Brand-New Food & Drink Festival Coming to Exhibition Park Announces Lineup of Renowned Chefs
The eagerly awaited Newcastle Food & Drink Festival has unveiled the list of talented chefs and culinary masters set to perform live cookery demonstrations across its bank holiday debut. Set against the backdrop of the picturesque Exhibition Park, attendees can anticipate an immersive experience tailored to both music and food enthusiasts alike.
The event’s Live Cookery Theatre is proudly presented by Anthony O’Shaughnessy, a MasterChef finalist and teacher at esteemed cookery schools across the North, including Jamie Oliver’s Ministry of Food, Leeds Cookery School, and Blackfriars Cookery School, where he currently resides as Cookery School Manager. Across the weekend, Anthony will guide attendees on a gastronomic journey, bringing along with him a plethora of cooking experts showcasing techniques and dishes spanning the culinary arts.
Saturday, May 4th
Troy Terrington (Dobson & Parnell): Troy has notably achieved both an AA Rosette and entry into the Michelin Guide throughout his prosperous cooking career. As Chef Patron at Blackfriars’ sister restaurant Dobson & Parnell, Troy creates flavoursome dishes that draw on a fusion of classic and modern techniques.
Chris Wardale (Blackfriars Restaurant): Rising to Executive chef at Blackfriars, Chris oversees all menus and catering options for their events, taking pride in passionately taking North East cuisine and adding a unique twist.
Cocktail Masterclass (Silk Route Spirits): Silk Route experts will guide attendees step-by-step through crafting aesthetic and refreshing Cocktails, utilising their specialty spirits to create classics such as The Negroni, Vesper Martini, and Spiced Mojito.
Kyle Greenwood (Seaham Hall & MasterChef: The Professionals ): Kyle, sous chef at the prestigious Seaham Hall and ‘MasterChef: The Professionals’ semi-finalist, was awarded North East Chef of The Year in light of his cooking expertise. With his wealth of talent and experience, Kyle thrives on transforming ingredients into fresh & innovative dishes.
Sunday, May 5th
Joshua Sercombe (Blackfriars Cookery School): Resident chef at Blackfriars Cookery School, Joshua shares his expertise through a range of over 80 different cookery classes. With his charismatic approach to teaching world foods, he infuses each delectable dish he creates with a vibrant flair.
Scott John-Hodgson (Solstice): Head chef at Michelin-starred Solstice, Scott emphasises the simplicity and quality of local ingredients in his refined modern cuisine, embracing both seasonality and sustainability.
Native Cave: Featuring their head chef, Newcastle-based seafood restaurant Native Cave showcases the fusion of African-Caribbean flavours, transforming fresh produce into exquisite seafood dishes.
Wilem Brugge (Blackfriars Cookery School & Tasting Events): Renowned for his wine, spirit and cocktail sessions at Blackfriars, Wilem will channel his passion for world beverages in his guide through the art of drinks pairing and mixology.
Monday, May 6th
Jonny Hesketh (Parm-O-rama): Jonny Hesketh will be walking attendees through the creation of a classic North-Eastern dish Teesside Parmesan. With a passion for natural and fresh produce, guests can indulge themselves in a demonstration that champions the spirit of a traditional Northern dish.
Emma Carlton (Sweet Patisserie): Emma is the proud owner of the award-winning patisserie & premier baking school ‘Sweet Patisserie’. Situated in the heart of Whitley Bay, Emma uses classic French & Dutch patisserie techniques to create delicious pastries and sweet treats.
Chef Guarav (My Delhi): Executive chef at Newcastle & Sunderland based restaurant My Delhi, Guarav specialises in the creation of authentic Indian cuisine. Celebrating the flavours and spices of the busy streets of Delhi, Guarav thrives on transforming a range of ingredients into aromatic Indian dishes.
Jonny Wardale (The Highlander, Ponteland): Head chef at The Highlander gastropub in Ponteland, Jonny is committed to delivering the best of Northumbrian cuisine. Championing fresh Northumberland produce, his cooking is interwoven with a captivating flair that celebrates the best of Northern English food.
Beyond the cookery demonstrations, festival goers can enjoy a wide array of entertainment, including a Live Entertainers Stage, Kids Activities, Roaming Comedy, a Funfair & Inflatable Land, and more.
Food enthusiasts can further immerse themselves in the Street Food Arena, host to a diverse array of global cuisines and cultural specialities. Alongside this, the festival boasts an incredible Artisan Market, host to over 100 different stalls showcasing local produce, fresh-baked goods, hand-made crafts, and local art. Thirsty attendees are invited to enjoy the range of independent bars, available alongside a full Ale-House, in partnership with Tyne Bank Brewery, featuring both craft-ales and cask favourites.
The festival will also be working with Tyneside & Northumberland Mind as their charity partner, hoping to add to the over £100,000 already raised for mental health initiatives across the north.
With Early Bird Tickets already sold out, hosts anticipate thousands to attend The Newcastle Food & Drink Festival for its debut in Exhibition Park on May 4th-6th.
For tickets, more information and updates, visit www.newcastlefoodanddrinkfestival.com
Image: Live Chef Demonstration, Photo by Stephen Midgely Breakpoint Media
