Whether you’re a total beginner or a confident cook looking to sharpen your skills, this summer is the perfect time to step into the kitchen. 

Located on Queen Street, Edinburgh New Town Cookery School (ENTCS) is a gem for food lovers. Since 2009 the highly experienced staff of ENTCS have been sharing their knowledge and improving the skills of absolute beginners and aspiring chefs across five floors of a beautiful Georgian townhouse, replete with stunning views over the Firth of Forth. Graduates of the professional culinary courses include Scotland’s youngest Michelin chef and Heron chef patron, Sam Yorke; food and lifestyle influencer Pippa Perriam; Masterchef contestant Rukmini Iyer; Pennan Inn owner Peter Simpson, and Twelve Triangles’ co-founder Rachel Morgan.

Whether you burn toast or craft artisanal sourdough, you’ll be made to feel at home. Much of the produce used is locally sourced, with a focus on seasonal ingredients, making this a truly Edinburgh experience. Courses and classes are taught in the school’s beautiful, bright and high-ceilinged teaching kitchens, with ample space to spread out and get messy.

With a reputation for combining professional training standards with warm, accessible teaching, the school offers a mouth-watering menu of summer courses designed to inspire and educate. From a 90-minute curry course to a six-month practical cookery diploma, there’s something for every appetite. Want to finally get to grips with knife skills? Master the art of pastry? Or impress friends with a mezze spread that rivals your favourite restaurant? You’ll find courses that cover all this and more. For those short on time, there are a number of one-day classes: try your hand at artisanal breadmaking, pasta making or classic British baking. And, of course, you get to eat everything you make.

Beyond the practical skills, classes are lively, collaborative affairs taking place in a professional but informal atmosphere. The month-long beginners’ courses are ideal for anyone looking to develop new skills and gain experience ready for work in a kitchen. Do you want to gain culinary qualification? You can study for your six-monthPractical cooking diploma or break it into two three-month modules. 

Students heading on a gap year who might find it useful to learn the basics of working in a kitchen, and anyone leaving home for the first time, can learn to make healthy meals over shorter one- or two-week courses. 

In addition, there are classes specifically for children and teenagers to help them find their way safely around the kitchen and teach them the basics. And tourists with a couple of hours to spare can indulge in special lessons to bake scones and shortbread. There’s something for all ages and abilities.

What makes ENTCS special isn’t just the curriculum, it’s the atmosphere. The school was founded by Fiona Burrell who was previously the principal at Pru Leith’s culinary school in London. Fiona and the rest of the experienced team will ensure that you become more confident and joyful in the kitchen. 

With gift vouchers available, ENTCS courses also make a brilliant present for a foodie friend or as a treat for yourself.

For full course listings and booking, visit the Edinburgh New Town Cookery School site.