Belfast’s Waterman Cookery School receive ‘Centre of Excellence’

Belfast’s Waterman Cookery School receive top award for quality teaching and facilities. Awarded by ICSA, the leading industry body.

Waterman Cookery School, located in the heart of Belfast, has been awarded a prestigious accreditation for their exceptional teaching standards and facilities, from leading regulatory body, the Independent Cookery Schools Association (ICSA).

Waterman Cookery School in Belfast, headed by esteemed Chef Owner Niall McKenna MBE and managed by Clare McCann, is a culinary haven dedicated to showcasing the rich flavours and vibrant traditions of Irish cuisine. Situated in the historic Waterman House in the heart of the city, the school offers immersive cookery courses designed to inspire both enthusiasts and aspiring chefs. Niall McKenna’s passion for local ingredients and innovative cooking is at the heart of every class, blending contemporary techniques with authentic Irish flavours and his vast life-long industry experience.

The cookery school provides a welcoming ambiance where participants can learn hands-on skills, from crafting traditional Irish dishes like soda bread and hearty stews to modern interpretations of classic favourites, alongside world food and drinks matching experiences. With Niall’s expert guidance, guests gain confidence in sourcing the best local produce, honing their culinary techniques, and understanding the art of balancing flavours. The courses cater to a variety of interests, including seafood, meat, vegetarian dishes, and baking alongside leisure and corporate courses.

Renowned for his culinary excellence and leadership, Niall McKenna’s influence ensures that Waterman Cookery School delivers a high-quality, memorable experience rooted in Irish culinary heritage.

ICSA accredited cookery schools undergo rigorous assessments to ensure consistent delivery of excellence in cookery skills and training alongside equipment levels and facilities, as well as other criteria such as adhering to strict standards of environmental sustainability and continued support for British farmers, suppliers and seasonal produce.

Accreditation from a recognised industry body such as ICSA is also vital for aspiring chefs to be able to choose their cookery school to further their professional careers within the hospitality industry and other related culinary professions. Aspiring domestic chefs can also gain new transferrable skills to improve their culinary knowledge and applications in their home kitchens including knife skills, world food courses and nutritional understandings for both young and old.

James Day, Director of Operations at ICSA, said: “The quality of cookery classes at Waterman Cookery School are second-to-none. The state-of-the-art cookery school, located in the heart of Belfast, has been expertly designed to deliver a range of intimate, fully immersive, professional cookery experiences. The in-depth knowledge of Chef Patron Niall and his respect for ingredients, alongside the support of the in-house team, delivers a unique cookery experience.

 “During the 3 hour assessment, I was personally impressed by Niall’s unrivalled passion, enthusiasm alongside his industry and food knowledge, gleamed throughout his vast industry experience. He shared his knowledge whilst he created a relaxed informed style and approach to teaching, underpinned by clear passion and enthusiasm for fresh seasonal Irish produce, and attention to detail.  Referring to many of his career long suppliers by first name! Their teaching style is passionate, informative, with a clear focus on depth of flavour, as one would expect within such a high-level kitchen environment overseen by the Niall and his dedicated and equally informed team.

Niall displayed a clear depth of knowledge and passion for the industry and keen transferring of extensive skills to students. Delivering a unique, memorable and inspiring learning experience for students of all levels during this intense course.  Whether you’re seeking to improve your skills or explore new flavours, Waterman Cookery School offers an authentic Irish culinary journey in a warm, inspiring setting.

The feedback from the students was very positive, many sharing the transferable skills they had learned and had clearly enjoyed their day, as did I. We are delighted to award the team our coveted ‘ICSA Centre of Excellence Award’ “   

Clare McCann and the team at Waterman are delighted to be awarded a ‘Centre of Excellence Award”  following a site visit and inspection from James Day, from the Independent Cookery Schools Association. Clare McCann, Waterman’s Cookery School Manager, who has developed the classes and program with owner Niall McKenna since its opening in 2021.

Clare and the team are thrilled that the dedication, passion, and hard work of the team has paid off. Clare said “For us, cooking is not just a life skill but a way of bringing people together, to share our culture and create lasting memories”.

Niall McKenna started his cookery school on the second floor of his James St. restaurant back in 2011 and made the decision in 2021 to relocate to a ground floor, purpose built space in Waterman. Niall said “ I am extremely grateful to the team for their hard work making the vision become a reality and to the customers who support us, once you go to one class they love to come back for more’. Waterman is a multi function space located on Hill Street in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter with a bistro, numerous event and private dining rooms, alongside our cookery school.”

Clare and Niall host weekly classes from everyday baking, to fish and shellfish alongside Masterclasses on dished from Niall’s recently launched cookbook,  which showcases the best of local producer.

The Independent Cookery School Association, established in 2014 and came from a need for a trade association which helps to regulate, promote and encourage excellence in cookery schools. The association encourages sustainable working practices, promoting seasonal and regional cooking alongside supporting local producers and suppliers.

To find out what cookery classes are coming up at waterman, please take a look at their website here  www.waterman.house

READ MORE ABOUT WATERMAN HOUSE 

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