Meet the Chefs Cooking at Living North's Newcastle Christmas Fair
With such an array of talent, the chef demo kitchen is the place to be at our Christmas Fair
11am
Chris Wardale, Blackfriars
As executive chef of AA Rosette-awarded Blackfriars, Chris Wardale has spent years perfecting traditional dishes made using hand-selected local produce. With a passion for cooking from a very young age, it was his older brother who pushed him to pursue it, beginning with a summer job at the Treehouse Restaurant in Alnwick Garden.
At Blackfriars (believed to be the oldest dining room in the UK) their award-winning set and à la carte menus change regularly to make the most of seasonal produce.
1pm
Greg Lambert, SIX Rooftop
After getting a job at the prestigious 21 Queen Street in Newcastle at the age of 15, Greg then went on to work in various local restaurants like Bays Bistro, Café Lowrey, and Truffle, as well as Northcote Manor and 21212, before landing his first head chef position at Garden Kitchen.
As 2020 unfolded, Greg’s career took a temporary pivot as he worked in the charity industry delivering more than 1,000 meals to families in need, before returning to SIX Rooftop where he continues to contribute to its trail-blazing culinary vision.
11am
Rhian Cradock, The Feathers Inn
Rhian has been cheffing for more than 30 years. Having started in Newcastle, he then moved to London, working in several Michelin starred-kitchens before moving back to his native North East to open his own place.
He has been at The Feathers Inn for nearly two decades and the establishment has won more than 40 national awards in this time as he continues to lead the way in local and seasonal cooking in the region. He spends his free time foraging – if he isn't in the kitchen or in the bar, he is outside in the countryside he loves.
12pm
Richard Simm, The Potted Lobster
A Living North favourite, Richard’s Bamburgh restaurant The Potted Lobster has won Michelin inclusion and is one of the best on the North East coast. He’s also been busy growing the delightful new hotel and bistro combination in Alnmouth (the charmingly named Whittling House) and his newest venture, Bertram’s in Warkworth, has also received rave reviews, as a place to eat and stay.
He’s also still busy in the winter months on the Northumbrian moors and his appreciation of the finest local produce (whether it’s game, fish or a raft of other seasonal fare) is key to his highly-regarded restaurants.
1pm
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.
2pm
Angus Mason, Newcastle Cocktail Kitchen
A freelance bartender who supplies some of the finest Tyneside restaurants with cocktails and soft drinks, before Newcastle Cocktail Kitchen Angus spent time at House of Tides, The Patricia, Ophelia and Solstice, and he saw a need for pre-made quality cocktails.
When bartending and parenting became incompatible, Newcastle Cocktail Kitchen was born, a workspace on the North Shields Fish Quay from which he could create and supply bars and restaurants. Since taking the plunge into self-employment, Angus can boast Riley’s Fish Shack, Wild Fire, Solstice and House of Tides amongst his regular clients, with private parties and events keeping him on his toes. We caught up with Angus to find out what to expect from him in the kitchen.
11am
Olayemi Adelekan, Yummy by Design
A passionate cook and MasterChef UK 2022 (Top Six) semi-finalist, Olayemi has been cooking for more than 40 years. She shares her love and passion for food through blogging, content creation, private chef and private dining services, cooking demonstrations, pop-up events, supper clubs and a weekly food feature (Yemi’s Food Stories) in The Stray Ferret.
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.
12pm
Connor Wilson, The Kirkstyle Inn & Sportsman’s Rest
After taking a job as a KP at the young age of 14, Connor pushed himself to be curious and ask questions, eventually becoming an apprentice chef. His career so far has included establishments like Slaley Hall, Oak Bank (under Steve Collier) and working as head chef at The Traddock in Austwick where he was able to develop his own style of cooking.
Working at The Kirkstyle Inn & Sportsman’s Rest fulfilled Connor’s passion for Northumberland, and Northumbrian produce. Committed to promoting wild meat, the kitchen is game-led in an effort to make game more exciting and accessible to a broader audience, and they always seek out the best small producers and farmers in the region.
The free bar snacks are an example of this (game sausage rolls and popcorn – delicious). We spoke to Connor about the best way to cook game and what to expect from him at the fair.
1pm
Hotel Du Vin & Bistro
Passionate, but not pretentious; excited, but not elitist – at Hotel du Vin food is at the heart of what they do. They are happy to help you explore, discover, or simply enjoy your favourites and their expert in-house wine ambassadors and bar teams can draw from a cellar with an extensive mix of wines from around the world, from traditional quality Bordeaux and Burgundy through to trendy wines from the New World.
You can expect Hotel Du Vin’s expertise to be put to the test as they host an exciting an informative wine tasting event on Saturday at 1pm – this is not one to miss!
2pm
Isabelle Smith, Twenty Nine Degrees
Starting her business part time during Covid, Isabelle was not professionally trained but had spent her youth making rolled truffles with her family. Making the decision to learn how to make chocolates, she began to sell them in January 2021 and the business blossomed from there.
Sourcing inspiration from everything from cookbooks and personal preference, to customer requests, Isabelle is constantly innovating and her chocolates have developed a loyal following. We caught up with Isabelle to find out what delicious treats she'll be making for us at the fair.
3pm
Peter Sidwell
Living in the picturesque Lake District with his young family, Peter Sidwell sees himself as 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 (from Channel 4’s Lakes on a Plate to Amazon Prime Video’s Taste of the Lakes), take viewers on a captivating journey through his culinary inspiration. Catch Peter live in our chef demo kitchen as he continues to enchant audiences with his expertise.
12pm
Kevin Mulraney, Bewicks Kitchen and Coffee House
Kevin was classically French-trained at the Naval & Military Club, Piccadilly, London, 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.
1pm
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.
He strives to use as much local produce as possible, as well as foraged and unusual ingredients. The team at Hide believe that indulgent dining doesn’t need to be daunting and want their guests to think of their visit as popping across to a good friend’s house for dinner.
2pm
Jon Appleby, Feversham Arms
A self-taught chef who has worked at some of the most respected establishments in the area (including The Blue Lion at East Witton) Jon brings his true love of local and sustainable food to The Feversham Arms in Helmsley.
He aims to showcase local producers and growers on his menu, creating seasonal food using the very best and freshest Yorkshire produce. Jon is an expert in making the best of seasonal produce and his demonstration in the kitchen is not one to miss.
