If you’re looking for something different to do in the centre of Edinburgh this summer, then look no further than Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy (EFDA).
Whether you’re visiting Scotland’s capital on holiday, or live nearby and need some new ideas for a date night or day out with friends, EFDA offers something for everyone.
From whisky and food pairing, to behind-the-scenes conversations with Formula 1 experts and comedy cook-alongs, EFDA has you covered this summer season:
A taste of Scotland – whisky and food pairing event
Interested in learning more about Scottish whisky, or discovering how to pair it beautifully with food? Master of the Quaich, Annabel Meikle, is hosting dedicated whisky and food pairing events at Edinburgh Food and Drink Academy throughout the summer – perfect for those new to Scotch or looking to deepen their appreciation.
Over the course of the event, Annabel will lead guests through a nosing and tasting of three whiskies from Wemyss Malts. Further elevating the sensory experience, each whisky will be paired with premium charcuterie and cheese from I.J. Mellis, and artisan chocolate from Edinburgh-based Quirky Chocolate.
Attendees will learn how to nose and taste whisky, identify key flavour notes, and gain the confidence to create the perfect pairings at home. Tickets cost just £45 p/p with events taking place on Friday 24 July, Friday 14 August and Thursday 27 August.
Insights from the Formula 1 Pit Lane
Get your pit-lane pass with Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy this August during an exclusive conversation with Bernie Collins, former Head of Race Strategy at Aston Martin F1 and current Sky Sports F1 analyst, and Ryan McGarva, former Mercedes-AMG Petronas pit crew member and mechanic to seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton.
During the hour-long conversation, Bernie and Ryan will share behind-the-scenes insights from life in the pit lane, reflect on their careers working alongside some of the biggest names in motorsport, and discuss the split-second strategy and teamwork that shapes every race weekend – from the nutritional prep to the winners podium.
An exclusive cook and dine session with Bernie and Ryan will follow, allowing just 14 guests to make fresh ricotta-filled tortellini (inspired by the forthcoming Italian Grand Prix) alongside EFDA’s professional chefs.
Taking place on Saturday 15 August, tickets cost £95.00 for the Insights from the F1 Pit Lane conversation session or £180 for both the conversation and the cook and dine session.
Laughter on the menu: Comedy Cook Offs with The Stand Comedy Club
Combine your love of comedy with delicious food by attending a Comedy Cook Off at Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy this August.
Throughout the month, comedians will challenge each other to cook dishes live in the EFDA Demonstration Kitchen while trading their best jokes. Audience members will then get to sample the finished dishes and vote on who they think deserves to be crowned the culinary champion.
In partnership with The Stand Comedy Club, the events, hosted by Bruce Devlin, take place throughout the month of August with tickets costing just £20 per person.
For more information or to book your summer experience, visit www.efda.co.uk.
From plot to plate with EFDA & Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
This summer, Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) are partnering for a series of Gardener and Chef events, showing attendees how to make the most of home-grown garden produce.
With a shared passion for showcasing Scotland’s natural larder, the programme brings together the best of the culinary and botanical worlds. Equipping attendees with practical kitchen skills alongside a deeper understanding of seasonal planting, the events will run from 10am and combine hands-on time in the RBGE kitchen garden with live cookery demonstrations.
With dedicated sessions on both fermenting and pickling and seasonal summer cooking, attendees will leave with the skills and knowledge to create nutritious, vibrant meals and snacks at home.
Running until the end of September the events will take place at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, with tickets ranging from £126 p/p to £137 p/p. More information can be found at www.rbge.org.uk.
Master the art of Scottish shortbread
Whether you’re a local resident or simply visiting Edinburgh, why not take the time this summer to master the art of Scottish shortbread?
Throughout the summer, Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy will be hosting The Wee Walk-in Shortbread Workshops, a 90-minute session offering a concise and authentic introduction to Scotland’s most iconic bake.
Create your very own Shortbread Petticoat Tails on select Thursdays during the summer period for just £50 per person.
Last but certainly not least, looking to use your summer to kick-start a new career?
Whether you’re interested in becoming a professional chef, a food and drink entrepreneur, want to learn more about the different career opportunities in the food and drink industry, or use your summer to upskill and embark on paid holidays working in ski chalets and on board private yachts, EFDA offers something for everyone.
From the five-day Seasonal Chef Host Course to the 12-week Diploma in Professional Cookery, including a new evening-only class, use this summer to sign up to transform your life and embark on a culinary adventure.
For more information, visit www.efda.co.uk.
