Cookery Schools Collection : Wild & Fired BBQ School, Northern Ireland

Where fire meets flavour in the walled gardens of a historic Northern Irish estate. Embrace the primal joy of cooking over open flames with the Wild & Fired BBQ School by Lo & Slo—a vibrant and immersive culinary journey set within the walled gardens of the 18th-century Brook Hall Estate, on the banks of the River Foyle in Derry, County Londonderry.

Led by passionate BBQ specialists and local food champions Emily and Norman McCorkell, this unique fire-cooking school blends heritage, sustainability, and togetherness with bold, smoke-kissed flavours. Expect hands-on learning, storytelling, and long-table feasting in one of the most picturesque, carbon-positive farms in Northern Ireland.

A Taste of Place

The estate, lovingly tended by six generations of the Gilliland family, offers more than just a scenic backdrop. From its rare arboretum to regenerative agriculture practices, guests enjoy private guided tours of the estate and its enchanting gardens—an experience reserved exclusively for cookery school participants.

Fire & Flavour Experiences

Courses at Wild & Fired champion the art of wood-fired cooking with a soulful, sustainable twist. Using ethically sourced, seasonal produce—think slow-roasted local lamb shanks, garden pumpkins, and artisan firewood—each workshop is a celebration of flavour, technique, and connection.

Workshops typically include:

Fire-Cooking Masterclasses – Learn Asado and Kamado methods, with reverse-flow smokers, parrilla grills, and Big Green Eggs.
Friday Night Feasts – An intimate dining and learning experience under the stars.
Chef’s Table & Private Events – Ideal for corporate retreats or special occasions.
Nature Lovers Retreats – A shorter, immersive escape blending food, fire, and forest.

The Lo & Slo Journey

Born from a moment of family reflection during a loved one’s illness, Lo & Slo evolved into more than a food brand—it became a movement for meaningful connection through food. Their philosophy? Slow down, cook with purpose, and savour every moment. Whether you’re a fire-cooking aficionado or a curious newcomer, this is food with feeling.

Sustainability First

Recognised with the prestigious ICSA Green Accreditation (2025–2027), Wild & Fired is a benchmark for conscious cookery education:

Seasonality – Local, fresh, and rooted in the rhythm of nature.
Sourcing – Supporting local farms, organic growers, and ethical butchers.
Waste Reduction – Composting, recycling, and eco-packaging at every turn.
Energy Efficiency – Low-impact fire cooking and future-focused practices.

Award-Winning Credentials

Emily Gilliland: ‘Local Food Hero, Derry’ – Irish Restaurant Awards 2024
Street Food of the Year – Ulster Winner – Yes Chef Awards
Platinum Innovator – Invest NI
Finalist – Great British Entrepreneur Awards & TEDx Speaker
Slow Food NI Personality of the Year 2024

Course Costs

Wild & Fired BBQ School: £165 per person (5 hours, all food, drinks, equipment, private estate tour, and a gourmet gift bag)
Nature Lovers Retreat: £95 per person (short-format, seasonal showcase)

Join the Flame-Fuelled Movement
Whether you’re seeking a soul-stirring retreat, a dynamic team-building escape, or simply want to master the flame, Wild & Fired invites you to cook, connect, and feast in unforgettable surroundings.

Exclusively on GourmetXperiences.

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