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 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 taught his catalogue of 80+ cookery classes which enables home cooks to explore exciting new world cuisines and cookery disciplines with a lighthearted twist.’
2026 Live Cookery Theatre Line-up
Enjoy 15 immersive demonstrations, led by some of the region’s most inspired chefs and thriving independent food businesses…
SATURDAY
11-11:40 Newcastle College Cook-Off Semi-Final 1
12-12:40 Rajiv Tiwari (Dakwala Bombay Canteen, Grainger Street)
13-13:40 Patricia Marques (SecretTaart by Patricia Marques, Newcastle)
14-14:40 Connor Wilson (Kirkstyle Inn, Northumberland)
15-15:40 Anthony O’Shaughnessy (MasterChef UK / Culinary Lecturer)
SUNDAY
11-11:40 Newcastle College Cook-Off Semi-Final 2
12-12:40 Kyle Bowman (Dobson & Parnell, Newcastle)
13-13:40 Lawrence Norman (SOKU Kitchen, Newcastle)
14-14:40 Chris Rawlinson (Zucchini Pasta Bar, Newcastle)
15-15:40 Tammy Lunera (Hope Beyond Borders)
MONDAY
11-11:40 Newcastle College Student Cook-Off Final
12-12:40 Chef Tum (Thai House Cafe, Newcastle)
13-13:40 Anthony Archer & Lee Hardy (Tomahawk Steakhouse, Newcastle)
14-14:40 Yasmin Sayed-Ahmed (Layla’s Kitchen, Jesmond)
15-15:40 Anthony O’Shaughnessy (MasterChef UK / Culinary Lecturer)
Further Information
Newcastle College Live Cook-Offs – Four up-and-coming chefs from Newcastle College will compete in Live Cook-Offs for the title ‘Next Best Chef 2026’. The competition will conclude in Monday’s final.
Rajiv Tiwari (Dakwala Bombay Canteen, Grainger Street) – Chef Rajiv Tiwari is the owner and creative mind behind Dakwala Bombay Canteen, an Indian restaurant in the heart of Grainger Street that celebrates the vibrant spirit of Mumbai’s historic canteens and the bold, authentic flavours of Bombay.
Patricia Marques (SecretTaart by Patricia Marques, Newcastle) – Renowned pastry chef Patricia Marques is the proud owner and creator of SecretTaart in Newcastle, a beloved patisserie best known for its handcrafted chocolates, pastries and macarons.
Connor Wilson (Kirkstyle Inn, Haltwhistle) – Head Chef of the Kirkstyle Inn in Northumberland, Connor Wilson champions refined, modern British cooking shaped by locally-sourced, sustainable produce and the surrounding Northumberland landscape.
Kyle Bowman (Dobson & Parnell, Newcastle) – Award-winning Head Chef Kyle Bowman leads the kitchen at Dobson and Parnell on the Newcastle Quayside, celebrated for his creative energy, technical precision, and use of seasonal North East produce in his menus.
Lawrence Norman (SOKU Kitchen, Newcastle) – With a wealth of experience from Michelin-starred kitchens, chef Lawrence Norman is the driving force behind SOKU Kitchen, an Asian-inspired dining experience that blends fine dining techniques with punchy, accessible cooking.
Chris Rawlinson (Zucchini Pasta Bar, Newcastle) – Championing simple, affordable ‘Italian Soul Food,’ Chef Chris Rawlinson is part of the vibrant, relaxed dining experience at Zucchini Pasta Bar, Newcastle’s original fresh pasta bar.
Tammy Lunera (Hope Beyond Borders) – Tammy Lunera uses her culinary talent to support Hope Beyond Borders, a community-led charity dedicated to empowering Spanish-speaking migrant families through cooking classes and gardening initiatives.
Chef Tum (Thai House Cafe, Newcastle) – Chef Tum brings authentic Thai cooking to life at Thai House Café, blending traditional techniques with modern flair to create dishes rich in flavour and storytelling.
Anthony Archer & Lee Hardy (Tomahawk Steakhouse, Newcastle) – Tomahawk Steakhouse is a premium, modern steakhouse experience led by Anthony Archer and Lee Hardy that showcases expertly-sourced cuts in a dining experience that’s both theatrical and delicious.
Yasmin Sayed-Ahmed (Layla’s Kitchen, Jesmond) – Egyptian-born chef Yasmin Sayed-Ahmed is the founder of Layla’s Kitchen inside Jesmond United Reformed Church, a community-led, inviting cafe that serves plant-based food infused with Middle Eastern tradition.
