The Edinburgh School of Food and Wine (ESFW), Scotland's award winning and oldest independent cookery school, has announced the launch of an innovative new course – a Diploma in Professional Patisserie, the first course to specialise in the discipline of patisserie in the country.
Starting in October 2016, the intensive three month course aims to teach students a range of practical skills over a Monday to Friday working week timetable. with creativity being highly encouraged to fit into the mould that modern patisserie now sits. Applications are now being accepted for the course, with anyone from aspiring chefs to those who simply have a passion for pastry welcome.
Ian Pirrie, Principal at the Edinburgh School of Food and Wine, told online publication The Scotsman: "We are very proud to offer this new diploma, the first of its kind in Scotland, to aspiring patisserie chefs and food enthusiasts across the country.
"Scotland has an incredible culinary culture, and many talented chefs with great passion for food and a desire for excellence. This new course will prepare up-and-coming chefs with the fundamental skills and techniques they need to master their craft and succeed in the industry."
There is currently a high demand in the catering industry for professionally trained pastry chefs. The skills required from a Chef de Patisserie range from making delightful dough and fabulous filo pastries, to the fine art of classic patisserie, where precision techniques are put into practice to create intricate desserts that capture the eye as well as the taste buds.
The course is led by Chris Stewart, formally the Head Pastry Chef at the internationally acclaimed Waldorf Astoria, and alumni will receive continued support after completion of the course.
Based in central Scotland in the grounds of Newliston Estate, the Edinburgh School of Food and Wine has fostered a reputation for excellence since it was established in 1986. It offers a wide range of courses, from six-month diplomas to one-off specialised evening classes. The school aims to make the educated appreciation of food and wine accessible to everyone, with each course designed by experienced professional chefs to be practical, hands-on and fun.
Find out more on the ESFW