Wee Buns Cookery School

If you enjoy cooking and are on the lookout for a fun learning experience, Wee Buns could be perfect for you! Let’s find out more from owner Mary-Anne…

Where is Wee Buns located, and what does it offer?

Wee Buns is a small cookery school based in a lovely countryside spot just outside the village of Moy in County Tyrone. I run a whole range of hands-on classes including lots of baking classes and seasonal cooking classes for adults and children. Classes take place in a purpose-built kitchen right beside my home.

We focus on using the best possible ingredients, making the most of fantastic Northern Irish produce and cooking with the seasons.

And how did Wee Buns come about?

Wee Buns began as a market stall in St. George’s market in Belfast selling wee buns (iced fairy cakes), a variety of cakes, scones and home-made jams. I have been cooking professionally for over 25 years and the cookery school has been here now for 5 years, although I first started cooking classes about 15 years ago.

I’ve always had a passion for cooking influenced by my parents’ love of good food, both cooking and growing it. My mother is a brilliant and passionate cook, and my father was a wonderful gardener; there was hardly a vegetable he didn’t grow.

I first decided to become a chef at a very early age but then got side tracked. It was only after completing a degree in business and working and travelling for a few years that I finally realised my dream and started cooking professionally. I first attended the renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School and from there went on to work in a number of great restaurants, including a few with Michelin Stars, the former Roscoff in Belfast which was pioneering in its time and the world renowned River Café in London. During this time, I learnt many wonderful things from some terrific chefs.

Tell us a bit about the classes.

They’re suitable for all levels, from beginners to seasoned cooks. Our classes are hands-on, fun and relaxed. The aim is to improve your cooking skills and inspire you to get cooking and baking at home.

Classes are small tutorial-size groups and are usually action-packed. The aim is to get stuck in, learn how to cook delicious food and have fun, whatever your ability. We are always on hand to guide you.

All recipes, equipment and ingredients are provided. Classes take place around a central island unit and are a combination of demonstration and hands-on, and anything made by yourself in the class is yours to take home. While your baking is in the oven we always have a break for tea, coffee, homemade scones and jam and a chat.

Do participants need any prior experience?

No, classes are suitable for all levels, we are always on hand to guide you and help whatever your ability.

Do you have a personal favourite dish to demonstrate?

I’m always inspired by the seasons and love classic and traditional recipes. Anything from the first rhubarb tart in spring time to a whisked sponge cake with strawberries and cream in summer, and the bread classes are always fun. And wee buns, of course!

Are you open all year round?

We certainly are!

Do you have big plans for the future?

I’m excited about offering online classes very soon and am always excited about future possibilities.

Finally, what’s your favourite thing about Wee Buns?

The wonderful people we get to meet in the classes and the beautiful location here looking out over the lush green fields.

Find out more about Wee Buns here.

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