Skip to content

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located and where can I park?

The Dundee Cooking Academy is located on 5B Bank Street, Dundee.

We’re positioned right in the heart of Dundee city centre, only a stone’s throw away from The Howff and Overgate Shopping Centre and right next door to our very own, Tayble Deli.
We are a 10 minute walk from the train station, the bus station and also Dundee’s V&A Museum.
There is plenty of parking to choose from when visiting the Academy such as The Overgate shopping Centre and the NCP car parks.

https://www.ncp.co.uk/find-a-car-park/car-parks/dundee-bank-street/ 

What are the start/finish times of sessions?

All session times vary depending on your booking so please check the session you are interested in. Start times are noted within the description of each class. Start times will be detailed on your booking confirmation too.
Finishing times for each session are not set. An estimated running time will be noted within the description of each class and on your confirmation email.
This is so we can make the experience more comfortable for everyone and a nice relaxed pace can be achieved, in turn making your experience more enjoyable.

1 course sessions can last between 2-3 hours
2 course sessions can last between 3-4 hours
3 course sessions are allocated as 09.30 – 16.30 (approx.)

Do I need to bring or wear anything in particular?

Our only stipulation is that footwear covers your feet!
Nothing worse than having an amazing experience spoiled if you drop a hot potato on your toe. Ouch!!
Please do not wear open toed footwear such as sandals, flip plops etc, for your own comfort and safety.

Apart from that we provide everything you will need to have fun and learn.
Just bring your smile and your camera phone.

Can I take the food that I make home with me?

Eating will be all part of the fun during your session but if you do wish to take any food home for later or to share your new found skills with a friend or loved ones, please bring along to your own containers as we like to help do our bit in reducing the use of plastics.

Is there an age limit to your sessions?

Sessions are for persons aged 16+.

Persons aged 14-16 are permitted by request and only when accompanied by adult aged 16+. A booking must be made for both individuals.

Kids classes are for persons aged 10+ and of a suitable height to safely operate over a live stove top. During kids sessions all children must be accompanied by an adult (16+).

Do you provide recipe packs for the session I’m attending?

Every person who attends a Cooking Academy session will be emailed the recipe pack for the session they have attended.

Recipe packs will only be available on the day for those attending our 3 course sessions.

What if I have a special dietary requirement?

We will consider all dietary requirements specified to us upon booking and amend the session for that individual where possible.

Please note that each session is structured around the specified dish for your chosen session. As no ‘one on one’ individual tutoring can take place for a different dish during a session, it may be that you participate in the session as originally structured and our experienced chef’s will create you something separate to feast on when it’s time to eat.

Any changes mentioned above will only be taken into consideration if notified at the point of booking. Please be aware that we may not be able to make any adjustments for information received by our team at the time or on the day of your session.

Will I have my own workstation?

Every person in attendance will be creating their own individual dishes. Each individual has their own work space and stove top.
The Cooking Academy is set up for two people to work side by side and some small, menial tasks may require you to work together.

How many people to a session?

The Cooking Academy is designed so that there is no more than 16 persons to any session. We have adjusted this to x8 Max in accordance with Social Distancing guidelines.

Are skill levels considered for sessions?

All sessions are designed to be enjoyable for all skill levels participating, whether you are a seasoned chef or struggle to chop an onion. Book in, come and enjoy a great experience and allow our chef tutors share their experience with you.

Can I upgrade my voucher?

If for example you have received a 2-course session voucher but fancy upgrading this to a three-course session, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team to discuss your options. We will be more than happy to help.

Vouchers cannot be downgraded.

Do I have to stand for the entire session?

During a session, you will be standing at your station whilst you cook your masterpiece. You are seated during our demonstrations and to enjoy your food you have created.

Can I change my booking?

The Dundee Cooking Academy is an independent business that relies on reservations being honored by guests or sufficient notice being provided of any amendments to reservations. As there are only 8 spaces available per session, we enforce a strict cancellation and refund policy in order to protect our business from lost income.

Voucher sales and session bookings are refundable within 14 days from the date of purchase.

14 days after your purchase, all voucher sales and bookings become non-refundable.

In the event that you cannot use your voucher or attend a booked event, you may offer your voucher/booking to a friend or family member.

We require 14 days notice for any requests to reschedule bookings.

Requests should be submitted in writing info@dundeecookingacademy.co.uk Where possible, with full notice, we will do our best to accommodate requests to reschedule. We are unable to amend bookings within two weeks of the event. Whilst we appreciate such instances are unavoidable, we are not accountable for last-minute illness, bereavement or family emergencies, including covid19 related issues. You may offer your booking to a friend or family member to attend in your place.

Refunds or rescheduling will not be given in the case that you do not turn up to the arranged session. Events that are canceled for reasons outwith our control, such as enforced government restrictions or unforeseen issues with our premises then we will do our utmost to reschedule your booking at a mutually suitable time.

Can I bring a spectator, my partner will be dropping me off?

The Cooking Academy sessions are only for the person in attendance. We do not offer a spectator’s spot during classes.

I heard alcohol may be served?

You heard correct!

You will be offered a glass of wine or fruit juice to enjoy during the demonstration and to accompany your meal. The larger the session is, the larger the offering.

Of course, we do have to be mindful of the fact that we’re working in a kitchen. Your safety and the safety of other in the session is of paramount importance.

How long is my voucher valid for?

All vouchers purchased will be valid for 6 months from the day of purchase unless otherwise stated.

Older vouchers purchased before August 2019 are valid for one year from the date of Opening. The Dundee Cooking Academy is due to open on 31st Oct 2019.

Will I be the only one there on my own?

Absolutely not!
The sessions are highly entertaining, informative and fun.
A great way to meet new people and socialise or even have some ‘me’ time whilst learning new skills.
(Anyway, it’s the Tutor who should be worried, they’re the one doing the public speaking).

Accessibility?

The Cooking Academy sessions available to the public take place on ground level however there are a few steps to access the building on this level.
At this moment in time all cooking during sessions requires standing purely for safety whilst operating over a live stove top.
Public toilets are down a level on our basement floor with access available only via our stairwell.
There is an accessible disabled toilet available on ground level.

Do you do group/private bookings?

It might be a works night out, a family celebration, a stag/hen do, treating potential business clients etc. You name it, we will work it out. Get in touch with our team to discuss all options.

Can I attend even though I have a pacemaker?

All our cooking apparatus is induction.
Please seek proper medical advice from your G.P if you are in anyway concerned about attending one of our sessions.

What time should I arrive for my session?

We ask you to arrive around 10 minutes before your session starts and please don’t be offended if we ask you to check out our sister business next door, Tayble Deli, if you are super early.
Oh…. And not to be late.

Do I receive a qualification?

If you attend one of our sessions you will acquire new skills, a full belly and an amazing experience. Unfortunately this does not include a qualification.
If this is of interested to you then please contact our team, we may just have a surprise for you coming soon on our basement floor.