Frequently Asked Questions

The essentials

  • Everything on the fire has a story.
    We cook in the historic Walled Garden at Brook Hall Estate over seasoned oak from the estate.

    Our meat comes from local farmers David and Sandra Scott: award-winning Irish Moiled beef, a rare breed native to Northern Ireland, plus saltmarsh Herdwick lamb and Oxford Sandy and Black pork from the Roe estuary. Seafood comes fresh from Brendan Moore Fishmonger at Moore on the Quay.

    Groups are not too large and managed well, menus follow the season, and our chefs stay with you throughout. We're also the first school to receive ICSA's Green Outdoor Experience Accreditation.

  • Yes.
    We're accredited by the Independent Cookery Schools Association (ICSA) and were the first to receive its Green Outdoor Experience Accreditation. We're also Slow Food members and recognised by Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland.

  • Public events are priced per person, shown on each date on our experiences page. Private experiences are quoted separately, with a minimum charge. Get in touch for a quote on +44 28711 66277.

  • Yes.
    Book any date on our experiences page. Private experiences suit groups of eight or more.

  • Weddings can't be held at Brook Hall, but we can bring our fire kitchen to your venue. Off-site wedding catering is a premium service with a minimum spend. Send us your date, guest numbers and venue for a quote.

  • Celebrations built around food are welcome. Get in touch and we'll suggest the right experience. Food is the focus, so drinks are limited, and we don't host lively drinking-focused hen or stag parties.

Booking and vouchers

  • Book public dates on our experiences page. For private groups call +4428 7116 6277 or email emily@wildandfired.com

  • See our booking terms at wildandfired.com/booking-terms.

  • Yes, at wildandfired.com/vouchers. They're valid for one year across our programme.

  • Classes vary but are limited to 16 for maximum time with instructors. Demo’s tend to get around 20, unless limited like our whiskey experiences.

The experience

  • Mostly, no. Unless it’s a specific class that we will stipulate experience required on the class description.

    We'll teach you to build, read and control a live fire. If you've done it before, we'll hopefully push you further or learn something we didn’t know!

  • At a demonstration, you watch our chefs cook and eat as they go. At a class, you learn to fire cook with a chef beside you.

  • Seasoned oak from Brook Hall Estate, plus FSC-certified charcoal and cooking wood from Tony at Goodwood Fuels, an Irish family business in Drogheda. In our classes, you'll learn how each one behaves.

  • Yes. Tours are booked directly with Brook Hall on 028 7135 8968 or info@brookhall.co.uk, or we can put you in touch.

  • We cook in all weathers, and our stretch tent keeps you dry. Bring a warm layer. For severe weather, see our booking terms.

  • Closed-toe shoes, layers and clothes you don't mind smelling of woodsmoke.

  • All our classes and experiences are designed for 18+.

  • Yes, with an accessible toilet. Some paths are uneven, so tell us about any mobility needs when you book.

Food and drink

  • Our produce, lamb and pork follow the seasons, so menus are built around what's best that week and revealed as we cook.

  • Yes, with notice when you book. Our classes are built around meat and fish, so we don't offer fully vegetarian classes.

  • Drinks can be added to your booking if you ask in advance. No BYO.

  • Irish whiskeys paired with small plates cooked over fire, hosted with Established Drinks. It runs on selected dates and can be booked privately for four or more. Call for more details - +44 28711 66277

Private groups and corporate

  • Yes, from a fire-cooked team lunch to a chef-led whole-animal feast with exclusive use of the garden. Each has a minimum charge, so get in touch for a quote - +44 28711 66277

  • Yes.
    Brook Hall's visitor centre has AV and can be hired directly on 028 7135 8968 or info@brookhall.co.uk

  • Yes, for team days, client entertaining and visiting groups. Add a meeting or garden tour with Brook Hall for a full day, or choose A Taste of History, which combines a Derry city tour, Brook Hall's gardens and a Wild & Fired lunch. Call us for trade rates.

  • For something genuinely premium and memorable we can bring our fire-cooking to your home, or venue.
    Call for a quote +44 28711 66277

Getting here

  • The Walled Garden, Brook Hall Estate & Gardens, Culmore Road, Derry BT488JE

  • Don't use the 65–67 Culmore Road postcode, as it leads to the wrong gate. Take the entrance on the right just past the Foyle Hospice, heading towards Muff. Our Google Map should help.

  • Yes, although it is limited.
    The lane is single track, so arrivals and departures are managed separately.


    If you are getting a lift, please arrange drop-off and collection at the Gatelodge, then walk along Boatyard Lane. If you need help with transport to the garden, call us in advance. Thank you.