About us
We are here to offer support and opportunity
What we do
Established in 2002, Zest is an independent, not-for-profit organisation and registered charity. We support people living in disadvantaged areas of Leeds. From running social clubs to developing cooking skills, we aim to improve life chances by promoting healthier lifestyles and enabling fulfilling lives. While our roots are in East Leeds, we now work across the city.
Our social enterprise
It’s the perfect setting to up your culinary skills, safe in the knowledge that every penny of profit is supporting a local charity and vulnerable people in Leeds. Based at The Old Fire Station in East Leeds, Leeds Cookery School offers classes in a high spec kitchen within a former fire engine bay. As you enter the newly fitted venue, you'll see many original features still intact, from fire buckets re-purposed as light fittings to the original 80 year-old Leeds flooring and wall tiles. Great for groups or individuals, there’s something for everyone with a diverse range of open classes, teambuilding packages and specialist masterclasses from visiting chefs.