Eating Knowsley: A Celebration of Community and Food Heritage at Old Schoolhouse, Huyton.
The kitchen at the Old Schoolhouse Community Project in Huyton was full of laughter, delicious aromas, and heartfelt conversation on Monday 2nd June, as the first of the Eating Knowsley sessions got underway.
Led by expert, local chef Alison Lockett-Burke, the session brought together community members to cook, chat, and celebrate Knowsley’s rich food heritage. On the menu were comforting potato cakes—filled with cheese, onion, chive, garlic, and paprika, then topped with cream cheese and smoked carrot. The recipe was just the beginning, the added ingredients of the day were the stories and memories shared around the table.
Cooking, Connecting and Sharing Stories
Before the cooking even started, community volunteers took time to connect, reflecting on how Knowsley’s food landscape has changed over the decades. From bustling high street stalls and mobile shops to today’s reliance on takeaways and convenience food – food in Knowsley is far from the farmland it was built on. Despite this, the nostalgia for traditional dishes remains strong.
Stories flowed of childhood favourites like yellowfish and cabbage, “pea whack,” and of course, scouse—often “blind,” with meat saved for Sunday dinner. Others recalled mobile shops that served the community, much like todays Queen Of Greens mobile greengrocer.
Talk soon turned to growing food, too. One participant shared their involvement in a community growing scheme, expressing concern about the lack of long-term support when funding ends. Another spoke with pride about the tomatoes thriving in her greenhouse—while her neighbour, sitting beside her, happily admitted to eating them!
The kitchen was full of life and laughter as the group put together flavours and ingredients to create their own versions of potato cakes, the space buzzed with creativity and camaraderie. With plenty of taste-testing, the dish may even earn a spot at the upcoming Eating Knowsley celebration event in October.
What’s Next on the Menu?
Inspired by these conversations, next week’s session will feature Homity Pie—a traditional Lancashire dish remembered fondly by many participants. The weekly sessions will continue for the next seven weeks, offering opportunities to explore local recipes, share memories, and spark new community connections.
Eating Knowsley is more than a cooking class—it’s a celebration of local identity, food resilience, and the stories that shape us. Get in touch if you would like to join us.
