As Scotland prepares for a summer tourism surge, the Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy (EFDA) has launched a seasonal programme designed to turn foodies of all ages into masters of the kitchen.
With recent VisitScotland research reporting that Scotland is the fourth most preferred UK region for domestic overnight trips this summer*, EFDA, located in the heart of the city centre, outlines five ways to dominate the kitchen – perfect for the unpredictable Scottish summer weather.
- The Big Comedy Cook Off
Attracted to Edinburgh because of the Fringe Festival or interested in some local entertainment? In partnership with The Stand Comedy Club, Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy is hosting comedy cook off events throughout the month of August, at a cost of just £20 per person. Hosted by Bruce Devlin, the event will see comedians challenge each other to cook dishes live in the Demonstration Kitchen at EFDA while sharing their best jokes. Following the cook off, audience members will sample the finished dishes and decide who they think should be crowned the winner.
- Summer classes for children
Keep the kids occupied this summer and inspire a lifelong passion for cooking while teaching new skills in the kitchen. Whether you’re interested in a one-day children’s class for 9-12 year olds, who will learn how to use fresh local produce to create dishes they can make at home; want to spend time with your little one (9-16 years old) during an adult and child class; or wish to cultivate your child’s love of baking with the children’s baking class (9-13 years old), there’s something for everyone at Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy.
- Walk-in Shortbread workshop
With 3 in 10 people planning to visit Edinburgh this summer*, make the most of your time in the capital by attending one of the walk-in Scottish Shortbread workshops at Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy. The perfect way to spend a rainy morning learning a new skill (and enjoying the fruits of your labour), the workshops run from 10-11:30am and cost just £50 per person.
- Cook your way around the world – Seasonal Chef Host course
Launch a global cooking career from the heart of Edinburgh with the five-day Seasonal Chef Host Course at Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy. A practical cookery programme, it will prepare its students for life working as a cook or host in a ski resort, shooting lodge, chartered yacht or private villa – combining hands-on cookery with essential theory and service skills. With one course in July and one in August, sign up to secure your spot and prepare for your next adventure.
- Dine around the world from Edinburgh
Throughout the summer months budding chefs can brush up on their skills and learn how to master new cuisines through a range of classes covering dishes from tasty tapas, to curries from around the world, cooking the perfect steak, Mexican street food and artisan bread making. With prices starting from just £70, classes range from an evening to a full day and are suitable for all capabilities. Become the star of your next dinner party and show off the skills you’ve learned with Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy.
Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne, executive chair at Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy (EFDA), commented:“Summer is an incredible time to experience Edinburgh – whether you’re local or travelling from elsewhere in the UK. Based in the heart of the city centre, Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy offers something for everyone this summer and we look forward to welcoming keen cooks of all ages to embark on their culinary journey and discover the benefits of food and cooking together with us.”
Caroline Lamont, director of culinary education at EFDA, added: “We have put together an exciting programme of events this summer and the team and I look forward to supporting locals and tourists to perfect new dishes, learning from our expert team while having fun along the way.”
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Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy (EFDA) relaunched earlier this year, following 17 years as the Edinburgh New Town Cookery School, with a clear mission to create, connect and elevate cooking skills in the community and food and drink industry. Based in the centre of Edinburgh, which is regarded as a vibrant food and drink destination, it brings together innovation and experience to deliver a range of professional chef courses and recreational classes and events for home chefs, with an interest in mastering the kitchen.
For more information or to book your experience, visit www.efda.co.uk.
