A New Cookery School for Kids Opens in Morningside

A new children’s cookery school has opened in Morningside, bringing creativity, confidence and plenty of cake to Edinburgh’s youngest food lovers. Cook Stars’ launch at McLarens on the Corner offered a warm, relaxed space where kids baked marble cake, parents connect, and class leader Dawn champions her ethos of empowering children in the kitchen through fun, flavour and hands‑on learning.

A new children’s cookery school is bringing creativity, confidence and a whole lot of cake and other delicious dishes to Edinburgh’s young food lovers. On Sunday 31 August, the school opens its doors on the top floor of McLarens on the Corner, the beloved Morningside café  known for its warm atmosphere and community feel.

My son Luca and I arrive for the launch, and he is buzzing with excitement. He loves cooking and can’t wait to put his apron on. We are the first to step into the beautifully prepared room: bright, calm, and filled with the gentle clatter of bowls and spoons waiting to be used. Dawn, who leads the classes, welcomes us with a warm smile.

Soon, the room fills with eager young chefs. Today’s recipe: marble cake,  a classic favourite. Dawn hands out ingredients, making adjustments for dietary needs. Butter for most children; coconut oil for Luca. “What’s next, Dawn?” Luca asks, spoon already in hand, ready to keep going.

While the children mix, measure and giggle their way through the recipe, the mums settle into different rhythms. Some pop out for errands, others catch up with each other and enjoy a cup of tea in the next room, and a few stay in the room and cook with their children. The environment is relaxed, friendly and flexible, a nice way to spend the weekend.

The highlight for Luca comes when it’s time to create the marble effect. Swirling the chocolate and vanilla batter together, he beams. “That’s fun, mama!” he says.

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With cakes in the oven, Dawn offers coasters for the children to decorate. The room fills with the smell of warm baking and as we wait, Dawn shares her philosophy:

“I cooked for my children my entire life, and I think it’s so important to know how to cook. Children should learn the basics and feel empowered. Confidence in the kitchen is a great skill to have. That’s my aim is to help children feel empowered and have fun. Cooking is fun!”

The cakes are ready and the children are feeling proud. “I cooked all by myself,” said a few children. Then they pose for photos, cakes are colourful, and full of sprinkles. Luca holds up his creation with so much pride. “Love my cake, mama!”

But the class offers more than just baking. It creates space for children to learn, for mums to connect, and for families to share a joyful experience. Cooking is not only about technique. It’s about curiosity, creativity, flavour, and the simple pleasure of making something with your own hands.

Cook Stars, the organisation behind the new school, offers weekly classes for children aged 2–17, including themed sessions for Halloween, Christmas, and more. It’s a place where young cooks can explore food, build confidence, and discover the joy of creating something delicious.

For Edinburgh families, this new cookery school is set to become a delightful addition to the food scene. 

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Front L-R: Annie Whittle (8), Lucy Walker (8), Ellie White (5), Olivia Zace (6), Lewis Harrison (9), Hugo Zace (8) from Forest Junior School in Merchiston at McLarens on the Corner in Morningside

For more information,  please visit www.cookstars.co.uk/cooking-classes/edinburgh-west,

email dawn.robertson@cookstars.co.uk or call Dawn Robertson on 07534 686 634