What time does the class start?
All our classes start at 10 am. If you would like to arrive for about 9:45am then you will have time for a cup of coffee or tea and a chance to meet your classmates for the day.

What time does it finish?
The day will round up around 5pm, allowing you to take a browse through our shop and stock up on some essential cooking items before you leave.

What to wear?
It is an informal relaxed day here at the school so wear what you feel comfortable in. We will provide you with an apron to wear for the day. There will be part of the day spent on your feet at the workstation so we recommend comfy footwear.

What should I bring?
We will provide everything for the day. You might want to bring a camera to capture your finished dishes as they are plated up before you tuck in! Evidence to any doubting family and friends that you were a master chef for a day!!

What can I expect on the day?
All of our classes take roughly the same format.
09:45
Arrive at the cook school (remember to take the directions we’re not the easiest to find if you’ve not been here before) you’ll be able to meet your fellow cooks for the day over a cup of tea or coffee with homemade shortbread.
10:00
The day starts with an introduction to the kitchen from our chefs (be aware they may try and tell some jokes!). At this point you will break into pairs and familiarise yourself with your workstation.
10:30
You then take your seats in the demonstration area where the chef will start with an informative chat on the subject for the day and demonstrate the first dish of the day usually your dessert - hands on cooking begins!
12:00
You have a short break to have a coffee and some delicious home baking. Before returning to the kitchen to start cooking your lunch. As you prepare and plate up each course you take your culinary creation through to the dining room to eat with great views of the herb garden. Nick Nairn’s specially selected wines are served with the meal. Additional dishes may be demonstrated by the chefs, extending the theme of the day, whilst the class sits back and enjoys!
17:00
The class finishes up with an opportunity to peruse through our cook shop and purchase those all essential utensils and books.

Will I be on my feet all day?
For the demonstrations you will be seated and for the hands on cooking you will be standing. So you will spend a couple of hours on your feet throughout the day.

Can I come by myself or do I need a partner?
Many people attend the school by themselves and find a fellow cook to partner up with for the day.

How do I get to the cook school?
Due to our rural location it easiest to reach the school by car - please click here for printable directions. The nearest train station is Stirling and it is about 25 minute taxi ride to the school.

Do you serve wine on the day?
We do serve wine with your lunch so if your cooking style is with a glass of wine in hand it’s a good idea to organise transport to and from the school.

Will I be able to take food I have cooked home?
Quite often you will prepare more food than you eat so you will be able to box this up and take it away with you.

I have booked dinner for the evening will I want a big meal?
Probably not – you will be finishing your last course of a late 3 course lunch around 4:15pm. We’ve found people generally don’t want a big meal after a day of eating and drinking at the school. Maybe a light supper later that evening.

Will I have a copy of the recipes to take away with me?
Yes – everyone attending a class will have a full copy of all the recipes cooked and demonstrated during the day. These are presented in a lovely folder with some goodies (ok a pencil and a stylish note pad) to take away.

My friend is dropping me off can they stay and watch?
There are no facilities to observe on the day. The day is structured so everyone attending is fully participating. If you are lucky you will cook and prepare more than you eat on the day so you will be able to take home your creation to show off!

How many people are in a class?
We have maximum of 24 people on each day here at the school.