Meet the Chefs Cooking Live at Living North LIVE in York in 2024
Find out more about the chefs who'll be cooking up a storm in Living North's demo kitchen this year
We’re thrilled to invite you to the biggest and best seasonal shopping event in the North, with plenty of carefully-selected stands, from artisan designer-makers, local food producers and fashion retailers to homewares, gifts and accessories. Join us for a jam-packed day and don’t miss out on early-bird discounted tickets here.
We’ve also got a busy weekend of live cooking in our Living North demo kitchen – check out the line-up below.
Friday 22nd March
11am: Stephen Andrews, Fish & Forest
Yorkshireman and self-trained chef, Stephen Andrews, is dedicated to creating ingredient-centric dishes using sustainable and ethical produce. He launched Fish & Forest in 2020, which currently resides on Micklegate, York. Having built a loyal following and with his culinary skills being recognised in numerous national awards, Stephen has announced plans to relocate Fish & Forest to larger premises on Grape Lane in May. This year will also see Stephen open his exciting new venture, Notes Wine Bar. Stephen is passionate about seasonal and sustainable seafood and game, with Fish & Forest serving crab coming directly from the fishermen in Whitby, oysters from Lindisfarne and game from local farms and estates.
1pm: Stephanie 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 having 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.
2pm: 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 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.
Saturday 23rd March
11am: Radek Bak, Corner Grill House
Radek Bak opened Corner Grill House on Walmgate, York and quickly outgrew this intimate space. The restaurant quadrupled in size and is now located on Kings Street, offering prime steak and premium cuts of meat, all locally-sourced and carefully selected by Radek himself. He is skilled in designing a rich and exciting menu and his focus on warm customer service has seen Corner Grill House repeatedly win the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, including previously winning the Best of the Best in 2021.
1pm: The Italian Wine Shop
A family business to its core, the team at The Italian Wine Shop is headed up by Angelica Sykes who is passionate about creating an immersive tasting experience for curious Brits who want to branch out into small-batch, authentic Italian wines. Whether you want something full-bodied for an indulgent late night dinner with friends, light and bubbly for getting ready with the girls, or something with enough character to transport you to a sunny beach far away, The Italian Wine Shop will be with you every step of the way with expert advice and friendly conversation.
2pm: Alessandro Venturi, Spaghetti Junction
Alessandro is an Italian chef who specialises in pasta. He grew up in Rome and Matera in southern Italy under the guidance of his mentor, Michelin-starred chef Vitantonio Lombardo. Alessandro’s passion for traditional cooking inspired him to open a street food truck in York serving authentic regional Italian cuisine. His cooking has been featured in Rachel Roddy's Pasta Cookbook (An A-Z of Pasta: Stories, Shapes, Sauces, Recipes). Spaghetti Junction is his most recent project and launched last year.
Sunday 24th March
11am: Marlon Sanchez, The Judge’s Lodging
Honing his skills since training at the Culinary Institute Barcelona, Philippine-born Marlon Sanchez was formerly a chef at Michelin-starred restaurant The Black Swan at Oldstead before becoming head chef at the 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: Al Roberto, Simmer Kitchen
Founder of Simmer Kitchen, Al Roberto (aka The Rock Star Chef) is from a large Italian family who emigrated to Leeds in the early 1970s. Al’s family has influenced the Italian food scene for some time, and now he 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 live food demos, Italian style. You can read more about his journey into cooking here.
1pm: Jon Appleby, The Feversham Arms
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.
2pm: Thomas Robertson, The Coniston
Thomas joined The Coniston back in April 2021 as Head Chef of Blossom Kitchen at their award-winning Nàdarra Spa, and loves to showcase his creativity in the kitchen and passion for local produce. A local lad, his extensive experience includes working in a Michelin-star restaurant, which has enabled him to hone his skills to the high standard they are today. Taking the reins in developing The Coniston’s three dining outlets (The View Restaurant, Macleod’s Bar & Lounge and Blossom Kitchen), Thomas works closely with his fantastic team of chefs to curate fantastic food experiences.
