James St chef to share his passion at new cookery school

The owner of one of Northern Ireland’s best restaurants is set to share his secrets with the world at his new-look cookery school in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.

Award-winning chef Niall McKenna, who has been cooking up a storm at his James St premises for years, will open his Waterman House Cookery School on Wednesday 26 May, creating three new jobs in the process.

Niall said: “Having served Belfast city centre since 2003 with our James Street restaurant, we’re delighted to expand our presence and offer food enthusiasts the best environment to enjoy an exciting learning experience using the finest local ingredients.

“Waterman House is a truly iconic building and we’re excited to reinvigorate one of the city’s finest architectural locations and contribute to the regeneration of this important area.”

The entrepreneur purchased the Grade B listed building at 5-23 Hill Street in 2018 as part an investment of more than £1 million to redevelop the former James Street South Cookery School.

Occupying the ground floor space of the old Bushmills bonded warehouse, the ground floor cookery school will accommodate groups of up to 18 with state-of-the art work stations and the latest kitchen equipment.

A reception and first floor areas are being earmarked for use as a brand new events and cultural space, providing a new creative hub for the vibrant area.

Niall explained: “Belfast’s tourism growth has been remarkable, but the challenges of the last 15 months have taken their toll on the city. As we move towards recovery, we’re looking forward to playing our part in contributing to the city’s status as an award-winning destination for local, national and international visitors with this exciting new culinary experience.

“With a diverse schedule suited to chefs of all levels – from beginner to Master Chef-  there’s something for everyone to enjoy a great day out at the new Waterman House Cookery School.”

‘Casual setting’

Along with the new cookery school opening, Niall and his team will also launch a brand new street food offering in Le Four.

There they will serve up made-to-order stone-baked pizzas from a converted Land Rover Defender in the building’s courtyard located between the Harp Bar and Waterman House Cookery School.

“With many businesses adapting their offer to accommodate outdoor dining, we’ve seen a real surge in demand for fresh, authentic street food which can be enjoyed in a more casual setting,” explained Niall

“Le Four is the perfect addition to the Cathedral Quarter food experience and allows diners to get a taste of Waterman House Cookery School whilst enjoying this untapped location.”

For more information, or to book an experience at Waterman Cookery School, visit www.cookinbelfast.co.uk