Meet the Fantastic Chefs Cooking Live at Living North's Christmas Fair in York
Living North's Christmas Fair is back at York Racecourse from 9th-12th November, and we can't wait to welcome some of the North's best chefs to our Demonstration Kitchen
12pm
Al Roberto, Simmer Kitchen
Founder of Simmer Kitchen, Al Roberto (aka The Rock Star Chef) is one of the finest chefs in the North of England. A large Italian family who emigrated to Leeds in the early 1970s, the Roberto family has influenced the Italian food scene for some time, and now Al is continuing to build on the legacy inspired by his roots. Al specialises in traditional Italian cuisine and fine dining with a modern touch, and has worked across Yorkshire. Now, he has developed Simmer Kitchen to bring private dining and event catering straight to the table. He has recently worked with Gregg Wallace and The Yorkshire Food & Drink Festival to bring crowds in their thousands live food demos in real Italian style.
1pm
Alessandro Venturi, Spaghetti Junction
Alessandro is an Italian chef who specialises in pasta. He grew up in Roma and Matera in southern Italy under the guidance of his mentor and Michelin-starred chef Vitantonio Lombardo. Alessandro’s passion for traditional cooking inspired him to open a street food truck in York serving authentic regional cuisine of Italy. His cooking has been featured in Rachel Roddy's Pasta Cookbook (An A-Z of Pasta: Stories, Shapes, Sauces, Recipes), and his latest project, Spaghetti Junction, which launched last year, has been designed by Matt Glasby and Conor Hirons.
2pm
Ellers Farm Distillery
What sets Ellers Farm Distillery apart is that they are one of just a few distilleries in the UK that craft their vodka from scratch – and of course the use of their delicious British apples. They don't just talk the talk when it comes to sustainability either. From day one, Ellers Farm have been completely carbon neutral, so you can sip on their award-winning spirits without worrying about your carbon footprint. Most recently, the team have built an orchard for their vodka production, so you know you're in for a treat. Come and sip on some delicious spirits made with care from locally-sourced ingredients during their demonstration.
11am
David Paddle, Black Dog Wine Agency
David runs Black Dog Wine Agency (named after Amber, a rescue dog with a questionable pedigree and a nose for both trouble and fine wines). A love of the ‘long white cloud’ (New Zealand) developed over the years when travelling to see family, getting married on Waiheke Island – and now he shares everything you’ll want to know about the wines of both New Zealand and South Africa.
12pm
Rob Mitchell, The Lime Tree Inn
Rob’s passion for cooking started from a very young age, with both of his parents running hospitality businesses. In his final year at culinary school Rob was awarded student of the year, which gave him the opportunity to kickstart his career at Skibo Castle. He worked his way up to a sous chef position in a Michelin-starred restaurant by the age of 19, before embarking on a journey working in five-star ski chalets and super yachts. He is now the owner and head chef at The Lime Tree Inn in Great Ouseburn – a family-run country pub offering seriously good food in relaxed and friendly surroundings. In just two years, The Lime Tree Inn has been awarded five stars, a Breakfast Award and an AA Rosette.
1pm
Sophie Bagley, Glorious Game
Sophie is on a mission to improve the perception of game – the ultimate free-range food which is ecologically sustainable, cost effective and very healthy. Pheasant is lower in fat and cholesterol and higher in protein than chicken, which is many people’s default healthy option. It is widely available and can often be collected for free. A common perception is that it tastes ‘gamey,’ which does not have to be the case, as Sophie will demonstrate during her chef demonstration.
2pm
Aaron Craig, The Principal York
Aaron is an experienced executive chef who learned to cook at his mother’s small pub, but really discovered his love for cooking whilst serving in the British Army as an infantry soldier. He educates people on how to cook game and avoid being afraid of it. Partridge is one of his favourite game birds to cook at home, but in the professional kitchen he loves to cook venison – particularly in winter.
