The family-owned Cook School and cafe in Kilmarnock has launched a series of virtual cooking classes for participants to join in with at home.
The Cook School, which has been trading for over 10 years, had to close at the start of the national lockdown in March. With concerns that they wouldn't be able to open again until the pandemic was over and all restrictions lifted, the school's head chef, Stuart, came up with an idea to take things online.
Owner Gill Rae explains: "Our head chef, Stuart, was inspired by the nations appetite for cooking during lockdown and keen to continue connecting with our customers.
"With so many businesses moving to online platforms we decided to move our classes online and our ‘Cook School @ Home’ concept was born."
The themed cooking classes include Spanish, Chinese, Scottish larder, Mexican, meat-free and a BGA game night.
There's also kids cooking classes and upcoming Christmas cooking nights.
Gill explains how each class works, saying: "Our classes are a night in with a difference. We deliver all the top-quality ingredients, expertly packed, to the customer the day before the chosen class, anywhere in the UK so it works well for socialising with family, friends or colleagues who live further afield.
"You then log onto Zoom to join a group class led by our chef who shows you how to prepare and cook a restaurant quality meal from the comfort of your own home. We offer many different themed menus including Christmas, Vietnamese, Thai, Italian, Chinese, Scottish Larder and more.
"The classes are very fun and relaxed and the perfect night in with lockdown restrictions in place.
"We are also running Cook School @ Home Christmas Party nights that are perfect for bringing teams together for a fun, socially distanced afternoon or evening with great food and some virtual party games.
"This is a great way to boost morale and engage with team members who may have been working from home for long periods in a relaxed environment where they can learn to cook a delicious restaurant quality meal."
How to book
Classes start at £50 and for more information and to book, visit the Cook School website.
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