different needs and comfort levels around food. If those needs are not handled clearly, guests can feel nervous, left out, or embarrassed about speaking up. At Tomono Sushi Party, we specialise in bespoke sushi-making events for adults across the South East of E
Tomono
Feb 16 min read
The Best Japanese Restaurants Outside London (Where I and My Japanese Friends Actually Eat)
Authentic Japanese restaurants in Derby, Hurley, and Maidenhead - recommended by someone who grew up in Japan. As someone who grew up in Japan and now lives in the UK, I'm often asked where to find the best Japanese restaurants outside London. While the capital has its fair share of excellent restaurants, some of the most genuine Japanese dining experiences I've had have been in unexpected places across the country. These are the three restaurants where my Japanese friends an
Tomono
Jan 295 min read
Guide to Hosting a Kids Sushi Making Party Indoors
Planning a kids sushi making party in London during the colder months is a great way to keep children entertained indoors while giving them something different to do. When it’s too chilly to play outside and energy levels are high, parents often look for group activities that go beyond board games and movies. Sushi making brings a hands-on element that children love, especially when they can roll, fill, and taste their creations along the way. This kind of party blends play,
Tomono
Jan 265 min read
Where to Buy Real Wasabi in the UK: Complete Buying Guide
Hello, I'm Tomono. A common questions I hear from people learning sushi is "where can I buy real wasabi?" Most people have only ever tasted imitation wasabi paste, and are shocked to discover that authentic fresh wasabi tastes completely different. I'll give you the supplier list first, then explain what separates real wasabi from the green paste you find in most restaurants. Fresh wasabi rhizome - but where can you buy it in the UK? Where to Buy Real Wasabi in the UK Special
Tomono
Jan 217 min read
How to Build Strong Relationships Between Interns and Permanent Staff
Bringing interns into an organisation is about more than giving them meaningful work. One of the biggest predictors of a successful intern or graduate programme is whether interns build real relationships with permanent staff - not just formal working connections, but trust, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Yet many organisations struggle to make this happen. Hierarchies, short programme timelines, and awkward social dynamics often get in the way. In this article, we ex
Tomono
Jan 194 min read
Sushi Hygiene Standards in the UK: What Food Hygiene Ratings Really Tell You About Raw Fish
Sushi and sashimi often attract extra scrutiny when food hygiene ratings are discussed. Because raw fish is involved, people understandably want clarity about safety, hygiene standards, and what inspections actually measure. I was recently quoted by The Guardian in an article examining how UK food hygiene ratings apply to restaurants serving raw ingredients. The discussion highlighted a common source of confusion: how sushi hygiene standards in the UK are applied, and what r
Tomono
Jan 173 min read
Best Indoor Kids Birthday Party Ideas in London & the Home Counties
(That Actually Keep Children Engaged) Planning an indoor kids birthday party can feel surprisingly stressful. Parents often worry about noise, mess, limited space, and whether the children will stay engaged once the excitement of arriving wears off. Hands-on activities like sushi making keep children calm, focused and engaged indoors From hosting hundreds of indoor parties across London and the Home Counties , one thing is clear: the indoor parties that work best are not the
Tomono
Jan 155 min read
How Sushi Making Can Turn a Hen Party into a Shared Memory
Planning a hen party means more than ticking off activities or booking dinner. It’s about giving everyone something that sticks, an experience that brings real laughter and closeness. That’s where a hen party sushi making session can turn a fun day into a lasting memory. Instead of just going through the motions, everyone plays a part, makes something by hand, and shares in each other's wins and wobbles. Trying something new together creates a feeling no restaurant booking or
Tomono
Jan 135 min read
Tips for Choosing a Sushi Class That Suits Your Cooking Level
Not every sushi class is built the same, and that’s actually a good thing. Whether you're brand new to rolling or you've tried it before, picking the right class can make the whole experience much more enjoyable. For anyone looking into sushi making classes in London this winter, thinking about your own cooking style and comfort level is the best place to begin. Colder months tend to bring people indoors, and hands-on food activities are perfect this time of year. It’s quiete
Tomono
Jan 75 min read
The Definitive Guide to Sushi Making Experiences in London & the South East (2026)
Sushi making experiences are no longer niche cookery classes. Across London and the South East, they’ve become one of the most popular food-led experiences — combining hands-on participation, cultural storytelling, and a genuinely social atmosphere. For a more fun and immersive experience kimono dress up adds a cultural element - and is great for photos People searching for a sushi making experience are often looking for something different from a traditional class: an acti
Tomono
Jan 74 min read
8 Best Mobile Team Building Activities in London
Quick Summary: Top 3 Picks Best Culinary Experience: Tomono Sushi Party (Authentic Japanese sushi making) Best for Large Groups: Zing Events (High-energy game shows) Best for Wellness: The Office Yoga Company (Desk-based mindfulness) Coordinating colleagues to leave the office for team building creates logistical headaches. Mobile team building brings professional experiences directly to your workplace—eliminating travel time, venue hire costs, and the scheduling conflic
Tomono
Jan 410 min read
Why Sushi Making Brings Coworkers Together at Office Events
Team building at work can sometimes feel a bit awkward. Icebreakers, trust falls, or long group discussions aren’t for everyone. But during the winter months, when people are stuck inside more often and everyday office life can start to feel repetitive, trying something unexpected can bring real energy to the group. That’s where hands-on activities like sushi making come in. A sushi making team building in London gives people the chance to do something new together while stay
Tomono
Jan 24 min read
8 Best Cooking & Baking Birthday Party Ideas for Kids in London & South East
Cooking and baking parties offer children hands-on learning experiences that combine education with entertainment. Children develop practical skills, gain confidence in the kitchen, and take home edible creations they're genuinely proud of. Unlike passive entertainment, these activities actively engage children's creativity and problem-solving abilities throughout the party. Children making sushi at a birthday party hosted by Tomono Sushi Party To ensure we recommended only t
Tomono
Dec 30, 20259 min read
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