Residential Cookery Courses

What better way to spend a few days than in the majestic surroundings of a Scottish estate indulging your passion for food with like-minded guests in a relaxed, house party atmosphere?

We have teamed up with one of Scotland’s finest cookery schools, the Edinburgh New Town Cookery School, to offer residential cookery courses in the luxury of the 5* Hoscote Estate set amidst 450 acres of ruggedly beautiful Borders countryside. 

These unique, gourmet cookery courses will be an inspiration to any foodie. Whether you wish to cook to impress, improve family meals or build your confidence in the kitchen, you will find these classes relaxed, fun, informative and led by not only great chefs, but experienced teachers.

Fiona Burrell, principal at the school, has designed a bespoke programme for our guests.  An expert in life skills cookery, with a passion for food she readily conveys, Fiona has spent 30 years cooking and teaching, much of it at the world-renowned Leiths School of Food and Wine in London, and is a published author of a number of cookery books. She has worked extensively as a consultant, writing, teaching, developing recipes, styling for food photography, leading cookery demonstrations and as a taste panel member. Fiona has held membership of the Guild of Food Writers since 1991 and has judged various cookery competitions including the Mouton Cadet/Times Cook of the Year and The National Cupcake competition. She knows her carrots from her onions!

Boasting spectacular views over open countryside, Hoscote House has been refurbished to an exceptionally high standard, with individually-designed bedrooms and sumptuous bathrooms. With a magnificent drawing room, study, conservatory, games room, vast dining kitchen, as well as a large, formal dining room, there is ample space for guests to socialise and trade recipes and techniques or find a quiet spot to relax and enjoy the views.

While the house can comfortably accommodate 18 people, the cookery course is limited to only 8 to ensure participants receive maximum attention. Those on the course may bring a non-participating guest who will have plenty to keep them entertained whether exploring the walking and cycling trails around the estate or unwinding in The Dairy; Hoscote’s own mini-spa. There are several golf courses nearby as well as riding, mountain biking and fishing.

The courses are fully-staffed so whilst you might be preparing the meals, a seamless housekeeping and waitress service will look after you and even deal with the washing up!

During your stay, Corney & Barrow, one of the longest established independent wine merchants in the UK, will host a wine tasting including tips on the art of complementing food and wine.

Four day cookery course 

Spring 2012 - Dates to be confirmed

Day 1
Arrive 4.30 to 5pm for tea followed by time to unpack and enjoy your surroundings and meet other guests. Drinks will be served at 7pm followed by dinner at 7.30pm.

Day 2 
8.30am: Breakfast in the dining room
10.00am: The day’s cooking starts with a run through of the recipes
12.30/1pm: Lunch
2.30 to 4.30 pm: Afternoon cooking session
4.30 to 5pm: Break for tea
5 to 6pm: Finish food for dinner
6 to 7pm: Time to relax and change for dinner if you wish
7 to 8pm: Wine tasting with tasters
8pm: Supper in the kitchen

Day 3 
8.30am: Breakfast in the dining room
10 to 11.30am: Demonstration
11.30am to12.30/1pm: Cooking session
12.30/1pm:  Lunch
2.30 to 4.30pm: Afternoon cooking session
4.30 to 5pm: Break for tea
5 to 6pm: Finish food for dinner
6 to 7pm: Time to relax and change for dinner if you wish
7pm: Finish the food for dinner
7.30pm: Dinner in the dining room

Day 4
8.30am: Breakfast in the dining room
10am to 12.30pm: Cooking session
12.30pm: Lunch
2pm: Depart

Weekend cookery course

Spring 2012 - Dates to be confirmed

Friday
Arrive 4.30 to 5pm for tea followed by time to unpack and enjoy your surroundings and meet other guests. Drinks will be served at 7pm followed by dinner at 7.30pm.

Saturday
8.30am: Breakfast in the dining room
10.00am: The day’s cooking starts with a run through of the recipes
12.30/1pm: Lunch
2.30 to 4.30 pm: Afternoon cooking session
4.30 to 5pm: Break for tea
5 to 6pm: Finish food for dinner
6 to 7pm: Time to relax and change for dinner if you wish
7 to 8pm: Wine tasting with tasters
8pm:  Dinner in the dining room

Sunday
8.30am: Breakfast in the dining room
10am to 12.30pm: Cooking session
12.30pm: Lunch
2pm: Depart

During these courses you will be shown how to master various techniques and recipes. These may include filleting fish, boning poultry, sauces, patisserie, meat and fish cooking and vegetable preparation. Seemingly complicated recipes for the likes of soufflés and pastries are demystified so that you can return home to make them again and again. Each guest will receive a folder of recipes to take home and record the hints and tips they have learned as well as a stylish Edinburgh New Town Cookery School apron as a reminder of your stay!

Example dishes 

Twice Baked Cheese Soufflé
Wild Mushroom Feuilletees with Homemade Puff Pastry
Souffléd Leek Tart with warm Tomato and Olive Salad
Soda Bread
Walnut Bread
Brioche
Aubergine Gougere
Butternut Squash Risotto
Pan Fried Halibut with Salsa Verde
Seared Sea Bass served on a bed of Tomato and Fennel Cous Cous
Parma Ham Wrapped Chicken Breast stuffed with Red Pesto
Pheasant Breasts with Cider and Apples
Venison Steaks with Port and Redcurrant Sauce
Fillet of Venison with Red Pepper Sauce
Pan Fried Duck Breast with Lime and Ginger Sauce
Tarte au Citron
Rich Chocolate and Raspberry Tart
Panna Cotta with Red Berry Compote
Mango Parfait with passion Fruit Sauce
Coloured Macaroons
Raspberry Frangipane Tart

Booking

For further details or to book, please email us or telephone 01573 226711.

Group bookings are available, providing a novel way to spend some time with friends, relax and indulge your love of seriously good food! We can offer group bookings at a date to suit you and your private party. 

Weekend course prices

Two nights from tea time on Friday until after lunch on Sunday
One and a half day’s cookery course
Corney & Barrow wine tasting
Accommodation at Hoscote House 
All meals and wine

Deluxe room: £760
Choice of Fox, Pheasant, Squirrel and Badger bedrooms with two shared bathrooms.

Super deluxe room: £875
Choice of Stavert, Teviot, Borthwick, Roberton and Girnwood bedrooms all with en suite bathrooms.

Two guests sharing a super deluxe room but only one on the cookery course: £1,025

Mid-week course prices

Three nights from tea time on Monday until after lunch on Friday
Three and a half day’s cookery course
Corney & Barrow wine tasting
Accommodation at Hoscote House 
All meals and wine

Deluxe room: £997
Choice of Fox, Pheasant, Squirrel and Badger bedrooms with two shared bathrooms.

Super deluxe room: £1175
Choice of Stavert, Teviot, Borthwick, Roberton and Girnwood bedrooms all with en suite bathrooms.

Two guests sharing a super deluxe room but only one on the cookery course: £1385

Discounts are available for group bookings. Please contact us for a quote.