Catering Scotland

A well-known Scottish cookery school has announced the launch of a new Diploma in Professional Patisserie. The CIS Excellence Award*-nominated Edinburgh School of Food and Wine (ESFW) at Newliston, near Edinburgh, is Scotland’s oldest independent cookery school and the first to offer the specialist patisserie qualification.

Ian Pirrie, Principal at the Edinburgh School of Food and Wine, explains: ‘This three-month course aims to satisfy the high demand for professionally trained pastry chefs in Scotland.

‘Anyone may apply, from cookery beginners and food enthusiasts to experienced chefs and seasoned professionals, and the new course will equip up-and-coming chefs with the fundamental skills and techniques they’ll need to master their craft and succeed in the industry.’

According to Mr Pirrie, former ESFW students have already applied to the school and he expects demand for the new diploma to be high: ‘Here at the ESFW we actively encourage creativity, expert technique and concentration,’ he continues.

‘The course will be hands-on, full-time experience, Monday-Friday, during which time students will learn a range of practical skills. A formal assessment will be made at the end of each week, allowing the tutors to evaluate how the students are progressing.’

Led by Chris Stewart (pictured, above centre) – formally the head pastry chef at the Waldorf Astoria – the patisserie diploma course also provides advice for students on the creation of a successful CV after completing the qualification.

Based in the grounds of Newliston Estate, the Edinburgh School of Food and Wine was established in 1986 and offers a wide range of courses, from six-month diplomas to specialised evening classes. Each course is designed by experienced professional chefs to be practical, hands-on and fun. The Diploma in Professional Patisserie which begins this October, is open for applications now. Contact the Edinburgh School of Food and Wine on 0131 333 5001 or email info@esfw.com for more information.

* As part of a concerted drive to recognise and celebrate Scotland’s top-performing patisserie chefs, the CIS Excellence Awards is offering qualified, experienced applicants the chance to be rewarded for their hard work. Sponsored by Callebaut, the Patisserie Chef Award is open for entries from Monday 11th January until Friday 11th March. The ceremony will be held at the Hilton Glasgow on Thursday 26th May 2016.