Our Cookery Theatre will be hosted by our Cookery School Partner. Expect an incredible weekend of cooking demonstrations, with both established and up-and-coming chefs in the region showcasing their skills. Embark on a gastronomic journey as some of the very best reveal the secrets of culinary mastery.
Thinking of joining us? This live entertainment is included in the price of your ticket!
Our Live Cookery Theatre is hosted by the fantastic Anthony O’Shaughnessy…
‘Born and raised in Newcastle, Anthony O’Shaughnessy is a chef and cookery teacher with a passion for Newcastle’s unique food scene. Anthony appeared on BBC’s MasterChef back in 2018 and reached the semi finals with infamous North East dishes such as the Middlesbrough Chicken Parmo. Anthony has held residency at award winning cookery schools such as Jamie Oliver’s Ministry of Food, Leeds Cookery School, and is currently Head Chef at Blackfriars Cookery School in Newcastle city centre, which has just been awarded Experience of the Year by North East England Tourism. At the cookery school, Anthony teaches his catalogue of 80+ cookery classes which enables home cooks to explore exciting new world cuisines and cookery disciplines with a lighthearted twist.’
The 2025 Live Cookery Theatre Lineup
Enjoy immersive demonstrations from of a mix of the region’s culinary experts, plus TWO Live Cook-Offs from Up-And-Coming Chefs…
SATURDAY
12-12:40 Newcastle’s Next Best Chef Cook-Off (Newcastle College)
13-13:40 Announced soon…
14-14:40 Announced soon…
15-15:40 Fozia Haider (Gateshead Community Bridgebuilders)
16-16:40 Anthony O’Shaughnessy (MasterChef / Blackfriars)
SUNDAY
12-12:40 Newcastle’s Next Best Chef Cook-Off Two (Newcastle College)
13-13:40 Kiln, Ousburn
14-14:40 David Crann OR Denis Essen (2Knives Kitchen)
15-15:40 Chris Rawlinson (Zucchini Pasta Bar)
16-16:40 Anthony O’Shaughnessy (MasterChef / Blackfriars)
Further Information
Chris Rawlinson (Zucchini Pasta Bar) – Zucchini Pasta Bar utilises fresh, seasonal produce to create intricate and unusual pasta-style dishes. As Chef Patron at what is the only fresh pasta bar in Newcastle, Chris is an expert at bringing to life the authentic flavours of Italian soul food.
Newcastle’s Next Best Chef Cook-Off Two (Newcastle College)– Two up-and-coming chefs from Newcastle College will compete in a Live Cook-Off for the title ‘Next Best Chef 2025’. Each participant is mentored by an experienced chef, before a guest judge selects the winner.
Richard Cullen (Kiln, Ouseburn) – Kiln is an industrial, Mediterranean street-food café in collaboration with professional Potter Jun Rhee and his contemporary ceramic studio. Richard specialises in the creation of authentic Middle Eastern flavours, served with the creative flair of Jun Rhee’s home-fired ceramics.
Fozia Haider (Gateshead Community Bridgebuilders) – Fozia Haider is a community leader who continues to help victims of social injustice and disadvantaged communities. As the Interim Chair of the NHIP’s Public Partnership Oversight Committee, Fozia will host her demonstration alongside Rania, an individual who despite adversity went on to launch her own catering business.
2Knives Kitchen – Formed by a small team of specialist cooks with a passion for the delectable flavours of America’s southern states, 2Knives Kitchen deconstructs the secrets behind the bold flavours of the region’s most popular cuisine.
