Organisers of the Harrogate Food and Drink Festival have confirmed the complete Cookery Theatre programme for their sixth annual celebration.
The Harrogate Food and Drink Festival returns to the Stray on 27th and 28th June.
And new for 2026, the Cookery Theatre will be hosted in partnership with acclaimed chef consultant and former professional chef Stephanie Moon, bringing together a diverse selection of independent business owners, renowned head chefs, AA Rosette recipients, Great British Menu competitors and more.
The lineup has been revealed as below:
Saturday 27th June
11am Tomahawk Steakhouse
Kicking-off the weekend are the Executive Chef Team of Tomahawk Steakhouse, a renowned steakhouse opening in Harrogate celebrated for perfecting Himalayan salt dry-aged steaks.
12pm Jessica Wyatt - Mama Doreen’s Emporium
Company director and co-founder of Mama Doreen’s Emporium Jessica Wyatt is an expert in confectioneries, creating celebration cakes, sweet treats and cupcakes at their bespoke on-site bakery.
1pm Dan Graham - At the Dinner Party by Dan Graham
Independent business owner and MasterChef: The Professionals finalist Dan Graham is the creative mind behind At the Dinner Party, a private chef and event catering service that provides restaurant-quality dining experiences utilising local produce.
2pm Aled Williams - Jeopardy Hospitality / The General Tarleton
Great British Menu Welsh Champion Aled Williams is the Executive Chef at The General Tarleton, an award-winning pub in North Yorkshire known for seasonal and generous cooking that captures the ethos of British pub classics.
3pm Shannon Jackson - EightyEight at Grantley Hall
Shannon Jackson is an integral part of the team at EightyEight at Grantley Hall, a prestigious Asian-inspired dining experience that fuses Yorkshire produce and far-Eastern flavours. As Executive Sous Chef of their pastry kitchen, Shannon is an expert in the fine, intricate details that define handcrafted cakes and delicate pastries.
4pm Richard Kitson - Farmhouse
Executive Chef Richard Kitson is the culinary spark behind breakfast and brunch restaurant Farm House, an independent all-day restaurant acclaimed for its welcoming environment, bold flavours and fresh ideas.
Sunday 28th June
11am Ruth Hansom - Hansom Restaurant
Former Young National Chef of The Year and Great British Menu star Ruth Hansom is a multi-award winning expert who recently opened her independent restaurant Hansom, a contemporary dining experience in the heart of Bedale.
12pm Weike "Shane" Zhao - Wood Hall Hotel & Spa
Great British Menu fan-favourite Shane Zhao is the Head Chef of the prestigious Wood Hall Hotel & Spa in Wetherby. Honouree of two Michelin Plates, Shane’s cooking expertly blends exceptional Yorkshire produce with vibrant Asian flavours.
1pm Adam Degg - FIFTY TWO at Rudding Park
Leader of the immersive dining experience at Fifty Two at Rudding Park is Head Chef Adam Degg, a 3-time AA Rosette honouree and Great British Menu contestant with a passion for creating memorable culinary experiences.
2pm Richard Bain - Amber’s Restaurant, Cedar Court Hotel
Head Chef at Amber’s Restaurant in the Cedar Court Hotel, Richard Bain is an expert in contemporary British dishes, focusing on flavour, quality and simplicity to champion Yorkshire’s finest seasonal produce.
3pm Owen Diaram and Joe Lofthouse - Cook with Owen / Head Gardener of Swinton Park
BBC MasterChef quarter-finalist and award-winning independent business owner Owen Diaram is the mind behind private event company Cook With Owen, dedicated to creating relaxed and creative dining experiences tailored to an eclectic mix of tastes. Joe Lofthouse joins Owen to offer his insights on capturing the essence of natural flavours.
4pm Pawel Cekala - Pranzo
Pawel Cekala is Head Chef at Pranzo, an Italian restaurant on Cold Bath Road in Harrogate celebrated for its traditional Calabrese cooking infused with modern twists.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.harrogatefoodfestival.com
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