The Chefs You Don't Want to Miss at Living North's Christmas Fair in York
With so much experience between them, the chef demo kitchen is the place to be at our Christmas Fair this November
12pm
David Paddle
Black Dog Wine Agency
David runs Black Dog Wine Agency (named after Amber, a rescue dog with questionable pedigree and a nose for both trouble and fine wines). With a love of the ‘long white cloud’ (New Zealand) developed over the years when travelling to see family, getting married on Waiheke Island and eating plenty – he now shares everything you’ll want to know about the wines of both New Zealand and South Africa.
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.
11am
David Paddle
Black Dog Wine Agency
David runs Black Dog Wine Agency (named after Amber, a rescue dog with questionable pedigree and a nose for both trouble and fine wines). With a love of the ‘long white cloud’ (New Zealand) developed over the years when travelling to see family, getting married on Waiheke Island and eating plenty – he now shares everything you’ll want to know about the wines of both New Zealand and South Africa.
12pm
Adam Maddock
Saltmoore
Adam Maddock is the talented head chef behind the entire food and beverage experience at Saltmoore, the new, luxurious wellness-led sanctuary in Sandsend, Whitby. Honing his skills in some of the UK’s top Michelin starred-kitchens, Adam oversees the curation of menus across Saltmoore's Brasserie, Wellness Café and bars, with an eagerly anticipated formal dining room set to open in Saltmoore House in 2025. Saltmoore guests can enjoy farm-to-fork style cuisine with locally-sourced produce and seasonal dishes inspired by the hotel's unique location between the wild North Sea and breathtaking North York Moors. Having grown up in Plymouth, Devon, and spent a lot of time in Cornwall, Maddock specialises in delicious seafood and hearty game.
1pm
Chris Garrett
The Staveley Arms
Enjoy traditional pub food in a relaxed atmosphere at The Staveley Arms, a proper Yorkshire pub near Ripon. Overseen by Chris, the menu here is inspired by produce available in the local area and crafted by an experienced team passionate about producing food cooked to the highest order. Changing with the seasons, each dish showcases the very best of Yorkshire.
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.
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
Matt Leivers
The Old Liquor Store
The Old Liquor Store restaurant in York is headed up by renowned local chef, Matt Leivers, who has more than 10 years of experience in some of the UK’s most acclaimed Michelin-accredited restaurants. He has worked in a number of fine dining restaurants in the Midlands and York, and joined the team at The Old Liquor Store ahead of its opening in July 2023. Given a blank canvas, he has created a novel concept based on Italian-inspired cuisine with a modern take on classic tapas and sharing platters. He’s played a pivotal role in positioning the ‘bustling neighbourhood bistro’ as one of York’s finest hidden gems.
1pm & 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.
2pm
Jon Appleby
The Feversham Arms Hotel
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.
11am
Tomahawk
The award-winning Tomahawk Steakhouse group are well known across the region for serving mouth-watering Himalayan salt dry-aged steaks, sharing boards, and legendary Sunday roasts. The executive chef team will be joining us at Living North’s Christmas Fair to demonstrate their skills and share their expertise on everything steak. Explaining the tried and tested ways to cook the best tomahawk, wagyu sirloin or ribeye, they will let you in on all the hints and tips for cooking the perfect steak (as well as the secret to making the very best macaroni cheese, chimichurri and bacon and creamed peas at home).
12pm
Kurtus Auty
Bosun’s Restaurant
Kurtus Auty is the executive chef at Bosun’s Restaurant, which is located at The Riverfront York in Bishopthorpe. Originally from Leeds, Kurtus discovered his love for cooking at the age of 12. His passion and determination led him to work for the Gordon Ramsey Group in London at age 18 where he honed his skills. Kurtus has competed in MasterChef: The Professionals in 2021, collaborated with renowned chef Monica Galetti, and lent his expertise to The Cliff in Barbados. Now 26, Kurtus goes above and beyond to curate the dishes at Bosun’s Restaurant with heart, skill and creativity, celebrating locally-sourced ingredients wherever possible.
1pm
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.
2pm
Chris O’Callaghan
Aldwark Manor Estate
Chris is an ambitious chef, who prides himself on delivering exceptional cuisine using only the freshest, most sustainably sourced ingredients. He loves nothing more than experimenting with new techniques and flavours, to create experiential plates of food that are not only beautiful masterpieces but taste out of this world. With more than 25 years of experience in the industry, he has worked at some of the most esteemed hospitality venues including Gravetye Manor, L’Ortolan, The Ledbury, The Fat Duck and Midsummer House. Chris is also passionate about passing on his expertise and works closely with schools and colleges to educate and inspire the next generation of chefs.
