Description
Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy.
ICSA Academy Accredited Cookery School
Formerly Edinburgh New Town Cookery School, Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy marks an exciting new chapter for one of Scotland’s leading cookery schools and professional culinary training centres.
Based in the heart of Edinburgh, this ICSA Academy brings together professional chef training, inspiring cookery classes, food and drink experiences, private events and industry connections under one clear mission: Create. Connect. Elevate.
The Academy offers a diverse range of courses for every level of ability, from aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals to home cooks, students and food enthusiasts. Its professional programme is described as an immersive, hands-on cookery experience, delivered in bright, fully equipped teaching kitchens with expert tuition, small class sizes and a strong focus on technical skill, confidence and the mindset of a modern chef.
The Location
Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy is located on Queen Street, in the heart of Scotland’s capital. Set within a beautiful Georgian townhouse, the Academy is ideally placed for those wishing to combine high-quality cookery training with time spent exploring one of the UK’s most exciting food and drink destinations.
Edinburgh’s reputation as a vibrant culinary city provides the perfect setting for students and visitors to learn, taste, connect and be inspired. The Academy also champions Scotland’s outstanding larder, from seafood, game and artisan produce to craft drinks and internationally recognised whisky.
The Academy
As an ICSA Academy, Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy has achieved a recognised mark of quality for its teaching standards, facilities and commitment to excellence in cookery skills and training.
Its new identity reflects the wider role the Academy now plays across food and drink education. Alongside professional cookery training, it provides leisure cookery experiences, private and corporate events, demonstrations, producer-led activity and opportunities for collaboration across the food, drink and hospitality sector.
Classes are designed to be practical, inclusive and confidence-building. The Academy is proud to cater for special diets wherever possible, helping learners feel welcome in its kitchens while developing skills they can apply professionally or at home.
Professional Cookery Training
The Academy’s 12 Week Diploma in Professional Cookery is a fast-paced, hands-on programme designed for those with high culinary aspirations or a desire to fast-track a career in food and drink.
Students spend most of their time in the kitchen, cooking, plating, tasting and refining their techniques through daily practice, demonstrations and expert feedback. The course focuses on precision, confidence and creativity, using premium ingredients and advanced methods to develop the skills expected in professional kitchens and high-end culinary environments.
The Diploma is structured across three four-week modules, allowing students to complete the full qualification or join selected modules to suit their circumstances. It includes:
- Introductory Award in Cooking Skills
- Intermediate Certificate in Practical Cookery
- Advanced Certificate in Practical Cookery
- REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene Certificate
- Allergen Awareness Certificate
- WSET Level 1
The Academy also supports students through industry connections, work placement opportunities and introductions to trusted contacts after graduation. Former students have progressed into Michelin-starred restaurants, private cheffing, catering businesses, artisan baking, food writing, sustainability, food policy and luxury hotel kitchens.
Cookery Classes and Experiences
For home cooks, food lovers and visitors to Edinburgh, the Academy offers a wide programme of cookery classes and food experiences.
With more than 50 courses available across different skill levels, the programme includes evening classes, half-day and one-day experiences, baking, world food, Scottish classics, patisserie, pasta, sauces, entertaining and specialist skills.
These courses are ideal for anyone wanting to cook with more confidence, learn new techniques, explore different cuisines or share a memorable food experience with friends, family or colleagues.
Food, Drink and Events
Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy is also a welcoming space for private events, corporate experiences, demonstrations, food and drink showcases and collaborative activity.
Its facilities and teaching expertise make it well placed to support businesses, brands, producers, chefs and hospitality professionals who want to connect with audiences through high-quality food and drink experiences.
ICSA Quality Assurance
ICSA accreditation gives learners, guests and industry partners reassurance that the Academy works to high standards of teaching, safety, sustainability and professional practice.
To become an ICSA Academy, qualifying schools must meet strict assessment criteria and demonstrate a commitment to excellence in cookery skills and training. ICSA schools are assessed not only on the quality of teaching and facilities, but also on wider values including sustainability, seasonality and support for British produce where possible.
How to Book
Contact Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy directly and mention your interest in ICSA accredited cookery schools.
Telephone: 0131 226 4314
Website: efda.co.uk
Contact them direct, and mention your interest in ICSA accredited cookery schools
PURCHASE VOUCHERS
Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy is one of the UK’s leading cookery schools, located in the heart of Edinburgh. Offering inspirational training to ambitious cooks of all levels as well as aspiring business owners and professionals seeking both leisure skills and professional qualifications. Learning from their team of highly experienced, professional chef tutors you will work with outstanding produce to master the fundamental skills, techniques and discipline needed to succeed as a modern chef or artisan business owner.
To become an ICSA Academy, qualifying schools must not only pass our strict assessment criteria to the level of ‘Centre of Excellence’ but also partner with an Government recognised academic independent accrediting body for the course content, such as the BAC who accredit the key qualification courses at the Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy
Residential options are available locally.
Now the re-launched as the Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy, marking an important new chapter for one of Scotland’s most respected culinary education providers.
As an ICSA-accredited Academy, the school has long been recognised for its professional teaching standards, structured cookery training and commitment to raising confidence, skills and opportunity across the food and drink sector. Its new identity strengthens that position, reflecting the growing breadth of its work across professional training, leisure cookery, food and drink experiences, events, producer collaborations and sector leadership.
Based in the heart of Edinburgh, the Academy describes itself as the home of food and drink with both a UK and international outlook. It welcomes students and visitors from around the world, while championing Scotland’s outstanding larder, culinary heritage and hospitality culture.
The Academy’s mission is clear: Create, Connect and Elevate.
It aims to create skills and confidence, connect people through a shared love of food, and elevate careers, cooking ability and curiosity. This sits closely with ICSA’s own focus on consistency, excellence and quality assurance in cookery skills and training. READ MORE ON THEIR RE-LAUNCH HERE
