The Dundee Cooking Academy

The word is out. Local chefs Lewis Donegan and Adam Newth are due to open The Dundee Cooking Academy in early 2019.

With the venture’s social media following already growing, people are looking forward to their first experience of the facility, which will be the first of its kind in the area.

The Academy will see the former Toymaster premises on Commercial Street transformed into a fun, interactive and educational space. Budding cooks of any standard will be welcome to come along to improve their knowledge and skills, create culinary masterpieces from scratch, and meet new people in a stress-free environment.

Dundee-born Lewis Donegan is the leading chef tutor. He started his career in local Dundee hotels and then went on tour around Scotland crafting his skills in some of the country’s most prestigious restaurants. Lewis has enjoyed a great career teaching at a top cook school, lecturing professional cookery at college and working in Michelin Star restaurants. He has tried his hand at Masterchef the Professionals and even cooked lunch for the Queen.

Adam Newth is the other chef tutor. Hailing from Arbroath, Adam started out training at Angus College before moving around the country working in a number of prestigious hotels and restaurants where he honed his craft under some of some of Scotland’s top chefs. Since returning to the East of Scotland, he was awarded the Young Scottish Chef of the Year award. He opened the Tayberry restaurant in Broughty Ferry in 2015, where he has won many awards including 2 AA Rosettes and recognition by Michelin.

There will be a session on offer for anyone, whether you can’t even chop an onion or are an experienced cook in search of new inspiration. You can opt for one, two or three course sessions which include Steak Perfection, Art of Knives and Forgotten Foods. Look out too for vegetarian, gluten free and kids sessions which will run through the year.

You might like to come along for some me time, bring family, colleagues or friends for a fun afternoon or organise a corporate event with a difference. Take the chance to ask questions, get advice and improve your skills.

The offering from the Dundee Cooking Academy doesn’t stop there –Lewis and Adam are also hard at work bringing their new eatery Tayble to the city. The aim is to offer a warm, welcoming environment where diners can relax and enjoy great food and company. The menu will focus on tasty food at affordable prices, such as a lunch menu featuring a starter, main and dessert idea while the evening service will take the form of a supper club with the focus on locally sourced produce cooked to create a unique set menu.

The duo are looking forward to bringing their experience and expertise to a whole new generation of budding foodies in Dundee and beyond.

Adam Newth (left) and Lewis Donegan (right)