11am
Neil Bentinck, Skosh
Chef and owner Neil Bentinck opened his dining room, Skosh, in the historic city of York in June 2016. Housed in a newly refurbished, Grade II-listed building, Neil has designed a modern and informal space to enjoy an eclectic mix of snacks and small plates with a succinct wine list, local and international craft beers and seasonal cocktails. Skosh has received both local and national acclaim and holds two-AA Rosettes and a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Neil’s Indian family heritage and worldwide travels have helped sculpt his style, which is reflected in his diverse menus.
12pm
Steph Moon, All Things Food
Local chef Steph is a much-loved figure on the Yorkshire food scene. She has a varied food background, including working for world famous chef Anton Mosimann at The Dorchester, as well as a number of accolades to her name. Now proudly in its 12th year, Steph’s food consultancy business, All Things Food, helps businesses large and small to realise their potential in all food related areas. You’ll also find her supporting young chefs coming into the industry and sharing her passion for Yorkshire produce.
1pm
Ahmed Abdalla, The Grand, York
Ahmed Abdalla heads up The Grand York’s fine dining restaurant, Legacy. Following its opening in Autumn 2022, Ahmed has already led the restaurant to being awarded three AA Rosettes, and has been recognised in the Michelin Guide. Legacy offers a tasting menu that moves with the seasons, showcasing the very best of Yorkshire produce in a delicious culinary journey through each course of their tasting menu.
2pm
Jon Appleby, Feversham Arms Hotel
Jon brings his true love of local and sustainable food to the Feversham Arms Hotel in Helmsley, aiming to showcase local producers and growers on his menu. The food he creates is seasonal and uses the very best and freshest Yorkshire produce.
3pm
Aaron Craig, The Principal York
Aaron is an experienced executive chef who learned to cook at his mother’s small pub, but really discovered his love for cooking whilst serving in the British Army as an infantry soldier. He educates people on how to cook game and avoid being afraid of it. Partridge is one of his favourite game birds to cook at home, but in the professional kitchen he loves to cook venison – particularly in winter.
11am
Marlon Sanchez, The Judge’s Lodging
Honing his skills since training at the Culinary Institute Barcelona, Philippine-born chef Marlon Sanchez was formerly a chef at Michelin-starred restaurant The Black Swan at Oldstead before becoming head chef at the five-star The Judge’s Lodging in York. Creating Asian-Mediterranean fusion fine dining at the two-Rosette awarded 1711 restaurant, his demonstration is not to be missed.
12pm
Callum Leslie, The Black Swan at Oldstead
Callum has more than 10 years of experience in professional kitchens, starting as a kitchen porter in his local restaurant and now heading the Michelin-starred kitchen of The Black Swan at Oldstead. An enviable CV showcasing eight Michelin stars in total, Callum’s first chef role was at Simon Gueller’s proclaimed The Box Tree restaurant in Ilkley, honing his skills under previous head chef Lawrence Yates. Following moves to Cambridge, Knightsbridge, then Nottingham, Callum headed back to his Yorkshire roots in 2019, and became head chef in late 2021.
1pm
James Cooper, Swinton Cookery School
Swinton Cookery School’s chef tutor James Cooper is a true Yorkshireman. He has worked in the industry for more than 25 years and brings his passion for food, culinary creativity and desire to create unforgettable experiences into every class. James started his career at the three Rosette-awarded Maltsters Arms in South Devon, working under the guidance of TV chef Keith Floyd. His career took him to the five red-star Cliveden House in Berkshire, before working his way back to his Yorkshire roots at Middlethorpe Hall, Crathorne Hall and, more recently Aldwark Manor.
2pm
Marc Williams, The Cookery School at The Grand, York
Director of The Cookery School at The Grand, Marc Williams is hungry to share his passion for local produce and his unique culinary flair. Marc brings an exciting and fresh approach to learning to cook in the state-of-the-art Cookery School kitchen, and with a wide variety of classes for varying skill levels, mastering culinary delights has never been easier.
