On the Rocks

This is the flagship day everything else grew from, scheduled exclusively around the massive ‘spring’ or ‘king’ tides that align with the full and new moons. Because these extraordinary tides only happen a few times a month, we get rare access to the deepest, least accessible parts of the East Neuk intertidal that are usually completely underwater. We strap on helmets and follow the falling water out onto parts of the shore rarely seen on foot. Jayson walks you through what’s growing on the newly uncovered rocks and floating in the deep pools (sea spaghetti, sea lettuce, dulse, sugar kelp): how to identify each one, how to cut it so it regrows, and its role in the ecosystem.

Then the fire goes on. The 4-hour experience culminates in an immersive five-course tasting menu prepared over an open flame using the day’s harvest: hands-on foraging becoming a genuine sea-to-fork experience, cooked in front of you and eaten together on the beach.

What’s included

• Ecological insights: the fascinating world of seaweed and its importance to the coastal ecosystem
• Personalised instruction: guidance tailored to your interests and skill level
• The five-course wild tasting menu, cooked over fire and incorporating what we gathered together
• Take-home resources: written and online materials to keep foraging and cooking
• All safety equipment: helmets and PPE provided

The shape of the day

Times run from the meeting time and move with the tide on the day.

1. 0:00Meet at the confirmed shore: introductions, the safety briefing and kit
2. 0:20Walk out with the falling tide, around 800 m over mixed sand and rock
3. 0:30–2:00Guided foraging on the low shore: identification, cutting and talking as the tide allows
4. 2:00–3:40The fire is lit; five courses cooked and eaten on the beach, with questions, stories and seconds
5. 3:40The tide turns: walk back, thank-yous and goodbyes

Good to know

• Getting there: transport isn’t included. The exact meeting point is emailed a few days before your workshop, once weather and tides have settled the best shore for the day, always along the East Neuk, within easy reach of St Andrews. See where the workshops roam
• Bring your own kit: wellies or footwear with good grip, and layered clothing suitable for changeable coastal conditions.
• Fitness: a moderate level of fitness and sure-footedness is recommended; if you have mobility limitations or need specific accommodations, get in touch in advance
• No dates showing? On the Rocks dates are added around the tides: get in touch or call +44 747 398 8980 to arrange one
• Cancellation: 7 days’ notice for a refund minus a 10% admin fee; under 7 days is non-refundable. If we have to postpone and no alternative date suits, you get a full refund. Full details in our cancellation policy

What people say

“Fresh air, humour, and food. All three very life-affirming.”

Kate · Tripadvisor

“’On the rocks’ is rock n’ roll!”

S Irvine, Crail

“We were then served some amazing food with seaweed on the beach: bread with seaweed, pickled sea spaghetti, seaweed salts, cullen skink with seaweed and then a stir fry, followed by a delicious seaweed dessert… book this, you won’t be disappointed!”

Joan Curran · Google

“I can highly recommend Jayson’s 4 hour seaweed workshop, combining foraging techniques with an outstanding culinary experience. Jayson is a world expert in seaweed, with longstanding professional experience.”

Paul C · Tripadvisor