The bestselling author of Simple and Flavour, Yotam Ottolenghi, invites you to celebrate the release of his highly anticipated new cookbook Simple Too, an irresistible companion to the era-defining Simple.
otam will be cooking live on stage, sharing the inspiration behind this beautifully crafted collection of brand-new vegetable-forward meals, tray-baked options, and delicious desserts—all designed to be made in under 30 minutes, cooked in one pot, or prepped ahead.
Join wit, raconteur, and occasional pastry-wrangler Jay Rayner, for a couple of hours of intense foodie insight, fabulous dinner ideas and the occasional dodgy one too.
Acclaimed restaurant critic, writer and broadcaster Jay Rayner brings his trademark wit, humour, and sharp observations as he faces some serious questions and in Nights Out in the Kitchen, the show marking publication of his fabulous new cookbook, he’s finally going to answer them. What’s the secret to a great dinner party? Is a restaurant critic, renowned for his negative reviews, just a bit of a scumbag? What’s the best thing you can have on toast? Can you braise spaghetti? And what does a food writer do when they’ve run out of words like ‘crispy’, ‘moist’ and ‘dense’? All of these vital issues, posed to Jay by someone very close to his cholesterol-drenched heart, will be up for discussion alongside many more as he sets out on tour.
The evening combined food knowledge, personal anecdotes and plenty of Rayner’s characteristic humour, making it as entertaining as it was informative. Alongside stories from his career, he explored ideas from his cookbook and offered an engaging perspective on restaurants, cooking and the pleasures of eating well.
For food lovers, it was a lively and memorable evening with one of Britain’s most recognisable food personalities.
Live wheel thrown demonstrations all day, alongside pots and sculptures for sale
Crafting high-quality, handmade ceramic pots and vessels that blend artistry with everyday living. Driven by a passion for craftsmanship and creativity, each piece is thoughtfully designed and meticulously handcrafted to bring a touch of uniqueness and beauty into your home. Discover pottery that’s as functional as it is artful.
Come along to our ‘dress rehearsal’ for the Food Factory.
Watch the Festival’s Director Michael Hjort give an in-depth discussion about the background of the Food Factory! This event is for both public, volunteers and staff to learn something new, including the history of dishes.
A Cocktail Demonstration by Impossible bring a lively taste of York’s cocktail culture to the York Food & Drink Festival, with an entertaining masterclass designed to show that great cocktails are as much about technique as they are about flavour.
The session gives festival-goers the opportunity to learn from Impossible’s experienced bartenders, picking up tips and techniques for creating impressive cocktails at home. The demonstration reflects Impossible’s fun and theatrical approach to drinks, where making cocktails is very much part of the experience.
Known for its interactive cocktail masterclasses, Impossible combines hands-on cocktail making with games, entertainment and plenty of audience participation.
The Festival’s Director, Michael opens the Food Factory activities.
The Food Factory opens for the Food Festival 2026, Michael Hjort shows new staff and volunteers what to do and how to learn basic cooking skills in the courtyard of St Sampson’s Centre.
Learn how to master the making of Ganache to create your own flavoured truffles however you like.
Chocolate lovers will have the opportunity to get hands-on at the Chocolate Truffle Making Masterclass at York Cocoa Works on Saturday 19 September.
The session will introduce participants to the art of making ganache, the rich and versatile chocolate mixture that forms the basis of delicious handmade truffles. Guests will learn the techniques needed to create their own truffles before experimenting with flavours to develop their own personalised creations.
Taking place at York Cocoa Works on Castlegate, the masterclass will offer an enjoyable insight into the craft and precision involved in professional chocolate-making, while giving participants the chance to get creative.
Whether you are an enthusiastic home baker, a keen chocolate lover or simply looking for a new experience during the festival, the session will provide plenty of inspiration and practical skills to take away.
With hands-on chocolate making and the freedom to create your own flavours, this promises to be a deliciously indulgent festival experience.
Great British Bake Off star Freya returns to the Food Festival Stage!
Great British Bake Off star Freya Cox will take to the York Food & Drink Festival stage for a special cookery demonstration celebrating her passion for creative, plant-based baking. Freya first captured the public’s attention on The Great British Bake Off in 2021, where she became the show’s first vegan baker, bringing imaginative and inclusive recipes to the tent.
Taking place at the festival’s new St Sampson’s Centre, the demonstration will give visitors the opportunity to watch Freya share her baking knowledge, techniques and ideas, while showcasing how exciting and delicious vegan food can be.
