■ DIRECTORY COOK SCHOOLS
Sharpening your culinary skills Scotland’s budding cooks have plenty of options when it comes to learning their way around a kitchen. Whether you want to boil an egg, make luxurious chocolates or create a refined three-course meal, there are cook schools of many sizes, styles and approach. For those wanting to take it further and make a career out of cooking, there are various colleges around the country to help you on your way. Bellini Cookery School St George’s West, 58 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh, EH2 4RT, 07889 460 267 www.bellinicookeryschool.co.uk
Run by chef Angelo Cimini and Gina Giubarelli, who ran Bellini restaurant in Edinburgh’s New Town until 2009, the Italian-orientated cook school aims to teach people how to prepare delicious, healthy meals. Classes are informal and hands-on, and can be arranged for groups or individuals of any level of proficiency. Course topics change all the time, but incorporate the best of Italian cookery, whether cooking a romantic meal for two or dinner for a big group of friends.
Blar na Leisg Drumbeg House, Drumbeg, Sutherland, IV27 4NW, 01571 833 325 www.blarnaleisg.com
A trip to the Highlands wouldn’t be complete without sampling the local Cooking Mania
fish. If tasting alone isn’t enough, this small hotel can offer cookery classes to guide guests and visitors through the basics of making the most of the catch. Classes are available on a flexible basis, and can cover various dishes, all led by in-house cook Anne Strachan.
Bluebell Croft 15 Anaheilt, Strontian, Ardnamurchan, PH36 4JA, 01967 402226 www.bluebellcroft.co.uk
As well as being home to one of the best sited hot tubs in the UK, Bluebell Lodge also offers the chance to learn the art of smoking meat and fish at home, including a guide on building the smoker from scratch. The croft also provide workshops on Aga cooking to help to make the most of your range, all in the idyllic setting of five-star accommodation in a national nature reserve.
Braehead Cook School 7 Moorfields North Industrial Park, Crosshouse, Kilmarnock, KA2 0FE, 01563 550 008 www.braeheadfoods.co.uk
Aspiring cooks can choose from a huge range of classes, from making bread to stocks and sauces, ‘Glorious Game’ to ‘Fusion Cooking’. Formats vary; day classes offer the chance to get involved, while evening demonstrations and dining are a quicker way to pick up some tips. New ‘Fork Out Less’ classes run for two and a half hours. Kids’ classes are run over the summer months, and parties year-round cater for ages 5-16.
The Breadwinner Bakery School 20 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4HN, 0131 229 7247 www.thebreadwinner.co.uk
Throughout the winter months, this Bruntsfield bakery offers a heartwarming selection of intimate classes with Master Craftsman Baker Sean McVey. The breadmaking option takes you through the basics of making a sour starter with minimal use of chemicals and additives, with the chance to try your hand at other healthy breads. Alternatively, the pastry class features croissants, danishes and a savoury option to cheer up the darkest days of the year.
Cocoa Black Chocolate and Pastry School Unit 7, Southpark Industrial Estate, Peebles, EH45 9ED, 01721 723764 www.cocoablack.co.uk
Co-owner and chef Ruth Hinks offers a range of classes at her chocolate and patisserie school to suit all ages and skill levels, from learning the basics of developing an appreciation of quality chocolate to creating tantalising 140 THE LARDER
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