Chef Niall McKenna established the James St Cookery School in 2011 and later expanded to a purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility at Waterman. Today, Waterman Cookery School provides a unique, spacious environment where up to 18 guests can cook simultaneously, guided by expert chefs.

The school is designed with a large communal dining table that can accommodate up to 18 guests, making it perfect for both cooking and dining experiences. It can also serve as a chef’s table for an immersive cooking experience.

The school offers a wide range of classes suitable for all ages and skill levels. The goal is to inspire and develop cooking techniques at every level, helping participants gain the skills needed to prepare delicious dishes that are quick to make or can be prepared in advance for sharing with family and friends. The classes are designed to make cooking enjoyable and accessible, whether someone is a beginner or an experienced cook.

The atmosphere in the classes is relaxed yet structured, with a mix of demonstrations and hands-on cooking. The focus is on practical techniques using equipment found in most home kitchens, avoiding unnecessary jargon. At the end of most classes, guests gather to enjoy the meal they’ve prepared, often accompanied by wine, coffee, or tea.

Located in the vibrant Cathedral Quarter of Belfast, Waterman Cookery School also serves as an ideal venue for corporate events, celebrations, and private parties.

The school is managed by Clare McCann, who teaches alongside the resident French instructor Marion Lancial and Waterman’s Executive Head Chef Cathal Duncan.

Core Courses

Waterman Cookery School offers a variety of day and evening classes for cooks of all levels. The courses aim to build confidence in the kitchen, demystify culinary techniques, and encourage participants to prepare dishes that are impressive yet easy to make at home.

Popular classes include:

• How to Cook the Perfect Steak
• Masterclass in Fish & Shellfish
• BBQ Masterclass
• Seasonal Effortless Entertaining
• Best of France
• Classic Indian Cooking
• Masterclass in Bread, and more.

Course Lengths

Classes are engaging and practical, featuring a combination of demonstrations and hands-on cooking. Evening classes typically last 3 hours, Saturday morning Masterclasses run for 4 hours, while 2-hour evening workshops and afternoon classes are also offered. At the end of most classes, participants enjoy the dishes they’ve cooked, often with a glass of wine or a hot beverage.

The school also hosts special events such as:

• All About Sourdough with Ciaran from 100th Monkey Bread
• Persian Cooking with Atoosa Sepehr
• Cook Book Club with Belfast food blogger Conor Hogan

In addition, the school has hosted prominent chefs for large cooking demonstrations, including:

• Rachel Allen and Darina Allen from Ballymaloe Cookery School
• JR Ryall from Ballymaloe House

Sustainability

Waterman Cookery School is committed to sustainability in every aspect of its operations, from sourcing ingredients to using eco-friendly cleaning products and minimising waste. Courses include practical advice on sustainable shopping, reducing food waste, and choosing high-quality ingredients that promote a greener future.

Seasonality

The school takes pride in developing new recipes and techniques that emphasise the best seasonal produce. Seasonal ingredients are incorporated into classes wherever possible, ensuring participants have access to the freshest and most flavourful ingredients available.

Supporting Local Suppliers

The school is dedicated to using finest-quality ingredients while supporting local farmers, makers, and producers. By prioritising British and Irish regional suppliers, the school ensures that its classes highlight the best of the local food scene.

Ethical Sourcing & Animal Welfare

Waterman Cookery School is committed to promoting responsible sourcing practices, including supporting ethical animal welfare standards. The courses reflect this ethos by teaching participants how to choose ingredients that align with these values.

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