Owner and Head Chef at Corner House Grill
Join Radek for a demonstration of what Corner House Grill has to offer! With a total of 13 years’ experience in the industry, from outside catering to a 2 AA Rosettes restaurant there’s sure to be a wealth of knowledge shared!
Cooking demonstration by Harvey Maher of Fifth Flavour
York-based chef Harvey Maher of Fifth Flavour will bring his distinctive approach to seasonal, locally sourced cooking to the York Food & Drink Festival stage. His free cooking demonstration will take place at St Sampson’s Centre on Saturday 19 September, giving festival-goers the opportunity to see his creative style of cooking up close.
Harvey’s food will draw on his passion for seasonality, preserving and foraging, combining local ingredients with bold flavours and thoughtful techniques. Through Fifth Flavour, his street food and private-chef work brings together Yorkshire produce and influences from beyond the region, creating dishes that are both imaginative and approachable.
The demonstration will offer plenty of inspiration for food lovers, while showcasing Harvey’s belief that good food should reflect what is growing locally and what is in season. It will be a great opportunity to discover one of York’s emerging culinary talents
Join Caroline from Shepherds Purse to sample some of their award winning cheeses
Masterchef contestant Owen returns to our stage with his characteristic enthusiasm and some tasty dishes.
MasterChef UK 2023 quarter-finalist Owen Diaram will return to the York Food & Drink Festival for an engaging live cookery demonstration at St Sampson’s Centre on Sunday 20 September.
Owen, who is based in Harrogate, will showcase his passion for bold flavours, seasonal ingredients and approachable cooking techniques. His food will reflect his South African and Indian heritage, combined with a love of fresh, locally sourced Yorkshire produce.
Visitors can expect plenty of practical tips, culinary inspiration and Owen’s trademark enthusiasm as he demonstrates how to create exciting dishes at home. His live demonstrations are known for being informative, relaxed and entertaining, making them accessible to both experienced cooks and enthusiastic beginners.
With his passion for flavour and engaging personality, Owen’s return will be a highlight for food lovers looking to discover new ideas and bring a little more creativity into their own kitchens.
Join UK Pastry Champion Florian Poirot on the Festival’s stage
UK Pastry Champion Florian Poirot will bring his exceptional pastry skills to the York Food & Drink Festival, with a series of free demonstrations at the festival’s St Sampson’s Centre.
Visitors will have the opportunity to join Florian for a masterclass in pastries, where he will showcase the precision, creativity and artistry behind high-quality French patisserie. A former UK Pastry Champion and winner of the Sugar Prize at the World Pastry Cup, Florian is renowned for his intricate chocolate work, elegant macarons and innovative pastry creations.
With his York and Malton boutiques offering a taste of French patisserie in Yorkshire, Florian will bring his expertise and passion directly to the festival stage.
The demonstrations will provide an inspiring insight into the world of professional pastry-making, with plenty of ideas and techniques for budding bakers and sweet-toothed festival-goers alike.
Join Jon, a lecturer at Middlesbrough College & Chef Consultant at The Durham Ox in Crayke, for a demonstration.
Chef and culinary lecturer Jon Appleby will take to the stage at the York Food & Drink Festival for a special live cookery demonstration at St Sampson’s Centre on Sunday 20 September.
Jon will bring a wealth of professional experience to the festival, combining his role as a lecturer at Middlesbrough College with his work as Chef Consultant at The Durham Ox in Crayke. His demonstration will give festival-goers the opportunity to see his cooking skills and expertise up close, while discovering new ideas and techniques to try at home.
With his experience across professional kitchens and culinary education, Jon’s session will be both informative and inspiring, offering practical insight into the preparation and presentation of great food.
The demonstration will be a fantastic opportunity for food enthusiasts and aspiring chefs alike to learn from an experienced industry professional and gain fresh inspiration for their own cooking.
Did you know less than 10% of the cocoa fruit is used to make chocolate?
Join York Cocoa Works for a tasting exploration of ground-breaking innovative developments and creations that are salvaging and showcasing the cocoa pod and plant material.
This food festival York Cocoa Works are launching a ground-breaking chocolate bar utilising Koji Cocoa made with fermented cocoa fibre unlocking more value from the cocoa bean with a high fibre, all cocoa chocolate
Catch festival regular Iain from Storehouse Kitchen in Ripon.
