ABOUT US
More than just a cookery school — the Yarrow Cookery School is where confidence grows, friendships form, and food brings people together. Founded by Richard and Sophia Yarrow, we create experiences that spark conversation, encourage curiosity, and celebrate the joy of cooking.
We began with small online classes, each one focused on local, joyful, from-scratch cookery. Word spread quickly. What started around a kitchen table has grown into a beautifully converted, fossil-fuel-free space — a place designed for hands-on learning, shared meals, and lingering over a drink in our relaxed dining and bar area.
Our name is inspired by the wild yarrow plant — known for its resilience, gentle healing properties, and deep connection to the land — and by the heritage of our founders. Like the plant, we are rooted in nature, nourishment, and community. From our flour-dusted worktops to our giving back programmes, we believe in cooking in a way that feels good: joyful, grounded, and sustainable.
The Yarrows
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Richard Yarrow – Co-Founder & Head Teacher
Richard’s love for cooking began early, attending the Orchard Cookery School as a teenager before training 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 worked across some of the finest lodges in the Highlands, gaining a deep understanding of Scottish produce, hospitality, and the realities of professional kitchens.
Richard’s approach in the classroom is calm, kind, and quietly confident — designed to make everyone, no matter their skill level, feel relaxed and at home. Whether you’re brand new to cooking or looking to refine your skills, he’ll guide you with patience, humour, and the belief that everyone can cook something delicious.
One of his personal favourites? Chicken souvlaki with homemade pitta breads — proof that the simplest dishes can be the most satisfying.
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Sophia Yarrow – Co-Founder & Creative Director
Sophia is the creative heart behind the Yarrow Cookery School, guiding the brand with warmth and intuition while keeping everything running smoothly — from the moment a guest first discovers Yarrow to the last dish being quietly dried.
Deeply rooted in a love of nature, Sophia is a trained yoga teacher and aromatherapist, with an extensive knowledge of plants and their ability to nourish and restore. She brings this same care and connection into the cookery school, shaping experiences that feel grounding, joyful, and welcoming.
She runs much of the online side of Yarrow, from sharing stories and updates to building thoughtful partnerships. But you’re just as likely to find her in the kitchen — laying a table with freshly picked herbs and flowers, chatting with guests, or making sure everything flows with ease.
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 the chance to take part. It’s this blend of creativity, community, and care that shapes every Yarrow experience.
Our Ethos
"We believe the kitchen is where stories are shared, skills are passed on, and the simple act of cooking can nourish far more than the body."
Richard & Sophia Yarrow
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