The ever-popular York Beer & Cider Festival returns again to the spectacular surroundings of St Lawrence Parish Church!
Why not join us in the spectacular surroundings of St Lawrence Church York from Wednesday 16 to Saturday 19 September? Near Walmgate Bar and the City Walls and on the direct Bus 10 route from York Station, we will again be serving more than 200 beers and ciders in one of Yorkshire’s biggest beer festivals, plus wines, prosecco, meads, soft drinks and great food.
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.
The York Food Festival offers a series of FREE cookery workshops – hands on events, which are designed to provide visitors with an opportunity to learn new culinary skills and understand how food is made. All the activities are available at all times during the opening times – on a roll up and start basis.
Opening times for public:
(also home to our Schools Workshop programme, where we welcome over 1000 children to participate over the weekdays)
Fri 18th introductory session only see below 2pm to 4pm.
Sat 19th & Sun 20th – 10:30-5pm (last entry at 4pm).
Mon 21st to Thurs 24th – 3:30-4:30pm (last entry at 4pm).
Fri 25th – 12pm to 2pm (Last entry 1:30).
Sat 26th & Sun 27th – 10:30-5pm (last entry at 4pm).
Activity: Bread making, pasta making, dairy (including, butter, ice cream and cheese) and preserving (smoking and salting and fermentation and bottling)
The workshops are open to all ages and held at St Sampsons Centre
Due to the technical nature of some of the workshops this activity is most suitable to Adults and Family groups with children over 5, but if you want to bring your little one along there’s still plenty for them to do!
For groups of 10 and more, please email admin@yorkfoodfestival.com
Did you know that the York Food Festival is a not-for-profit organisation?
Any money generated (from trader fees to ticket sales) goes back into the festival to improve it year after year.
During the festivals we run this extensive free food education programme for all visitors to the festival.
Please consider making a donation to support this programme and keep it running.
A self-guided walking trail around the city of York and an opportunity to try samples from some of the best York’s food scene by visiting a range of deli’s, restaurants and suppliers.
We have two Taste Trails for you to enjoy, with each trail featuring around 20 stops to sample the best of York’s food and drink scene as well as a tasting hub with more samples to enjoy.
West Trail Participants
East Trail Participants
You will receive the map and guide outlining the various participating businesses, along with a schedule of when each business is open and offering samples.
The samples provided on the taste trail vary widely depending on the participating businesses, but may include small bites of food, such as cheeses, meats, breads, and desserts, as well as drinks, such as wine or beer.
Overall, the Taste Trail is a fun and engaging way for visitors to sample a wide variety of local food and drink offerings and experience the unique flavours and culture of a particular York.
Tickets are limited to 100 per day – You can either pre-book online or purchase your booklet at the information point while stocks last
Collection of the trail booklet is from the Information Point any day between 10am to 4pm, located on Parliament Street – In front of Claire’s (37 Parliament Street, YO1 8RU)
*Please note:
– Some samples will involve alcohol and therefore under 18s will not be able to participate with all of the stops on the trail.
– While you can collect the booklet between 10am to 4pm, each business has different opening times and some will close as early as 3pm
– Some businesses are closed on specific days.
Did you know that the York Food Festival is a not-for-profit organisation?
Any money generated (from trader fees to ticket sales) goes back into the festival to improve it year after year.
During the festivals we run this demonstration programme for all visitors to the festival to attend.
Please consider making a donation to support this programme and keep it running.
A self-guided walking trail around the city of York, with some of York’s food establishments offering a vegan alternative to their non-vegan samples.
You will receive a guide map listing the various participating businesses, along with a schedule of when each business is open and offering samples.
The trail features around 20 stops to sample – small bites of food or drink samples – which will vary depending on the participating businesses.
Overall, the Taste Trail is a fun and engaging way for visitors to sample a wide variety of local food and drink offerings and experience the unique flavours and culture of a particular York.
Tickets are very limited – You can either pre-book online or purchase your booklet at the information point while stocks last.
Collection of the trail booklet is from the Information Point any day between 10am to 4pm, located on Parliament Street – In front of Claire’s (37 Parliament Street, YO1 8RU)
*Please note:
– Some samples will involve alcohol and therefore under 18s will not be able to participate with all of the stops on the trail.
– While you can collect the booklet between 10am to 4pm, each business has different opening times and some will close as early as 3pm
– Some businesses are closed on specific days.
Join York Cocoa Works to learn how they craft their own chocolate from cocoa sustainably sourced from around the world.
Tours available: 9.30am, 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm, 3.30pm
Design and create your own chocolate bar with York Cocoa Works
Various times available throughout the day.
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.
Explore York on a Kid Friendly Walking Tour, finding hidden letters to spell a secret word and finish by tasting some yummy treats at the St Sampson’s Centre Tasting Hub.
