Meet the Chefs Cooking at Living North LIVE in Newcastle
Living North LIVE is back at Newcastle Racecourse from 30th May - 1st June 2025
Friday 30th May
11am Rhian Cradock, The Feathers Inn
Rhian Cradock has been proprietor and chef of The Feathers Inn, Hedley on the Hill more than 18 years. A centuries-old village local on the border of three counties, expect a warm welcome here. Northumbrian ales, log burners and seasonal, traditional meals (with a commitment to ethical sourcing) mean it is not difficult to see why this place is so popular. The Good Food Guide 2025 listed this place in its top 50 al fresco dining spots in the UK and it was also described as the one place in Northumberland not to miss by Jamie Oliver.
12pm Gareth Rayner, Jesmond Dene House
Originally from Hartlepool, Gareth has an impressive background in fine dining. He has worked at prestigious establishments such as The Gin Trap in Norfolk, earning three AA Rosettes as chef patron. He also played a key role in opening Forge at Middleton Lodge and served as executive chef at Wynyard Hall. Known for his dedication to using the finest seasonal ingredients, Gareth was recently appointed executive chef at Jesmond Dene House, with a focus on bringing dining back to how people remember it while infusing a fresh, contemporary feel. Gareth’s approach honours the simplicity of good food, skilfully prepared with dishes rooted in the local area whilst reflecting the natural rhythm of the seasons.
Saturday 31st May
11am Tomahawk
The award-winning Tomahawk Steakhouse group are well known for serving mouth watering Himalayan salt dry-aged steaks and legendary Sunday roasts. Featuring in Saturday’s demo kitchen, the executive chef team will demonstrate their skills, sharing their expertise on everything steak. Explaining the tried and tested ways to cook the best Tomahawk, Wagyu Sirloin and Ribeye, they’ll let you in on all the hints and tips for cooking the perfect steak along with the secrets the chefs use for making the very best macaroni cheese, chimichurri and bacon and creamed peas to cook at home like a pro.
12pm Peter Sidwell
Peter Sidwell is not just a professional chef, but a culinary storyteller. From his globally recognised online cookery show to judging on ITV’s Britain’s Best Bakery, his knowledge knows no bounds. His TV appearances (including Channel 4’s Lakes on a Plate and Amazon Prime Video’s Taste of the Lakes) take viewers on a captivating journey through the heart of his culinary inspiration. Peter continues to enchant audiences with his knowledge and expertise and as Living North’s in-house chef, every month Peter creates fabulous seasonal recipes especially for our readers.
1pm Olayemi Adelekan, Yummy by Design
Olayemi Adelekan at Yummy By Design is a passionate cook and MasterChef UK 2022 semi finalist who has been cooking for more than 40 years. She shares her love and passion for food through food blogging, content creation, as a private chef and through private dining services, demonstrations, pop-up events, supper clubs and a weekly food feature (Yemi’s Food Stories). She is part of the 2023/24 American Academy of The Taste Awards Judges and a past presenter and judge for the BBC Radio York Make A Difference Awards.
2pm Paul Johnson, Lord Crewe Arms
Originally from Consett, Paul has been working as a chef for more than 20 years, learning his trade in some of the top hotels in the North East including Close House, Matfen Hall and Lumley Castle. Paul joined the Lord Crewe Arms in Blanchland (which dates back to 1165) in September 2023. Nestled in the honey-stone village of Blanchland, the Lord Crewe Arms is soaked in Northumberland soul. Using amazing local suppliers and produce from their own kitchen garden, they create menus to reflect the changing seasons.
Sunday 1st June
12pm Aaron Mclellan, Hide
With a passion for food from a very young age, Aaron idolised chefs like James Martin and the Roux family growing up, and they continue to influence his cooking style. After working in some of the best restaurants in Scotland (like The Torridon, Aizle and Greywalls), Aaron can now be found in the kitchen at the brand new Hide in Heaton.
1pm Kevin Mulraney, Bewicks
Kevin was classically French-trained at the Naval & Military Club, Piccadilly, serving royalty and diplomats, and after his apprenticeship he worked in prestigious restaurants around the West End, including Morton's Club, Berkeley Square (where he achieved three Rosette awards) and Soho’s iconic Lindsay House, achieving three Rosette awards and a Michelin star. Kevin’s dishes are described as London food in North East portions, featuring classic dishes with an eclectic twist. After returning to the North East with his family just over a decade ago, he has acted as consultant chef to top outlets in the North East and Yorkshire, before settling down and founding Bewicks Kitchen & Coffee House in Rothbury.
2pm Connor Wilson, The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman’s Rest
In 2023, chef Connor Wilson joined The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman’s Rest, recruited by acclaimed restaurateur Nick Parkinson, who had just undertaken the role of general manager. Since Connor Wilson took the helm the pub has swiftly earned a reputation for exceptional cuisine, establishing itself as a notable player in South Northumberland’s evolving food scene. Central to Connor’s philosophy is a deep respect for food provenance. He sources the finest ingredients from small, local producers across the North of England, many of whom have worked the moorlands for generations, bringing unparalleled knowledge of the land and animal welfare.
