Cookery Courses Around Scotland - Page 2
Nairn's Cook School, Port of Menteith, Stirling
This purpose built school on the shore of the Lake of Menteith, features a state of the art stylish kitchen, spacious facilities for demonstrations and a dining room. On the Lochend estate there are attractive self-catering cedar wood chalets for residential course students and for combining a cookery course with a family holiday.
The Celebrity TV chef and restaurateur Nick Nairn founded Nairn's Cook school eighteen months ago with fellow chef John Webber, whose eminent background includes training under Anton Mossiman at the Savoy and latterly the post of head chef at Kinnaird Country House, Perthshire, where he won his second Michelin star.
Recreational day classes claim to "take the stress and mystery out of cooking". The focus is on enjoyment and informality as well as informing. With a limit of eight people per class you are assured of personal attention. Learn how to make the perfect Sushi, Thai cuisine, bread and baking, vegetarian dishes and plan a Stress-free Christmas. Flexible one day and five day residential Masterclasses at introductory, intermediate and advanced levels, provide a complete programme for the home cook, from soups, sauces, salads, seafood, meat and game to dessert.
John Webber believes anyone can be taught to cook well, given the interest. "It's becoming the new golf with many men cooking on Saturdays as a form of relaxation," he comments with a broad smile.
Repeat business is big business at Nairn's Cook school, which must be the proof of the pudding. "Enjoyed the day very much - gone away stuffed and inspired" comments Sally in the guest book. "Another fabulous day - we'll be back", enthuses Steve.
The hard work in opening the school is beginning to pay off believes Nick Nairn. It is now very popular for all kinds of courses at every standard from beginners to the more experienced.
"John Webber is the best tutor around, patient and affable and he takes the mystery out of cooking. His teaching skills are second to none. We also use the school as a training facility for professional chefs."For more details see Nairn's Cook School
Kinloch Lodge, Sleat, Isle of Skye
Lady Claire Macdonald has been running cookery demonstrations at the hotel on the Isle of Skye, which she owns and runs with her husband Lord Godfrey Macdonald, for 12 years. Take a three-day weekend or midweek cookery course at Kinloch Lodge and each morning Claire will demonstrate a selection of recipes from her 14 books, covering seasonal cooking, lunches, suppers and puddings. These classes are very relaxed and do not involve any practical work and simply fun for those who just wish to observe the experts at work.
Over the winter months selected courses combine with special Guy Fawkes and Murder Mystery weekends.
Claire admits that her life is dominated by food.
"I am passionate about food. I cook, I write about food and give demonstrations. I like to experiment and encourage others to do so, to enjoy cooking, eat for pleasure and have fun with food."For more details see Claire Macdonald.
Other Cookery Courses in Brief
Burrastow House, Walls, Isles of Shetland. Demonstrations with Bo Simmons using the very best of fresh local produce.
Cragganmore House in set in a secluded glen with glorious views down to the River Spey is a fine Victorian house built by the founder of the Cragganmore Distillery. Being set in the heart of whisky country they use whisky all the time in their weekend cookery demonstrations and give information on types of whisky to use with which food. Join award-winning chef, Tony Allcott, in the kitchen, to see how you too can create gourmet meals for friends and family. Demonstrations are limited to small groups only, ensuring that you get the maximum benefit from your day or weekend course. Tony's approach is friendly and personal, and packed with expert tips and advice. Courses are themed around seasonal menus, or specific interests. The course is usually residential due to the location. Join award-winning chef, Tony Allcott, in the kitchen, to see how you too can create gourmet meals for friends and family. Demonstrations are limited to small groups only, ensuring that you get the maximum benefit from your day or weekend course. Tony's approach is friendly and personal, and packed with expert tips and advice. Courses are themed around seasonal menus, or specific interests
The Edinburgh School of Food and Wine The Coach House, Newliston, Edinburgh EH 29 9EB. Diplomas, chalet cook survival and dinner party courses.
The Cookery School in Glasgow is in the heart of the city and has a wide range of courses to teach you the techniques that you can use again and again. All courses are self-contained and none is more difficult than the other. They can last from two hours to eight weeks (accommodation can be arranged), but most courses last one day. There’s no reason to get worried that you can’t cook something - as the school says: "it’s our job to teach you. And we’re good at that."
Kinloch House Hotel, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, PH10 6SG. Cookery courses under top chef, Bill McNicoll.
Ruthven House runs residential workshops on cooking and découpage (decorating home accessories) in a Victorian family house (now a bed and breakfast establishment) 3 miles north of the historic town of Coldstream in the Scottish Borders. The cookery courses are supervised by Judith Hettrick, a famous Borders caterer.
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