Based an hour outside of Manchester, Saddleworth Cookery School's base in an old converted textile mill - surrounded by the idyllic Pennines - offers the perfect retreat for those looking to improve their cooking skills. Whilst the cooking school's home might hold lots of history, its interiors have been completely renovated to include new, state of the art facilities. From young to old, beginners to seasoned pros, Saddleworth gives everyone who wants to learn the chance to with their classes.

We had the chance to chat with founder and teacher, Pam Jones, all about her love of cooking, her passion for teaching, and how the school came to reside in such a unique setting.

When did you first start cooking, and what drew you to it?

The first thing I remember making was a bread and butter pudding, made with my Mum and baked in my Nan’s Rayburn. I think I must have been about five years old at the time. I then did a bit of ‘helping out’, mainly with my Grandma (who once made me whisk a bowl of cream using a fork!).  

As both my parents worked long hours, as a teenager, I decided that it was better to cook an evening meal for the family than wait for Mum to get home.  I loved having a meal ready to serve when they arrived home from work. Mum worked in my Nan and Grandad's shop, so ingredients were easily available.  It meant I got to try new recipes (by then I had a great collection of recipe books) and could have whatever I fancied to eat, and my parent’s really appreciated having meals made for them.

Saddleworth offers classes from kids to adults, so there's something new for everyone to learn

What made you realise that teaching might be for you?              

At the age of 13, I decided I wanted to be a teacher. The subject I excelled in at school was Textiles (I had been sewing from a very early age), and I decided that teaching Textiles would be the best way for me to become a teacher. I’m sure I have mild dyslexia, so other subjects were sometimes a bit of a challenge.  

At ‘options evening’ I asked if I could take both Textiles and Food to ‘O’ level (yes, I am that old) and was told it wasn’t possible.  I went with my parents to speak to the head who was very reluctant; I was in a Grammar school, so any practical subject was discouraged.  When I asked him if he would employ a Textiles teacher if they couldn’t teach food he then agreed to look at the timetable.  I became one of a few teachers in the country with ‘O’ level and ‘A’ level in both food and textiles and, with a BEd (Hons), this was my passport into teaching!

A look at the teaching space at Saddleworth Cookery School

What encouraged you to join Obby as a teacher?

Obby approached us, which we are so pleased about.  I was managing our booking via Wix and it was good, but really hard work.  When we needed help it was a long call to the States, and we ended up with quite a few classes with errors in the listing.  I was considering employing someone to manage our bookings, and the call from Katie at Obby came at just the right time.

What has been your favourite student interaction since you’ve started teaching?

I suppose it’s watching those ‘who can’t’ realise that they ‘CAN’.  We work with people of all abilities and love seeing people develop confidence when cooking. It’s a great social environment, as well as a place to learn new skills.

A class in action at Saddleworth Cookery School

How does Obby make your life easier?

Today I had a 3 min conversation with Chris, swapped a couple of emails, and he put all our Afterschool classes on the system for us.  No more Sundays dedicated to adding classes to the website!

What’s a milestone you’ve reached in your business that you’re proudest of?

Finding a great building for the Cookery School.  We started as ‘pop up’ children’s classes, working from local cafes, and community buildings and - from the very first class we ran - I was always looking for a ‘permanent home’ for our cookery school.  It took two years (and many setbacks) before we found the mill.  The joiners (who had been in the building for 20 years) moved out the week before Christmas 2016. Then in January, we came in with brushes, steamers, and lots of PPE to turn a very dirty ex joiners' shop into our very own cookery school.  I love the fact that most people who walk in for the first time go ‘WOW’!

The unique old textile mill Saddleworth Cookery School is now housed in, back in 2017 before its restoration. (credits to Google and Paul Holland, 2017)
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Want to know more?

Interested in finding out more about our wonderful teachers? Check out some more blogs featuring Obby teachers and their stories below: