A cooking workshop has launched just in time to teach students kitchen hacks as they prepare for university, and it’s less than an hour from Leeds.Â
With September just around the corner and the inevitable bedroom-packing, car-cramming, finance-faffing action already underway, there’s only one thing left to box off - cooking.
That’s where Saddleworth Cookery School steps in, with a five-hour culinary experience that hopes to teach aspiring academics how to chef up some budget-friendly foodie feasts.
Located in Diggle, this cooking class will not only provide you with some essential cooking skills but also aims to boost your confidence in the kitchen environment ahead of university.Â
A cooking workshop aimed at university students is taking place near Manchester / Credit : Brooke Cagle / Adbulmajeed Hassan (via Unsplash and Pixabay)
Throughout the session, you will learn how to prepare meals for yourself that are not only healthy and cost-effective, but also tailored to students and their lifestyles.
This cooking class doesn’t just show you how to batch cook a meal or two either, they also provide reassurance for students who may be anxious about food safety, storage, and preparation.
The dishes made within the workshop can be adapted and modified to suit all dietary requirements subject to prior notice - meaning veggies and vegans, this one’s for you too.
Anyone looking to advance their kitchen knowledge or start from scratch must be 16 years or older, and you can also attend without a parent or guardian.
Each participant will leave the session with a selection of recipes, as well as a shopping list, and even a goody bag containing some starting essentials to becoming a kitchen conqueror.
Cooking for yourself may seem daunting, but this kitchen has lots of positive feedback with one user noting: "Thank you so much Pam and her wonderful, helpful and welcoming team," while another added: "Kate taught us tons of recipes in a super relaxed and friendly setting".
The ‘Get ready for University Cooking Class’ is taking place at Saddleworth Cookery School in Diggle across a range of dates, and you can find key info and get in touch with them directly HERE.
Featured Images - Lisa (via Pexels)
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Top Leeds independents are taking over the waterfront for a free festival this weekend
It's officially festival season, and boy have we got a good one for you.
Is there anything better than enjoying a few drinks whilst bopping your head to live music? No, we think not.
Now add a waterside view at one of Leeds' best pubs to the equation, and you're on to an absolute winner.
And it's all kicking off this weekend at Brewery Wharf Tavern, where on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July the space will transformed into a vibrant summer destination, with visitors invited to eat, drink and soak up the atmosphere throughout the weekend.
The best part? It's completely free.
Images: Supplied
Hosted by Brewery Wharf Tavern, 212, Latitude Wine, Yorkshire Wine School and Cafe Yum Yum this year's Waterfront Festival brings together some of Leeds' favourite independent businesses and partners, celebrating the city's thriving waterfront community.
Guests can expect outdoor bars serving crisp pints, cocktails, refreshing spritzes and for food there'll of course be a BBQ serving summer specials.
Live bands The Beth Honey Collective & Honey Trap will be providing the tunes as well as DJs throughout the weekend.
There will also be plenty of family-friendly entertainment as well as live street art, and a late night after party just next door at 212.
Latitude Wine will also be hosting workshops and masterclasses if you're looking to brush up on your wine knowledge.
The Waterfront Festival has become one of the area's most anticipated summer events, so make sure to get yourself down to Brewery Wharf Tavern.
The festival is free to attend, with no tickets required. You can find out more here.
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An intimate Japanese katsu bar with only 15 seats is coming to Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
Chef Fern is taking on another venture, and this time it's all about Katsu.
If you know anything about the Leeds food scene, then you'll know the absolute legend that is Chef Fern.
Her first restaurant, Fern Modern Sushi, is a firm favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Known for their expertly crafted sushi made with only the freshest fish on offer.
Nestled in the Central Arcade, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant captured the hearts of many foodies since opening in 2024.
This year, Chef Fern set her sights on another restaurant on Vicar Lane.
Image: O Katsu
Tori Nori opened just a couple of months ago, a modern Japanese grill centred around the fiery robata where guests can watch the chefs cook everything from grilled fish to delicious yakitori skewers right in front of their very eyes.
Unsurprisingly, Tori Nori has also been a huge hit.
But there's just no stopping Fern as she goes on to open yet another restaurant in the city centre.
Introducing O Katsu, an intimate restaurant with only 15 covers serving premium katsu.
Katsu is basically a breaded, deep-fried piece of meat, seafood or vegetables. Served with steaming hot rice, shredded cabbage, miso soup and dipping sauces, it's nothing short of delicious and a popular meal enjoyed in Japan.
We don't know much abut the opening just yet, but what we do know is that it'll be located just opposite her first restaurant in the Central Arcade.
There will be no bookings, and the space will feature an open kitchen so guests can watch the magic happen.
One things for sure, if Chef Fern is involved you just know it's going to be brilliant. We'll keep you updated on the opening of O Katsu as and when we find out.
Thomas Melia -
19th August 2025 
