The Edinburgh New Town Cookery School today announces its transformation into the Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy, a move that clarifies and strengthens its role within a rapidly evolving food and drink sector. The new name reflects the breadth of activity within the Academy.
Based in the heart of Edinburgh, the Academy is the home of food and drink with a UK and international outlook, welcoming students and visitors from around the world. From its base in the capital, the team works to raise standards, nurture talent and inspire innovation across the food and drink sector.
The academy has produced an impressive roster of alumni who have gone on to make their mark in the culinary world. Among them is Sam Yorke, whose restaurant Heron holds a Michelin star, making him the youngest Edinburgh Chef ever to lead a Michelin-starred kitchen, demonstrating the solid foundation of skills learnt on the course that enabled him to follow his dream.
The new name reflects the global reputation of Edinburgh as a vibrant food and drink destination, where tradition and innovation come together in one of the UK’s most exciting culinary scenes. It also celebrates Scotland’s Larder – the renowned produce of exceptional quality, from world-class seafood and game to artisan cheeses, craft beers and internationally celebrated whiskies.
By embracing this identity, the new name showcases the Academy’s role in championing Scotland’s unique ingredients, heritage and hospitality, while positioning Edinburgh at the heart of a thriving, globally recognised food and drink culture.
The Academy’s simple mission is to Create, Connect and Elevate. Create the skills and confidence to cook delicious, healthy and inclusive meals for friends and family and thrive in today’s world of food and drink. Connect over a shared love of food, bringing together culinary enthusiasts, producers and innovators that shape our industry. Elevate your career, your cooking and your curiosity.
The relaunch comes as Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy revealed the nation’s growing skills gap in the kitchen, with many adults confident cooking everyday meals but far less comfortable preparing ingredients from scratch.
Nearly seven in ten Brits say they can cook from scratch, yet specialist skills are declining. Confidence drops sharply when it comes to more technical cooking techniques, particularly handling raw ingredients with almost half of Brits (46%) saying they are not confident in butchery techniques e.g preparing cuts of meat. Around a third lack confidence preparing fish (33%), while many also struggle with techniques such as poaching (27%), sautéing (28%) and braising (25%).
The research also highlights the consequences of this lack of confidence. Nearly a quarter of Brits (23%) admit they have thrown away ingredients because they didn’t know how to cook them.
The Academy demonstrates the power of food as a connector of people, skills, ideas, opportunity and expertise. Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy is Scotland’s home of food and drink, where professionals can launch their careers, enthusiasts can develop their culinary skills, chefs, brands and producers can showcase their art and products, and thought leaders can come together to exchange ideas.
The Academy provides a welcoming, forward-thinking space where chefs, producers, entrepreneurs and hospitality professionals meet, collaborate and experiment, a place where diverse expertise sparks creativity and innovation, and helps shape and showcase the future of food and drink from the heart of Edinburgh to the world, through their in person and online events.
Inclusivity and accessibility remain at the Academy’s core. It is committed to removing barriers so people of all ages, abilities and dietary needs can participate, learn and thrive.
On their 12 Week Diploma in Professional Cookery, students learn all they need to start a career in culinary sector including how to set up their own business, and how to cater to a number of special diets as standard throughout the course. The intensive course enables fast-track entry into professional kitchens, hospitality and a wide range of food and drink careers including entrepreneurship. The leisure experiences span a wide range of cuisines and skills, giving curious cooks the confidence to cook well for everyone around their table and share culinary experiences with friends and family. The Academy also delivers bespoke private food and drink events and experiences and shares modern and heritage Scottish recipes for tourists visiting the city through demonstrations, and cooking and eating.
Alongside the new name, the Academy has unveiled a complete visual rebrand that captures the expressive soul of food and the artistic energy behind it. The new identity is built around a vibrant colour palette; Watermelon, Chickpea, Olive and Merlot, drawn directly from the natural tones associated with food and wine.
Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne, Chair of the Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy, said, “This rebrand is a statement of intent. Food connects us in ways few other things can, and the Academy exists to harness this power. We are a home for food and drink, a place where people build culinary and life skills, grow confidence and turn ambition into opportunity.
We are committed to making the world of food and drink more inclusive and accessible, and to creating an environment where innovation thrives. This new brand captures who we already are and the impact we are here to make.”
You Might Also Like:
The Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy enters its next chapter with clarity and confidence, strengthening connections, championing innovation and ensuring that food remains a force for opportunity, inclusion and progress.
Find out more at https://efda.co.uk/
