Top 10 Yorkshire Cookery Schools
Top 10 Yorkshire Cookery Schools
For some, whipping up a nourishing feast is as easy as pie, but if you, or a loved one, is lacking a little inspiration, local chefs are on hand with a few recipes for success. Crossing the county, our round-up of the best Yorkshire Cookery Schools includes an old fire station, a chocolate factory and a stately home, each geared up to take you from kitchen nightmare to Gordon Ramsay in no time. Pre-heat the oven, it’s time to sharpen up those culinary skills:
Swinton Cookery School at the Swinton Estate
First, we have the gorgeous Swinton Cookery School, whose kitchen is situated within a converted Georgian stable. They have a busy schedule of practical cookery classes to get stuck into throughout the year, where you can learn from the real experts.
Whether you wish to roll up your sleeves and try your hand at classic baking, or you’re a confident cook keen to broaden your knowledge of new cuisines – you’ve come to the right place when visiting Swinton.
Better still, their kitchen makes use of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. This one is a great chance to hone your kitchen skills, and make new friends, whilst enjoying the magical views across the Estate.
Swinton Park Hotel, Ripon HG4 4JH
The Cookery School at The Grand York – North Yorkshire
The once impressive Edwardian headquarters of the North Eastern Railway, now boasts a luxury vaulted spa, stunning restaurant, and hundreds of stylish rooms for weary travellers from far and wide. The Cookery School is just as grand. Copper light fittings, in-built sinks, ornate tiles and state of the art appliances make up the kitchen, which offers a whole suite of classes to have you confident with the classics, or dinner party-ready, in no time.
Watch as their head tutor perfects that all-important soufflé rise, and lets you in on the secret to proper Northern mushy peas. All courses (around 43 to choose from) allow time for you to get to grips with your dish, before sitting down to enjoy it over a glass of wine.
The Grand, York, North Yorkshire YO1 6GD
Arches Cookery School, Saltburn-by-the-sea – North Yorkshire
First, take a chef that has travelled all around the world cooking for high-profile rock stars, then add a barn converted into a kitchen, on a farm that provides fresh vegetables and herbs to those who are learning to cook, and what do you get?
Well, one of the most unique Yorkshire cookery schools you’ll find in the UK. Headed up by chef Sarah Muir, The Arches brings you a cooking experience like no other. You’ll find yourself cooking international cuisine in the middle of the rolling green hills of Grinkle Park Farm, where top-notch Italian, Mediterranean, and other fantastic cuisines are just waiting to be explored!
Grinkle Park Farm, Loftus, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, TS13 4UD
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Prashad Cookery Demos, Bradford – West Yorkshire
Half a day in the kitchen with Minal, head chef at Bradford’s Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded Prashad restaurant will demystify any presumptions you had about the accessibility of quality Gujarati cooking. One of the best Yorkshire cookery schools introduces some exciting new additions to your pantry, like carom seeds, jaggery and asafoetida, all now readily available at large supermarkets or Asian grocers.
Minal takes you through the step by step process of blending spice pastes, rice ratios, and creating tempting vegetarian snacks and sauces. Plied with craft beers from Bundobust, a full spread at lunchtime, and delicious cardamon laced desserts, you’ll leave full of food and inspiration for your own dinner table.
137 Whitehall Rd, Drighlington, Bradford BD11 1AT
Leeds Cookery School – West Yorkshire
Situated in a lovingly restored fire station, with bright red gates and kitchen floor tiles marking the fire engine parking bays, Leeds Cookery School is a wonderful spot to brush up on your culinary skills. This Yorkshire cookery school covers a whole range of techniques, from julienning vegetables to mastering the Teeside Chicken Parmo, there really is something for everyone.
Novices are looked after by experienced and friendly chefs, who’ll have you rocking and chopping in no time. Detailed recipes are provided, along with aprons and refreshments, all you need is some trusty tupperware to take home your creations!
Try their popular Street Food Express classes, in which you recreate your own version of your flavour packed plates from dim sum to crisp tacos.
