Full Live Cookery Theatre Programme Confirmed For Newcastle Food Festival 2026
Organisers of the Newcastle Food Festival have confirmed the complete Live Cookery Theatre programme for their third annual celebration, taking place over the May Bank Holiday Weekend (2nd-4th May) at their original home in Exhibition Park.
The Cookery Theatre will be held in partnership with host Anthony O’Shaughnessy, a MasterChef UK Semi-Finalist, acclaimed culinary lecturer and widely-celebrated figure in the North East food scene.
With 15 demonstrations across three days, festival-goers can explore a wide range of dishes and techniques, led by some of the region’s most inspired chefs and thriving independent food businesses.
Saturday 2nd May
11:00 Newcastle College Student Cook-Off, Semi Final 1
Two up-and-coming chefs from Newcastle College will face one another in a live cook-off, with the audience deciding who progresses to Monday’s final.
12:00 Rajiv Tiwari - Dakwala Bombay Canteen, Grainger Street
Chef Rajiv Tiwari is the owner and creative mind behind Dakwala Bombay Canteen, an Indian restaurant in the heart of Grainger Street that celebrates the vibrant spirit of Mumbai’s historic canteens and the bold, authentic flavours of Bombay.
13:00 Patricia Marques - SecretTaart by Patricia Marques, Newcastle
Renowned pastry chef Patricia Marques is the proud owner and creator of SecretTaart in Newcastle, a beloved patisserie best known for its handcrafted chocolates, pastries and macarons.
14:00 Connor Wilson - Kirkstyle Inn, Haltwhistle
Head Chef of the Kirkstyle Inn in Northumberland, Connor Wilson champions refined, modern British cooking shaped by locally-sourced, sustainable produce and the surrounding Northumberland landscape.
15:00 Anthony O’Shaughnessy - MasterChef UK / Culinary Lecturer
Anthony closes out day one with his first demonstration of the weekend, sharing insights drawn from his experience across both professional kitchens and culinary education.
Sunday 3rd May
11:00 Newcastle College Student Cook-Off, Semi Final 2
Another pair of student chefs compete in the weekend’s second live cook-off, with the winner progressing to Monday’s final.
12:00 Kyle Bowman - Dobson & Parnell, Newcastle
Award-winning Head Chef Kyle Bowman leads the kitchen at Dobson and Parnell on the Newcastle Quayside, celebrated for his creative energy, technical precision, and use of seasonal North East produce in his menus.
13:00 Lawrence Norman - SOKU Kitchen, Newcastle
With a wealth of experience from Michelin-starred kitchens, chef Lawrence Norman is the driving force behind SOKU Kitchen, an Asian-inspired dining experience that blends fine dining techniques with punchy, accessible cooking.
14:00 Chris Rawlinson - Zucchini Pasta Bar, Newcastle
Championing simple, affordable ‘Italian Soul Food,’ Chef Chris Rawlinson is part of the vibrant, relaxed dining experience at Zucchini Pasta Bar, Newcastle’s original fresh pasta bar.
15:00 Tammy Lunera - Hope Beyond Borders
Tammy Lunera uses her culinary talent to support Hope Beyond Borders, a community-led charity dedicated to empowering Spanish-speaking migrant families through cooking classes and gardening initiatives.
Monday 4th May
11:00 Newcastle College Student Cook-Off, Final
The festival’s final day begins with the Cook-Off Final, as the weekend’s two semi-final winners compete for the top spot.
12:00 Chef Tum - Thai House Cafe, Newcastle
Chef Tum brings authentic Thai cooking to life at Thai House Café, blending traditional techniques with modern flair to create dishes rich in flavour and storytelling.
13:00 Anthony Archer & Lee Hardy - Tomahawk Steakhouse, Newcastle
Tomahawk Steakhouse is a premium, modern steakhouse experience led by Anthony Archer and Lee Hardy that showcases expertly-sourced cuts in a dining experience that’s both theatrical and delicious.
14:00 Yasmin Sayed-Ahmed - Layla’s Kitchen, Jesmond
Egyptian-born chef Yasmin Sayed-Ahmed is the founder of Layla’s Kitchen inside Jesmond United Reformed Church, a community-led, inviting cafe that serves plant-based food infused with Middle Eastern tradition.
15:00 Anthony O’Shaughnessy - MasterChef UK / Culinary Lecturer
Anthony brings the 2026 Live Cookery Theatre to a close with one final demonstration.
There are just over three weeks until the third annual Newcastle Food Festival, taking place on the May Bank Holiday Weekend in Exhibition Park.
For more information, Early Bird Tickets, and updates, visit https://newcastlefoodanddrinkfestival.com.