Festival favourite Iain Wilkinson will return to the York Food & Drink Festival for a special live cookery demonstration at St Sampson’s Centre on Tuesday 22 September. The free session will give festival-goers the opportunity to see Iain showcase his culinary expertise and share his passion for great food.
Iain, formerly of York and now based at Storehouse Kitchen in Ripon, will bring his wealth of experience and creative approach to the festival kitchen. His demonstration will provide an insight into his cooking style, with practical techniques, ideas and inspiration for visitors to take away and try at home.
Known as a regular contributor to the festival, Iain’s return will be a welcome opportunity for food lovers to see an experienced chef in action and discover new approaches to cooking.
Executive Chef of Star inn the City and the Minster Refectory takes the Food Festival stage!
Step inside a working piece of history and experience how wind is turned into flour!
On Wednesdays and Fridays, experience how wind power is transformed into flour.
Arrive early to catch the sails turning and stones grinding (wind permitting).
Families will enjoy hands-on displays, and fresh stone-ground flour may be available to take home.
Entry is £5, under-16s free, with all proceeds supporting the ongoing preservation of the mill.
Please note, access involves steep steps. 45-60 minutes recommended.
Double 3-star Great Taste Award winning Wass Farm will be bringing their incredible products to taste
Wass Farm produces small-batch charcuterie from rare breeds raised in our woodlands. We breed and rear Mangalitsa and Middle White pigs, along with carefully managing our wild deer population. We focus on fat, time, and controlled maturation to achieve balance and depth of flavour.
Having worked in some of the world’s best kitchens Ian now heads up the kitchen at The Bow Room near York Minster. It’s a pleasure to welcome him to the festival for the first time.
Matt from The Fox Inn at Stockton on the Forest makes his debut appearance at York Food Festival!
Join UK’s Pastry Champion Florian Poirot
UK Pastry Champion Florian Poirot will bring his exceptional pastry skills to the York Food & Drink Festival, with a series of free demonstrations at the festival’s St Sampson’s Centre.
Visitors will have the opportunity to join Florian for a masterclass in pastries, where he will showcase the precision, creativity and artistry behind high-quality French patisserie. A former UK Pastry Champion and winner of the Sugar Prize at the World Pastry Cup, Florian is renowned for his intricate chocolate work, elegant macarons and innovative pastry creations.
With his York and Malton boutiques offering a taste of French patisserie in Yorkshire, Florian will bring his expertise and passion directly to the festival stage.
The demonstrations will provide an inspiring insight into the world of professional pastry-making, with plenty of ideas and techniques for budding bakers and sweet-toothed festival-goers alike.
Step inside a working piece of history and experience how wind is turned into flour!
On Wednesdays and Fridays, experience how wind power is transformed into flour.
Arrive early to catch the sails turning and stones grinding (wind permitting).
Families will enjoy hands-on displays, and fresh stone-ground flour may be available to take home.
Entry is £5, under-16s free, with all proceeds supporting the ongoing preservation of the mill.
Please note, access involves steep steps. 45-60 minutes recommended.
Will McKee from Chatsworth Estate in Derbyshire, using his field to fork philosophy showcasing all the produce from the estate.
Harrogate born and bread, Will started his career on the stoves in the same hotel as the godfather of modern cookery Marco Pierre white.
After rising through the ranks of the hotel scene in Harrogate, Will decided to live the Hi de Hi lifestyle and worked at Butlins Skegness. After returning from Butlins, Will worked at Thoresby Hall Hotel as Sous Chef under the watchful eye of Jason Wardill.
After leaving Thoresby Will opened the Arrow Farm Shop Restaurant in Worksop as head chef. Here will loved the philosophy of from field to fork then went to National Trust Clumber Park as Head chef where he loved the estates kitchen garden and cooked with all their produce. During this time Will started doing cookery demos for great British food festivals and living heritage under the watchful eye of tony Robertson. He also appeared on Master Chef Live at the NEC and appeared on ITV Britains Best Dish. He has cooked with various celebrity chefs including Ainsley Harriot to the one and only Gordon Ramsay!
This lead to Will doing freelance chef jobs in the tv and film industry, today he feeds your Dales favourites at Emmerdale and also fed the Happy Valley cast for series 3
When not on location feeding the stars, Will works on the Chatsworth Estate in Derbyshire still using his field to fork philosophy using all the produce from the estate, which he is using in his demo today.
A Cocktail Demonstration by Impossible bring a lively taste of York’s cocktail culture to the York Food & Drink Festival, with an entertaining masterclass designed to show that great cocktails are as much about technique as they are about flavour.
