The Universal Cookery and Food Festival 2015

The guest chefs include local boys James Close from Michelin-starred Raby Hunt, Terry Laybourne from the 21 Hospitality Group, Kenny Atkinson from The House of Tides in Newcastle and John Williams, Executive Chef at the Ritz who was born in Tyneside. From further afield come Nigel Haworth and Craig Bancroft from Northcote, Sat Bains from his eponymous restaurant in Nottingham and Aaron Mullis and Nick Beardshaw from Tom Kerridge’s kitchens.

As well as chef demos and talks, there are tours of the farm, a farmers market and, for the first year, an innovation zone featuring the very latest kitchen technology. Included in the price of the ticket are breakfast, lunch and dinner which will all be cooked on cutting-edge equipment provided by the headline sponsors who include Rational, Jestic and CCS. Every element of the day is seen as an opportunity to discover more about food and cooking but in an informal way. Ian says, ‘it’s all very relaxed, very laid back. It’s all about learning and experiencing new things.’

Over the last four years, foraging has been a significant feature on the busy programme of events but this year, to shake things up, the focus is on game instead. There will be game-related demonstrations and talks from gamekeepers as well as the opportunity to try clay pigeon shooting. As Ian says, ‘a lot of chefs cook with game but not many of them have ever picked up a gun or know what you need to do to get that pheasant or partridge. So we’re going to try and recreate that . . .’ Another reminder that this is not your average restaurant conference!

With the tenets of farming, learning, provenance, sustainability, trends, taste, seasonality and development proudly displayed on the logo, the festival is determined not to be elitist and aims to appeal to development chefs and chefs from the big chains as well as those from Michelin-starred restaurants. And with edible insects, butchery classes, an evening barbecue, free-flowing Hambleton Ales and music from a local band all on the agenda, there really is something for everyone. Prepare to be inspired.

For more information or to buy tickets, visit http://www.cookeryandfoodfestival.co.uk or call 01293 854403