ABOUT US
Welcome to the Yarrow Cookery School, where family, fun, and food come together! Founded by Richard and Sophia Yarrow, the school focuses on making conversations and connections through the joy of cooking.
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The school began with online classes that quickly gained popularity for their focus on local, joyful, from-scratch cookery. As demand grew, so did the vision. Now housed in a beautifully converted state-of-the-art facility they offer a dynamic space where guests can immerse themselves in the art of cookery. The facility also has a relaxing dining space, and fun bar area for guests to enjoy and is completely wheelchair accessible.
The Yarrow Cookery School believes in the power to create lasting change through food. That’s why they are deeply committed to offering free spaces on all kids' and teens' courses for children from lower-income households. These opportunities support every aspect of a child’s development - enhancing their mental and physical health while building their ability to thrive in life. Cooking isn’t just about making meals; it’s about developing essential skills. Research shows that learning to cook and understanding healthy eating habits have a profound, lifelong impact on a child’s future while fostering a positive ripple effect in the local community.
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Creating a safe, welcoming space for children to engage in conversations around the table not only builds confidence but also develops key social skills and emotional resilience. At the heart of everything this couple do is a belief in using food to connect, nurture, and inspire.
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Their expansion into this stunning, fossil-fuel-free space has been made possible by their involvement in the East Lothian Net Zero Pilot Scheme. This initiative has allowed them to lead by example, implementing sustainable practices such as solar panels, air-source heating, and the highest energy-efficient equipment. By combining sustainability with community impact, they aim to inspire future generations to make informed, positive choices that benefit both themselves and the planet.
Richard, who honed his culinary skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School, leads our classes, while Sophia, with her background in yoga and marketing, keeps everything running smoothly. Their ethos is to share the joy of hosting and bringing people together through great-tasting food, to create local jobs, run educational and interesting classes. They believe in the power of culinary creativity to foster connections, enhance community, and promote learning. By providing delicious meals and meaningful opportunities, they aim to make a positive impact on both individuals and the wider community.
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The Yarrow Cookery School offers a variety of classes, including family and kids' cooking sessions, corporate team-building events, and tourist attractions featuring outstanding local Scottish seafood.
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Richard and Sophia’s families have been friends for generations, instilling in them the importance of hosting, helping, and bringing people together. This deep-rooted belief in community and joy is the foundation of the cookery school. Their journey together has deepened their commitment to sustainability, emphasising home-grown produce and eco-friendly practices in their classes. Richard and Sophia are enthusiastic about creating a better world through cooking. The school leads the way with fun experiences that incorporate local ingredients and environmentally conscious practices.
We invite you to join us for a delightful experience where you can learn, laugh, and create lasting memories. Come be part of our Yarrow family!