The session gives festival-goers the opportunity to learn from Impossible’s experienced bartenders, picking up tips and techniques for creating impressive cocktails at home. The demonstration reflects Impossible’s fun and theatrical approach to drinks, where making cocktails is very much part of the experience.
Known for its interactive cocktail masterclasses, Impossible combines hands-on cocktail making with games, entertainment and plenty of audience participation.
Join UK’s Pastry Champion Florian Poirot on the Festival’s stage
UK Pastry Champion Florian Poirot will bring his exceptional pastry skills to the York Food & Drink Festival, with a series of free demonstrations at the festival’s St Sampson’s Centre.
Visitors will have the opportunity to join Florian for a masterclass in pastries, where he will showcase the precision, creativity and artistry behind high-quality French patisserie. A former UK Pastry Champion and winner of the Sugar Prize at the World Pastry Cup, Florian is renowned for his intricate chocolate work, elegant macarons and innovative pastry creations.
With his York and Malton boutiques offering a taste of French patisserie in Yorkshire, Florian will bring his expertise and passion directly to the festival stage.
The demonstrations will provide an inspiring insight into the world of professional pastry-making, with plenty of ideas and techniques for budding bakers and sweet-toothed festival-goers alike.
A demonstration from the chef-proprietor of Skosh, one of York’s most well regarded restaurants!
Acclaimed York chef Neil Bentinck, chef-proprietor of the highly regarded Skosh, will take to the stage at St Sampson’s Centre as part of the York Food & Drink Festival. His cookery demonstration offers festival-goers the opportunity to see his distinctive approach to cooking up close.
Known for Skosh’s creative small plates and bold combination of international flavours, Neil will bring his experience and expertise to the festival kitchen, sharing techniques and ideas that visitors can take away and try themselves.
The demonstration will provide an insight into the thinking behind one of York’s most celebrated restaurants, while showcasing Neil’s passion for inventive, flavour-driven cooking. Whether visitors are keen home cooks or simply passionate about great food, the session will offer inspiration, practical tips and a taste of the creativity that has helped make Skosh such a popular part of York’s food scene.
Join UK’s Pastry Champion Florian Poirot
UK Pastry Champion Florian Poirot will bring his exceptional pastry skills to the York Food & Drink Festival, with a series of free demonstrations at the festival’s St Sampson’s Centre.
Visitors will have the opportunity to join Florian for a masterclass in pastries, where he will showcase the precision, creativity and artistry behind high-quality French patisserie. A former UK Pastry Champion and winner of the Sugar Prize at the World Pastry Cup, Florian is renowned for his intricate chocolate work, elegant macarons and innovative pastry creations.
With his York and Malton boutiques offering a taste of French patisserie in Yorkshire, Florian will bring his expertise and passion directly to the festival stage.
The demonstrations will provide an inspiring insight into the world of professional pastry-making, with plenty of ideas and techniques for budding bakers and sweet-toothed festival-goers alike.
Demonstration in St Sampson’s Centre by Masterchef’s Claire Syrenne
MasterChef UK 2025 runner-up Claire Syrenne will take to the stage at York Food & Drink Festival for a special live cookery demonstration at St Sampson’s Centre on Saturday 26 September. The free demonstration will give festival-goers the chance to see Claire showcase her cooking style and share her passion for food.
Claire’s appearance will offer an insight into the creativity and techniques that helped take her all the way to the MasterChef final. Alongside her television success, Claire has developed a strong connection with food through her work as a writer and her passion for cooking.
Visitors can expect an engaging and inspiring session, with Claire sharing ideas, skills and culinary inspiration. Her appearance will add another exciting name to the festival’s impressive line-up of chefs and food personalities, making it a must-see demonstration for food lovers and aspiring cooks alike.
Sample and try different freshly made bread and pastries with Matthew from Dough.
The Assize of Bread will bring a taste of York’s medieval food traditions to the York Food & Drink Festival on Saturday 26 September, with visitors invited to discover and sample a range of freshly made breads and pastries.
Taking place in the festival’s main tent on Parliament Street, the event will showcase the skill and variety of local baking, with Matthew from York-based Dough on hand to share his knowledge and introduce visitors to different styles of bread.
The Assize of Bread has deep historical roots in York. The medieval tradition was designed to regulate the quality, price and weight of bread, and York’s modern revival celebrates this heritage through local artisan baking.
