Take your cookery skills to the next level with huge range of classes in one of Newcastle’s oldest buildings

If you’re looking to kick your cooking skills up a notch, how about learning in one of Newcastle’s most ancient medieval buildings?

Blackfriars in the city centre, originally a 13th century friary with almost 800 years of history within its walls, now houses a popular restaurant - but you may not know that they also run a wide range of cookery classes.

While classes at Blackfriars have been running for over a decade, the variety now on offer is “far greater than ever before”, according to owner Andy Hook, and they now run on most evenings and weekends.

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Some of the Louisiana dishes that participants can learn how to make at Blackfriars cookery classes in Newcastle (Chronicle Live)

Participants can learn how to make dishes from all over the world, including Mexican, French, Spanish, Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine, as well as many more.

The school also teaches valuable skills that are sure to be of assistance in the kitchen, from fish filleting to meat preparation.

There’s plenty for budding bakers to try their hand at too, with bread making and patisserie classes, as well as workshops specialising in chocolate.

You can be transported to the likes of Asia or North America at Blackfriars with their workshops on cuisines from around the world (Chronicle Live)

There are courses in how to dazzle at a dinner party with your dishes, and in how to cook on a budget, which organisers say is ideal for the students of the city.

Additionally, Blackfriars offers specialised courses in vegan and vegetarian food, and children’s cookery classes specially tailored to young ages. “You name it, we probably do it!” says Andy.

The classes are suitable for a range of experiences, from those with zero knowledge in the kitchen to seasoned cooks wanting to take their dishes to the next level.

You can also learn how to bake with bread-making, pastry and patisserie classes (Chronicle Live)

They have been hugely popular in recent months, Andy says, with participants keen to get back out and try new things in the aftermath of the pandemic.

The school attracts people from all over the region, with many attending after being bought a class as a Christmas or birthday gift.

Some come along to take a serious stab at learning new skills, while others sign up to the more light-hearted classes - such as Pizza and Prosecco, Canapes and Cocktails, or Bao and Beer - for a fun evening out with a twist.

Watch the video above to get a glimpse of a Louisiana gumbo and Creole cooking class at Blackfriars.

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