A FREE walking tour orientated towards pre-schoolers. Collect a free activity sheet from the Festival’s Information desk on Parliament Street (In front of Skipton Building Society)
City Centre play cafe for pre-schoolers
Sammie’s is our new Grandparents’ café which is open every Friday morning in the Annexe from 10 AM – 2 PM during term time. We know how difficult it can be to find somewhere in the city centre that is suitable for pre-schoolers, so we are here to help. Sammie’s is a relaxed and safe environment with a low-cost kid’s menu, toys, plenty of space to run around, baby changing facilities, and space for buggies.
Whilst Sammie’s was created with Grandparents in mind, as a familiar place for them to bring their grandchildren, we are here for anyone with pre-schoolers and hope that Sammie’s will become a known, child-friendly hub in the city centre.
Learn the full magic of creating chocolate from the raw bean itself to making actual chocolate. The secrets of the chocolate making process will be shared to create your very own chocolate recipe.
Available Fri 18th, Sat 19th, Fri 25th, Sat 26th
Each participant will work with the base chocolate ingredients to make their own signature blended chocolate that they can take home to use in their own chocolate creations.
Learn how to develop flavours and qualities from each stage of the cocoa bean processing
Learn how to combine ingredients to create desired chocolate recipes
Make a personalised signature chocolate blend to your own recipe
Beautifully package up your creations so you can enjoy them or re-use them at home in your own recipes
Go home with recipes and your newly found chocolate knowledge
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.
Live For St Leonard’s will return between 18th and 26th September. This live music event is organised by York BID, as part of the York Food & Drink Festival, and all charitable funds raised are donated in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice. Over the last 2 years the initiative has raised nearly £9,000 for the charity. The event is free for the public to attend and St Leonard’s volunteers will be on-site collecting cash and card donations.
This year’s event will feature two separate stage areas with performances running in parallel. The main stage can be found in the marquee on Parliament Street, and the acoustic stage on St Sampsons Square.
Patrons can expect performances from great local talent, every evening from 5pm!
2026 ARTISTS LINE UP
A Five Course Tasting Menu accompanied by five wine pairings!
A Taste of Rioja at Ambiente in York is a delightful celebration of Spanish food, wine and hospitality. The experience pairs five carefully chosen courses with five Rioja wines from family-run Bodegas Navajas, offering an enjoyable introduction to the character and diversity of Rioja Alta.
From the spiced shrimp and egg Bilbainito and richly flavoured piquillo peppers stuffed with chorizo and pork, to the beautifully grilled lamb chops, each course showcases the bold, comforting flavours of Spanish cuisine. A traditional almond and citrus fardelejo provides a delicious finale.
The wines add another dimension, with guests learning about Rioja’s vineyards, winemaking and heritage along the way. Relaxed, informative and wonderfully sociable, A Taste of Rioja is a memorable dining experience that brings a genuine taste of Spain to the heart of York.
Bilbainito- a classic Pintxo; spiced shrimp and egg skewers
Pimientos del Piquillo rellenos- Piquillo peppers stuffed with chorizo and pork with tarragon & mustard sauce
Bonito con Tomate- Fresh tuna belly served in a rich, homemade Basque tomato sauce with tapenade
Chuletas de cordero al Sarmiento- Grilled lamb chops with hasselback potato, roast pepper puree, caramelised onion & tomato
Fardelejos- Traditional Riojan almond & citrus pastries
York Archaeology invites you to step back in time and experience the splendour of medieval dining at Barley Hall.
As part of the York Food and Drink Festival, York Archaeology invites you to an unforgettable evening of feasting, entertainment, and historic atmosphere in the grand surroundings of the Great Chamber—once home to William Snawsell, Medieval Lord Mayor of York.
This unique event offers guests the rare chance to enjoy a lavish three-course medieval-inspired meal, complete with table wine and traditional entertainment between courses. Expect games, music, and merriment, all served in the glow of candlelight and authenticity that only Barley Hall can provide.
A bar will also be available on-site for the purchase of additional drinks.
Spaces are strictly limited and this event SOLD OUT quickly last year so early booking is highly recommended.
Please note: Barley Hall is a limited access venue. For access information please see the Barley Hall website, and contact them if you have any queries.
First remove
(Both served with bread trenchers and butter)
Roasted vegetable and cheddar cheese tart with a trio of little salads and gooseberry chutney or Chunky spiced vegetable soup (vegan & Gluten free)
Second remove
(Both served with vegetables and brown rice)
Hot pot of chickpea, lentil and spinach with medieval spices (Vegan and gluten free) or Chicken with a tomato and herb sauce, cumin and smoked paprika (Gluten free and dairy free)
Third remove
Sticky orange cake with star anise and fruit compote (gluten free and dairy free) or Spiced chocolate pots with ginger biscuit (Gluten free and vegan)
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.
