The Golden Pig Food & Wine School is the latest addition to Brisbane’s growing variety of cookery classes. The contemporary kitchen is nestled in a former warehouse space in inner-city Newstead and is run by experienced husband-and-wife cooking duo Katrina and Mark Ryan. Each has a frighteningly impressive history in the kitchen – Katrina was not only formerly head chef at Neil Perry’s Rockpool, but personal creator of meals to former Hollywood power couple Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. Mark holds an equally impressive resume, as a former executive chef of Sydney’s Bathers Pavilion, before opening his own restaurant, The Pig & The Olive.

With their combined experience in the food-related industry, the couple provides advice and knowledge in the realm of hospitality and restaurants to novices. The school is intended to be a celebration of all things delicious – embracing cooking, drinking and eating. It’s because of this mantra that the school also promotes the locavore concept, supporting local producers and ingredients, as well as some of Australia’s best boutique produce.

All levels of experience are welcome at The Golden Pig. You can choose whether you wish to attend alone, grab a friend, or make it a group event with multiple function options available. Current classes on offer include the options of French Decadence, Italian Essentials and Thai Basics. For those who wish to follow the path of sommelier rather than chef, The Golden Pig also offers appreciation classes in the world of beer, wine and spirits.