The session will offer food lovers the chance to taste, learn and discover more about the craft of bread-making, while celebrating one of York’s oldest culinary traditions.
Who will come out on top in the first “Takoyaki-off” ever at York Food & Drink Festival?!
Frankie Dunn is a former chemistry teacher and civil servant whose colourful personality captured the nation’s attention on BBC’s MasterChef 2026, reaching the semi-finals. Inspired by extensive travels and time living in South Africa, Frankie’s cooking blends bold, global flavours with holistic health. Under her newly established “Feasting with Frankie” brand, she offers private dining and supper clubs across Cheshire and beyond. For more details visit www.feastingwithfrankie.co.uk
Tony Kennedy is a passionate cook who loves to experiment. Taking flavours and styles from around the world, Tony incorporates them into modern and elegant British cuisine. Tony’s venture into the culinary world took him to the semi-finals of MasterChef 2026, a self-proclaimed highlight. “It was a truly fantastic experience and pushed me beyond what I thought I was capable of.”
A demonstration by MasterChef’s quarter-finalist Darren Gurry
MasterChef 2025 quarter-finalist Darren Gurry will bring his passion for bold, flavour-packed cooking to the York Food & Drink Festival with a free live demonstration at St Sampson’s Centre on Saturday 26 September.
Darren’s appearance will give festival-goers the opportunity to see his cooking style up close and discover the techniques and ideas behind his food. During his time on MasterChef, his dishes were praised for being gutsy and flavourful, reflecting his enthusiasm for creating food with plenty of character.
Passionate about using local ingredients and encouraging people to cook fresh food, Darren will share his knowledge and inspiration with visitors during the demonstration. He now hosts supper clubs and private dining events across the country, bringing his distinctive approach to a wider audience.
Great British Bake Off star Freya returns to the Food Festival Stage!
Great British Bake Off star Freya Cox will take to the York Food & Drink Festival stage for a special cookery demonstration celebrating her passion for creative, plant-based baking. Freya first captured the public’s attention on The Great British Bake Off in 2021, where she became the show’s first vegan baker, bringing imaginative and inclusive recipes to the tent.
Taking place at the festival’s new St Sampson’s Centre, the demonstration will give visitors the opportunity to watch Freya share her baking knowledge, techniques and ideas, while showcasing how exciting and delicious vegan food can be.
Join UK’s Pastry Champion Florian Poirot
UK Pastry Champion Florian Poirot will bring his exceptional pastry skills to the York Food & Drink Festival, with a series of free demonstrations at the festival’s St Sampson’s Centre.
Visitors will have the opportunity to join Florian for a masterclass in pastries, where he will showcase the precision, creativity and artistry behind high-quality French patisserie. A former UK Pastry Champion and winner of the Sugar Prize at the World Pastry Cup, Florian is renowned for his intricate chocolate work, elegant macarons and innovative pastry creations.
With his York and Malton boutiques offering a taste of French patisserie in Yorkshire, Florian will bring his expertise and passion directly to the festival stage.
The demonstrations will provide an inspiring insight into the world of professional pastry-making, with plenty of ideas and techniques for budding bakers and sweet-toothed festival-goers alike.
Don’t miss this demonstration from Sharmini, the undisputed curry queen of York!
Join us for an unforgettable cooking demonstration with York’s celebrated “Curry Queen” Sharmini Thomas, a celebrated Indian culinary maestro with over 25 years of experience. Her recent accolades include;
🏆 Finalist for Experience of the Year at the 2024 York Tourism Awards
🏆 Nation’s Best Indian Curry Cookery School, 2023 (Sharmini’s Inspirational Indian Cuisine)
Sharmini will bring her passion for authentic Indian cuisine to the York Food & Drink Festival with a free live cooking demonstration at St Sampson’s Centre on Sunday 27th of September.
With more than 25 years of experience, Sharmini has become a much-loved figure in York’s food scene through her cookery school, demonstrations and workshops. Her expertise has earned her a number of accolades, including Nation’s Best Indian Curry Cookery School in 2023, while her work was also recognised as a finalist for Experience of the Year at the 2024 York Tourism Awards.
The demonstration will give festival-goers an opportunity to discover the secrets behind authentic Indian cooking, from the careful use of spices to the layering of flavours. With Sharmini’s infectious enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge, the session will offer practical tips, inspiration and a delicious insight into the vibrant world of Indian cuisine.
Web: Sharmini Cookery