The Old Fire Station, Gipton Approach, Leeds LS9 6NL
The School of Artisan Food, Welbeck – on the edge of South Yorkshire
Committed to sharing skills with even the most nervous of cooks and bakers, The School of Artisan Food’s ethos is simple; delicious food, created from scratch. Encouraging local community organisations, schools, and businesses to understand sustainable methods of working with high-quality ingredients, their aim is to preserve traditional techniques for years to come.
They cover cheesemaking, patisserie, foraging…even ice cream production! You can enjoy a two-hour taster experience, stay for a day, or complete an Advanced Diploma, which is a six-month intensive externally accredited qualification (FDQ).
Lower Motor Yard, Welbeck S80 3LR
York Cocoa Works – North Yorkshire
This place has to be next on our list of top 10 Yorkshire cookery schools. There’s no better place to learn about chocolate than the birthplace of Terry’s and Rowntrees, and if the wind’s blowing in the right direction, you’ll catch a whiff of the five million Kit-Kat’s that are still produced daily at the Haxby site.
The chocolate industry once employed over 13,000 people in York and now lives on through the many heritage attractions the city celebrates. There are plenty of Chocolate masterclasses to pick from, whether you wish to craft chocolate truffles, and fondants or delve into bean to bar chocolate making.
Reward your efforts at the Cocoa House Cafe, which is jam-packed with beautiful memorabilia, and offers both sweet and savoury chocolate creations.
10 Castlegate, York YO1 9RN
Yorkshire Wolds Cookery School, Driffield – East Riding of Yorkshire
Just North of Hull, near the pretty village of Southburn, Highfield Farm has a fantastically renovated Yorkshire cookery school where you can take in the countryside surroundings and learn to cook some seriously good food.
Their classes are truly unique, small in size so you can truly learn from the experts – unsurprisingly this venue has gone on to win several awards.
There are plenty of class options, including ‘Best of British’, ‘Plant Based Favourites’ and ‘A Passion for Pasta’, so you’re bound to find one to suit you.
Highfield Farm, Southburn Road, Southburn, Driffield YO25 9AF
York Cookery School – North Yorkshire
With a plethora of classes to choose from, ranging from Mediterranean and North African cuisine to Sushi & Fish preparation classes, York Cookery School offers it all. The school is run by the well-regarded chocolatier, Andrew Thwaite, who takes pride in offering tuition in many styles of cooking and baking.
Their classes have been developed over the years to allow their chef tutors to deliver quality cooking classes you won’t forget.
York Eco Business Centre, Amy Johnson Way, York YO30 4AG
Bettys Cookery School, Harrogate – North Yorkshire
Last, but not least on our list of top 10 Yorkshire cookery schools is Bettys Cookery School in Harrogate. Known for their intricate icing, smiling fat rascals, and ginormous Easter eggs, Bettys is a true Yorkshire Institution.
Afternoon tea never looked as tempting as on a gilded cake-stand under sparkling chandeliers, and you too can add a touch of class to mealtimes, after a cookery class at their Hookstone Park kitchen in Harrogate.
Ever wanted to know how they get that Rösti so crispy? Well, now you can try your hand at their Swiss founder’s favourite. There are courses on transforming store cupboard pulses and grains into healthy Mediterranean dishes, pastry making, and of course cake decorating. Many get booked up far in advance so don’t miss out!
Bettys Cookery School, Hookstone Chase, Hookstone Park, Harrogate HG2 7LD
DON’T MISS…
£40 The Fat Badger York Restaurant Voucher
2-4 High Petergate, York YO1 7EH- Popular city centre gastropub overlooking York Minster
- Showcasing the best seasonal ingredients
- SAVE 20%
Tharavadu Leeds Restaurant Voucher
7-8 Mill Hill, Leeds LS1 5DQ- Taste the flavours of traditional Keralan food
- Michelin recommended
- SAVE 20%
3-course Sunday lunch at Aldwark Manor, York
Aldwark, Alne, York YO61 1UF- In the heart of the Yorkshire countryside
- Served in the stunning Elements restaurant
- SAVE 16%
Kelu Sheffield Sharing Board and Bottle of Wine
1294, Shalesmoor Sheffield, S3 8UL- Stunning Sardinian Sky Bar
- Brought to you by award-winning Italian restaurant Domo
- SAVE 20%
Written by
18/02/2025