michelin star chef martin wisharts cook school

Michelin Star Chef opens his cookery school in Scotland

Martin Wishart

On Monday 28th January Cook School by Martin Wishart opened to the public in Edinburgh's port of Leith, Scotland. By revealing the secrets of the ‘restaurant kitchen’ through a series of practical classes the cook school promises to deliver an all round culinary education.

The classes, based on Martin Wishart’s cooking style, will provide informative and detailed tuition on the preparation of numerous dishes. Students will learn how to select the finest quality ingredients and then transform them into restaurant quality meals for friends and family. Classes are also being organised with tuition from a number of internationally recognised chefs.

The school aims to give students a background in both classic and modern culinary styles. Demonstrations and practical sessions will then provide the background theory and basic skills and techniques that form the foundation of cookery as a whole.

Martin in the Kitchen

Martin’s head chef Bruce Rennie said:

“The philosophy behind the cook school is to create an area for learning. We want to provide our students with a unique culinary experience - one that they want to experience over and over again. We also want to be recognised for all-round quality and value”

The building on Bonnington Road has been transformed with state-of-the-art equipment and a sleek interior. With just eight individual cooking stations, classes focus on personal tuition in a relaxed and friendly environment. Fitted with energy efficient Miele induction hobs and ovens, the school is both sophisticated and environmentally aware.

Both Martin Wishart and Bruce Rennie have been involved in all aspects of the design process of the new school. With the demand for top quality products the kitchen units were supplied by NTP Kitchens and Joinery Ltd, and the Corian worktops from Shore Laminates.

Lunch on the premises will be served in a luxurious dining space created by Ian Smith Design. Every aspect of this unique room is bespoke and will ensure students feel part of the Michelin star experience. The neutral colour scheme is reflected in the specially designed Wilton carpet and the striking silk and velvet chairs. The piece de resistance of this classic contemporary room is the dining table that makes innovative use of the Martin Wishart monogram in its base. The metal is cut using machinery designed for the oil industry in Aberdeen to Ian’s exacting designs; this special process allows the metal to be gilded. The bronze base is topped off in stunning walnut from Scotland’s finest cabinet makers, Laurence MacIntosh.

The Cook School plans to host monthly school visits to include group presentations with food tasting, class interaction and discussion with an aim to getting children interested and involved in cooking with a large focus on fresh ingredients and healthy eating.

The school also looks forward to offering corporate days that will culminate in dinner functions at Restaurant Martin Wishart.

martin wishart