Waterman Cookery School
WHERE
Belfast
What it’s like
Hands-on cooking classes for adults, where you make every dish yourself with a chef talking you through the recipe.
This is an adults-only cookery school, not a family activity, so leave the kids at home unless you're bringing an accompanied under-16 and paying for their own space beside you. You get an apron and a recipe booklet, and for practical classes you cook every dish yourself rather than watching someone else do it. Chefs are on hand throughout to answer questions, which takes the pressure off if you've never held a knife with intent before.
Turn up 15 minutes early because classes start promptly with a rundown of that day's recipe, and being late means missing the bit that actually explains what you're doing. Wine comes with most classes for over-18s, one glass over the course, though baking classes usually skip it, which feels like the wrong classes to leave it out of. All ingredients are provided, so you just show up in closed-toe shoes with your hair tied back and let them do the shopping.
Opening hours shift through the week: evenings only Wednesday and Thursday from 5pm, then a longer window Friday to Sunday starting from 1pm. If you're going with a friend or a partner, they'll try to group you together, though it's not guaranteed. Cancellations need 28 days notice if you want to change the date yourself, otherwise your only options are sending a substitute or moving the booking, so don't book on a whim if your diary's shaky.
Dietary requirements can usually be accommodated if you flag them before booking, though whole baking classes can't always go gluten free given what they're built around. Parking is on-street on Hill Street and Donegall Street, or the St Anne's Square car park two minutes away if you'd rather not hunt for a space.
Need to know
- Parking
- On-street parking on Hill Street and Donegall Street
- Arrive 15 minutes early, classes start promptly with a recipe rundown
- Gift vouchers last 12 months from purchase
- Cancel or amend up to 28 days out, after that you can send someone else or shift the date
- Opening hours change through the week, evenings only Wednesday and Thursday
Plan your visit
Is this suitable for kids?
It's built for adults. Children's cookery classes run occasionally, and if you're bringing an under-16 to a regular class you need to buy them their own space and stay with them.
Do I need to book ahead?
There's no mention of turning up on the day, and cancellations need 28 days notice to move freely, so this reads as a book-ahead sort of place.
What should I wear and bring?
Closed-toe shoes with no or a very low heel, hair tied back, and dress for getting stuck in. They provide the apron.
Is there wine?
Yes, for over-18s during most classes, one glass included. Baking classes usually don't include it.
What if I have a dietary requirement?
Tell them before you book and note it at checkout. They can accommodate a lot, though some whole baking classes can't be made gluten free.
Where do I park?
On-street on Hill Street or Donegall Street, or the paid car park at St Anne's Square, a couple of minutes' walk.
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