Yarrow Cookery School a 'dream come true' for couple

Work is already under way to convert a 400-year-old farm building at Longniddry Steading into Yarrow Cookery School.

Richard and Sophia Yarrow are hopeful the business will welcome its first guests later this winter.

The business will be home to various classes, including family and kids' cooking sessions, as well as corporate team building exercises and tourist events.

Richard, who honed his culinary skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School in County Cork, said: “This has been a dream come true for us to be able to open our very own cookery school in East Lothian where I’m born and bred.

“Our cookery school, which will also have a small bar, will be all about making conversations and connections through the joy of cooking and learning valuable skills and having fun along the way!”

Richard Yarrow is looking forward to welcoming people to Yarrow Cookery School (Image: Contributed)

The couple started running online cooking classes from their home during the coronavirus pandemic and have seen the business grow from strength to strength.

Over the last few years, they have been working on their ambitious plans for the cookery school, which will provide locals and visitors to East Lothian with the chance to learn how to cook and all about local seasonal produce and the benefits of making homemade food.

By providing delicious meals and meaningful opportunities, they aim to make a positive impact on both individuals and the wider community.

Sophia, a yoga teacher and marketeer, told the Courier: "We recognise the lack of funding and resources in Scottish schools to teach children about cooking from scratch, food, and nutrition.

“It's crucial to capture this group young, as it impacts their lives significantly and positively affects their mental health and those around them, promoting overall wellbeing."

Sophia and Richard Yarrow are excited about the future of Yarrow Cookery School (Image: Contributed)

The development is part of the expansion of Longniddry, south of the East Coast Main Line, which cuts through the village.

Local companies, including Bisset & Steedman and Raywood Construction, are working to ensure the converted building is eco-friendly and sustainable, which includes relying solely on an air source heat pump for water and heat and installing solar panels on the roof.

Sophia was already counting down to welcoming guests to classes, which will include East Lothian Field to Fork, Dim Sum and Bao Buns, and Ottolenghi Styled Feasts.

The couple will also be running training classes to become a ski season chef following Richard’s first-hand experience of cooking in France.

She said: “We are really looking forward to sharing our experience and knowledge of how to make great food from home-grown produce in an eco-friendly way.

“Making conversations and connections around the table and trying new dishes has always been something we are both passionate about and to be able to share this with people who come to our classes, is a dream come true.”