Located above The Bar & Grill on James Street South, The Cookery School is a purpose built facility with interactive TV ensuring a perfect view for everyone, where Niall McKenna offers practical classes for up to ten students and demonstration classes for up to 35.
The core team is led by Niall McKenna himself, along with other chefs from the James St South restaurant group, notably the Head Chef at James Street South, David Gillmore, and chef Cathal Duncan.
As well as offering a full range of classes and courses for all levels of ability and experience, there is an important extra ingredient in the mix at The Cookery School at James Street South. In a move reminiscent of the great classical kitchens of old, the McKennas established an apprenticeship scheme in 2014; in the first year they employed and trained 8 young people (aged 16 to 24), and this number had risen to12 by the following year.
Working with the Belfast Met, the apprentices are trained by the restaurant's team of chefs and Niall McKenna at the Cookery School, to NVQ level 2 in Professional Cookery. When dining at James Street South, you will see some of their work highlighted on menus.
In 2017, ever mindful of the importance of training in all aspects of hospitality, The Cookery School introduced an additional Front of House Apprenticeship scheme to complement the development of kitchen skills and ensure the best possible customer experience.
