Georgian townhouse cookery school teaching Scottish cuisine from game cooking to whisky-infused desserts. Classes in traditional haggis, Cullen skink, and contemporary Scottish tasting menus.
The Edinburgh New Town Cookery School offers hands-on cooking classes in a beautifully restored Georgian townhouse in Edinburgh's New Town district, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing Edinburgh's Old and New Towns. The school specialises in Scottish cuisine — from game preparation and the handling of venison, grouse, and partridge to traditional dishes such as haggis, Cullen skink, and cranachan — while also teaching contemporary Scottish cooking that showcases seasonal Highland and Lowland produce. Classes typically last three to four hours and are held in a domestic-scale kitchen accommodating small groups of up to 12 students, allowing for close tutor interaction and individual guidance throughout each session. Each class begins with an introduction to the featured ingredients, including their origins, seasonality, and provenance within Scotland, before moving into hands-on preparation guided by an experienced chef tutor. Students typically prepare two or three dishes and sit down to eat together at the end of class, sometimes accompanied by a glass of Scottish wine or a whisky-based pairing. The school's Scottish classics curriculum includes a dedicated haggis class covering the traditional recipe and its cultural significance on Burns Night on 25 January; sessions on Cullen skink, the rich smoked haddock soup from the Aberdeenshire fishing village of Cullen; traditional Scottish shortbread and tablet, a distinctive fudge-like confectionery; and whisky-infused desserts incorporating Scotch whisky into cranachan and other classic puddings. Game cookery classes cover the preparation of venison and game birds sourced from Scottish Highland estates, reflecting the central role of field sports in national food culture. Contemporary tasting menu classes teach the cooking methods and plating styles of Scotland's best modern restaurants. Prices range from £90 to £140 per person including all ingredients, aprons, recipe cards, and tutor time. The school's New Town address is a ten-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley railway station and well served by city buses.
Good to know
- Operator
- The Edinburgh New Town Cookery School
Highlights
- Cook Scottish classics — haggis, Cullen skink, cranachan, and tablet — under expert tutor guidance in a Georgian New Town townhouse
- Dedicated game cookery classes covering venison and game birds sourced from Scottish Highland estates
- Intimate small-group format with a maximum of 12 students for close tutor interaction and individual feedback
- Whisky-infused Scottish desserts and a whisky or Scottish wine pairing included in selected class formats
- UNESCO World Heritage Site setting a ten-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley railway station
Tips for visiting
- Book Burns Night-adjacent haggis classes in January well in advance — these sessions fill quickly as 25 January approaches
- Game cookery classes run seasonally between August and February; check the school schedule for available dates
- The school occupies a Georgian townhouse with stairs; wheelchair users or visitors with mobility requirements should contact the school before booking
- Bring a bag to take home leftover food from the session — portions prepared in class are often generous
- Allow time after class to explore the New Town's Georgian architecture and the independent food shops around Thistle Street and Stockbridge
Frequently asked questions
What is Cullen skink and is it suitable for pescatarians?
Cullen skink is a traditional Scottish smoked haddock soup originating in the fishing village of Cullen, Aberdeenshire. It is made with smoked haddock, potatoes, and cream. The dish is suitable for pescatarians; vegetarian alternatives using smoked cheese or other ingredients can be arranged on request.
Does the school offer vegetarian or vegan Scottish cooking classes?
Vegetarian Scottish cooking is incorporated in certain sessions, including oatcakes, bannocks, and plant-based cranachan. Fully vegan classes are less common given the dairy-rich nature of much Scottish cuisine, but the school can advise on vegan-friendly options at the time of booking.
Is the Edinburgh New Town Cookery School accessible for wheelchair users?
The school operates from a Georgian townhouse with stairs and period features. Wheelchair users and visitors with mobility requirements should contact the school directly before booking to discuss whether their needs can be accommodated.
How far in advance should classes be booked?
Popular classes such as haggis, game cookery, and contemporary tasting menu formats typically sell out two to four weeks in advance. During the Edinburgh Festival in August and over Christmas and New Year, earlier booking is strongly recommended.