The World Chocolate Masters is the leading international culinary competition for professional chocolatiers and pastry chefs. In 2013, Ruth Hinks secured a top-5 finish for the UK ahead of national Chocolate Masters from France, Belgium and Switzerland - the highest result by a UK pastry chef in international competition.

Having reached the pinnacle of her profession, Ruth launched the Cocoa Black Chocolate & Pastry School in Peebles, near Edinburgh. Since its opening in 2009, the school has welcomed over 4000 students many of whom have travelled overseas to attend her courses. Past students include HRH Prince Edward who spent a morning making chocolate truffles with Ruth.

With classes ranging from two hours (e.g. Make Your Own French Patisserie) to three days (e.g. Make Your Own Chocolate Showpiece), Ruth has created a syllabus which provides a comprehensive and practical introduction to working with chocolate and pastry. Whether you're seeking to learn how to temper chocolate, bake the perfect tart shell or create a mirror smooth chocolate glaze, you will find a class to suit.

Working in pairs or individually, students are taught the very best traditional and modern techniques.   The half-day classes are relaxed, with a focus on enjoyment as much as education, whilst the two and three day courses provide more intensive learning for those seeking a challenge.  At the end of each class, participants take away their workbooks and sweet creations to enjoy at home.

Spearheading the publicity for the Scottish Government's £294M Borders Railway campaign, Ruth was commissioned to create a showpiece chocolate model of The Flying Scotsman that was on public display to celebrate the opening of the Borders Railway by Her Majesty the Queen.

In 2016, The Chocolate & Pastry School opens its doors to a new purpose fitted training facility on the banks of the River Tweed in Peebles in the Scottish Borders.

Says Ruth:  “In opening the new Chocolate & Pastry School, we have positioned ourselves for the next stage of the chocolate adventure. We've got a great line up of guest chefs and lots of exciting new courses for 2016. It's going to be a fun year!”

Classes start at £50 per person.  For further information or to book a class visit http://www.cocoablack.com/chocolate-pastry-school

ENDS

For interview requests, recipes and images contact Sarah Nicholas or Jessica Huie at JHPR:

Sarah@JHPR.co.uk/07932 375 740

Jessica@JHPR.co.uk/07985 424 772