The Backstory
The Cookery, established in 2011, is part of the Cast Iron Group of companies, which includes Dashi (a Japanese Ramen house & pub), Ponysaurus Brewing Co., SoomSoom Pita Pocket (food truck) and The Rickhouse, which is another outstanding wedding and event venue in Durham NC. With all their successful ventures, you could say that the owners – and husband and wife team – Nick and Rochelle Johnson, certainly know their way around the hospitality and event industry! With all that experience, you can be absolutely sure that your event is in good hands!
An Ear to the Past, an Eye to the Future
Honoring the history and legacy of the Durham area is important to Nick and Rochelle Johnson. So much so, that there are architectural details and features salvaged from local landmarks everywhere you look! In fact, the bar in the front room is entirely constructed of salvaged pieces of Durham’s history! The top is made from a tobacco warehouse shutter with original pencil measurements still visible, the façade is made of an old Durham water tower, and the foot rail is salvaged from a piece of trolley rail track. The same electric trolley track that ran from downtown’s Five Points to Lakewood Park, passing right by where The Cookery stands to this day! Talk about reduce, reuse, recycle… but make it stylish and meaningful!
Extras, Extras and More Extras!
If you’re after a large tent wedding, the cobblestone garden can be tented with seating up to 330 guests. Or, if you’re after a smaller, more intimate affair, the front room would be perfect. Though smaller in size, it oozes with character and boasts 20 foot ceilings! If neither of those appeal, the ballroom, which seats up to 256 guests in 5,000 square feet, is also an option that is sure to impress, with its original brick walls, vintage lighting, and large entrances to the courtyard and the private garden.
Now onto the extras! Rental packages with The Cookery also come with access to over $3,000 worth of rentals and services…for free! The included amenities include access to a private Bridal/Dressing suite, Valet Parking for your guests, access for your wedding rehearsal, stylish tables and seating for up to 200 guests, cocktail tables/glassware, and an A/V system for your event! Holy Moly!
Character and Charm
Imagine posing in front of any of the 3 gorgeous murals on site, or getting your photo taken underneath a giant (and we mean GIANT!) cast iron frying pan, or dancing under strands of beautiful glowing market lights, or imagine having a food truck roll up to your reception for a late night snack or post ceremony ice cream! The Cookery is a truly unique and exceptional event venue that has all that to offer and more! If you’re the least bit intrigued, don’t hesitate to get in touch with them today and secure your date!