Aisha Elshani brings extensive culinary and educational expertise to lead expanded professional courses and events.
Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy (EFDA) has announced the appointment of Aisha Elshani as its new Head Teacher, a strategic move following the academy’s comprehensive relaunch earlier this year. Elshani, an experienced culinary educator and chef, is set to spearhead the delivery of EFDA’s professional cookery courses, interest classes, and culinary events, supporting the organisation’s ambitious growth strategy.
The appointment comes at a time when the culinary arts education market in the UK and globally is experiencing dynamic expansion, driven by a rising interest in gastronomy and a growing demand for skilled culinary professionals. The hospitality sector in the UK alone employs 3.2 million people and contributes £130 billion to the economy, underscoring the critical need for high-quality vocational training.
Aisha Elshani brings a wealth of experience from across the hospitality and catering industry. Her career trayectoria includes notable organisations such as Heritage Portfolio, known for its bespoke catering and event services, Victor & Carina Contini Restaurants, an independent, award-winning family-run group celebrated for its Italian and Scottish cuisine, and The Torridon Hotel, a five-star Relais & Châteaux retreat that recently earned its first Michelin Star and Green Star.
Most recently, Elshani served for nearly eight years as a lecturer in culinary arts at Edinburgh College, where she played a key role in teaching a broad curriculum, from baking to food service. She also supported students in the college’s public-facing cafés and restaurants, including preparing for events catering to royalty.
Her diverse background also includes contributing to the establishment of Honeycomb & Co, an Edinburgh eatery known for its brunch menu and use of seasonal produce, and serving as Head Pastry Chef at Contini. Elshani’s transition to EFDA is motivated by a desire to “inspire and develop the next generation of chefs and confident cooks.”
Commenting on her new role, Elshani stated: “I have always been passionate about creating a food industry that is as encouraging and welcoming as possible to existing and new talent, so I’m delighted to take on the role of Head Teacher at EFDA and be able to support emerging chefs to complete professional qualifications. Throughout my career I’ve gained experience working in hotels, venues, cafes and restaurants in a variety of roles. The result is a sharp focus on the importance of cooking from scratch, using high-quality ingredients from good suppliers, and leaning on seasonal produce to create menus that are inspiring and provide a modern twist on traditional dishes and flavours.”
Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne, CEO at Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy, highlighted the significance of the appointment. Bruce-Gardyne, a recognised food entrepreneur and founder of Genius Foods, a leading gluten-free bakery brand, has been instrumental in EFDA’s recent transformation. “This has been a pivotal year for us at EFDA, from rebranding to launching new professional courses, a wide choice of interest classes and valued partnerships with schools and businesses,” she remarked.
Bruce-Gardyne added: “I’m looking forward to working with Aisha in her role as Head Teacher to develop our offering. Combining her incredible cooking and baking skills with her zest for the industry and supporting those in it, I’m sure Aisha will bring her own ideas and techniques to support our continual growth and the community’s passion for freshly prepared good food.”
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EFDA, formerly known as the Edinburgh New Town Cookery School, founded in 2009 by Fiona Burrell, relaunched in March 2026 with an expanded remit to “create, connect and elevate” the food and drink industry across the UK and internationally. The academy, based in a historic five-storey Georgian townhouse on Queen Street, offers a diverse range of professional diplomas, recreational courses, and culinary experiences.
The academy’s enhanced professional training programmes include the newly launched Evening Professional Chef Course, scheduled to commence on 11 January 2027. This course is specifically designed to enable participants to gain industry-standard qualifications, such as those recognised by awarding bodies like City & Guilds or Highfield Qualifications, without requiring them to leave their full-time employment, thus mitigating the financial risks associated with career changes or further education. The latest 12-week Professional Cookery Diploma, which has seen alumni achieve success in Michelin-starred kitchens and establish their own food businesses, is also set to begin on 14 September, with limited spaces remaining.
Prospective students interested in EFDA’s offerings, including the five-day Seasonal Chef Host Course, are invited to an Open Evening on Wednesday, 2 September at 6 pm at its Queen Street premises.
