At Edinburgh New Town Cookery School, it is not just what you learn—it is about the space you will learn in and how we teach you that differentiates us.

We are fortunate to be based in a beautiful, historic five-storey Georgian townhouse in the centre of Edinburgh’s New Town. Our teaching kitchens are bright, airy and spacious . Edinburgh itself is one of the UK’s most exciting food cities—home to vibrant markets, innovative food businesses and no fewer than seven Michelin-starred restaurants. You will be learning in an environment surrounded by food culture, creativity, and opportunity.

During your second term with us, you will take part in our recipe development, writing, and food photography module. This is designed to help you communicate your culinary ideas with clarity and creativity through a variety of media. We also organise a two-day work experience placement through our extensive culinary network, giving you valuable insight into real food businesses. Throughout your training, you will benefit from guest speakers, demonstrations and talks from professionals across the food and drink industry—broadening your understanding and inspiring your next steps.

Our tutors bring diverse experience from across the food world—patisserie, fine dining, food styling, artisan baking, recipe development and more. Our teachers are passionate about what they do and genuinely invested in your success. Students consistently praise the dedication, expertise and warmth of our teaching team throughout their time with us and upon graduation.

We believe the best way to master cookery is through hands-on, practical experience. That is why our students are in the kitchen every day—practising, refining, and building confidence through repetition and personal feedback.  Our training goes far beyond the basics. You’ll learn by watching detailed demonstrations in our professionally equipped demo kitchen, then recreate the dishes yourself with guidance from our experienced tutors. Along the way, you’ll take part in unique opportunities that reflect real-world culinary experiences—from cooking for large groups of up to 40 people to planning and executing your own menu.

As you near the end of your course, you will take on a special project: creating, costing, preparing, and serving a complete meal to invited guests in our elegant Georgian dining room. This is the perfect opportunity to bring everything you and your student colleagues have learned together—and offers a true taste of life in a professional kitchen.

We foster a calm and supportive learning environment that respects individual learning styles and encourages growth. Students often say our school feels like a second home—a space where they can feel confident, supported and challenged. You’ll be part of a tight-knit group of learners, working together, learning from each other, and building lasting friendships. 

Don’t just take our word for it! We are so proud of our graduates. Alumni from our professional courses have gone on to:

• Business owner – restaurants, bakeries, food trucks, cafes
• Private chef
• Recipe development and food styling
• Cookery book author
• TV work
• Food influencer
• Government food policy or strategy
• Food sustainability expert.
• Seasonal work in chalets and villas
• Catering company chef
• Hotel chef
• Product development
• Teaching
• Food PR