OUR STORY
The story of Yarrow began long before there was a cookery school people travelled across the world to visit. It started in Glasgow, with a friendship between my grandfather and Richard’s. Both were larger-than-life characters who believed in bringing people together without fuss or pretence, always with generosity, laughter and a well-stocked table. That spirit of hospitality, entrepreneurship and shared joy remains at the heart of Yarrow today.
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During the first lockdown, Richard, a highly trained professional chef, suddenly found himself without work, while we were also expecting our first baby. In what felt like an uncertain but strangely clear moment, we decided to take a leap. I sent a message to my contacts asking if anyone would like to cook with Richard online. A few people said yes. Then more did. And slowly, almost without us realising, Yarrow began to take shape.
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We still can’t quite believe that just five years later, Yarrow has grown organically into the UK’s first fossil-fuel-free destination cookery school. Along the way we’ve been awarded Cookery School of the Year, named global finalists in Condé Nast Traveller’s Food and Travel Awards, filmed with the BBC as one of Britain’s best weekend experiences, and developed partnerships with brands such as KitchenAid, all while raising our two little girls!
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At its heart, though, Yarrow is still about the same things it always was: good food, warm hospitality, bringing people together and creating moments around the table that people remember long after the plates are cleared.
THE YARROWS
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Richard Yarrow
Richard’s love of cooking began early. As a teenager he attended Orchard Cookery School before going on to train professionally at the renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland, where he completed their full programme with a strong grounding in seasonal, sustainable cookery.
From there, he honed his skills in one of Scotland’s top restaurants and across some of the finest lodges in the Highlands. These years shaped his deep respect for Scottish produce, thoughtful hospitality, and the realities of professional kitchens.
In the classroom, Richard’s approach is calm, kind and quietly confident. He has a natural ability to put people at ease, whatever their level of experience, guiding guests with patience, humour and the belief that everyone can cook something delicious. His teaching focuses on building confidence and understanding, rather than rules or perfection.
One of his personal favourites is chicken souvlaki with homemade pitta breads, a reminder that simple food, done well, is often the most satisfying.
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Sophia Yarrow
Sophia is the creative heart behind Yarrow Cookery School, shaping the brand with warmth, intuition and an instinctive sense of flow. From a guest’s first interaction to the final moments of a class, she ensures each experience feels personal, thoughtful and welcoming.
With a background as a trained yoga teacher and aromatherapist, Sophia has a deep connection to nature and plants, and an understanding of how food, environment and wellbeing intersect. This influence runs through Yarrow, from how the space feels to the way guests are welcomed and cared for.
She leads much of Yarrow’s online presence and partnerships, sharing stories and building meaningful collaborations, but is just as likely to be found in the kitchen. Whether laying tables with freshly picked herbs and flowers, chatting with guests, or quietly ensuring everything runs smoothly, her presence is felt throughout the day.
Sophia is also a driving force behind Yarrow’s commitment to sustainability and giving back, from fossil-fuel-free cooking to offering funded places for children and young people who might not otherwise have access to cookery education. Firmly believing that “A is for attitude” that showing up with positivity, generosity and determination matters above all else. That belief still underpins everything we do at Yarrow today, shaping our strong commitment to community, opportunity and shared experiences around the table.