Enjoy the rich harmonies of The Dalesmen Male Voice Choir as they share their love of singing for you all to hear.
The Dalesmen Male Voice Choir was established in 1987 in the lime quarrying village of Middleton by Wirksworth Derbyshire, in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales. Following a varied repertoire of music including traditional hymns, musical theatre numbers, and popular arrangements, the choir rapidly expanded to over forty singers including their late founding president the Reverend Reg Dean who continued to perform with the Dalesmen close to his passing at the age of 110.
In more recent years the choir has relocated to the Strutt Centre in Belper which, under the guidance of present musical director Paul Marshall, has become their new home.
Next year sees them celebrating their fortieth anniversary with planned visits across both their own county, and also to South Wales where they will be performing in the Principality Stadium Cardiff, as part of the Land of Song mass concert.
So for this September they very much look forward to visiting York to sing as part of their annual Yorkshire visit, which will include Wakefield Cathedral, and Boroughbridge.
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.
Explore some of York Food Festival’s events, activities and offers with York on a Fork’s Ben Thorpe!
The tour includes an in depth exploration of the taste trails highlights, a chat with Festival director Michael Hjort, a visit with a special tasting at the Festival’s Yorkshire stand, a dedicated hands-on session at the Festival’s Food Factory, plus a take away goody bag.
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
Explore some of York Food Festival’s events, activities and offers with York on a Fork’s Ben Thorpe !
The tour includes an in depth exploration of the taste trails highlights, a chat with Festival director Michael Hjort, a visit with a special tasting at the Festival’s Yorkshire stand, a dedicated hands-on session at the Festival’s Food Factory, plus a take away goody bag.
Join Caroline from Shepherds Purse to sample some of their award winning cheeses
Food, Culture & Community from Our City Hub Food Festival
A unique night in York featuring Syrian, Saudi Arabian & Tunisian dishes by refugee chefs. Come hungry & leave inspired by their stories!
Join us for an evening of authentic food and stories. Refugee chefs will prepare Syrian, Saudi Arabian and Tunisian dishes. Come hungry and leave inspired.
Our chefs will demonstrate how basic staples like rice, wheat and pulses become delicious meals in times of crisis. Their dishes reflect their culture and memories as well as their personal stories. This special evening celebrates the contributions refugees make to our community and explores how food can connect people and bring communities together during difficult times.
Try authentic heritage dishes – Hear the stories behind the food – Connect with others around one table
The highly regarded, and Yorkshire based, Lucy’s Pop Choir are showcasing their eclectic ensemble in St Sampsons Square. Come and show your support and boogie along to them!
Lucy’s Pop Choir will bring a lively burst of music and community spirit to the York Food & Drink Festival, with a special performance celebrating the joy of singing together.
The choir will perform a selection of popular songs, creating an upbeat and welcoming atmosphere for festival-goers. With its energetic style and inclusive approach, Lucy’s Pop Choir will offer a chance for audiences to enjoy live music while showcasing the enthusiasm and talent of local singers.
The performance will add an exciting musical dimension to the festival programme, providing a welcome break from the food and drink demonstrations and tastings taking place throughout the event. Whether visitors are familiar with the choir or simply passing by, the performance will be an entertaining opportunity to experience York’s vibrant community spirit.
Expect well-known tunes, plenty of energy and a feel-good performance that will have festival-goers singing along and enjoying the atmosphere.
Join us on a journey in a glass around Sardinia, and enjoy five native-variety wines made by family winemakers using sustainable methods – two whites, a rosé, and two reds. They’ll be paired with artisan Yorkshire cheese and Yorkshire chocolate.
Our 2025 debut at the York Food & Drink Festival was such a success that we ran out of tables and tasting notes… we won’t make that mistake again!
The Sardinian wine will be flowing for our return to Patch York at the historic Bonding Warehouse by Skeldergate Bridge. A lot of alcohol has passed through this building in its time, but we can guarantee we’re the first to pour Sardinian wine there!
Join us on a journey in a glass around Sardinia, exploring its ancient history, culture and environment, as we introduce you to our winemakers along the way.
Price: From £17.50 (two for one deal), single ticket price £35
Whether you’re already a fan of Greek wine or discovering it for the first time, this 5-course tasting promises plenty of surprises, big flavours, and a little Mediterranean magic — all enjoyed from the comfort of your own home.
My Big Fat Greek Wine Tasting invites you on a sun-soaked journey through the vineyards of Greece, exploring a world of wines that are vibrant, characterful, and full of Mediterranean charm. From crisp island whites and aromatic mountain varietals to rich, velvety reds, each pour tells the story of Greece’s ancient winemaking heritage and diverse landscapes.
Paired alongside a hand-picked selection of cheeses from around the world, this tasting celebrates bold flavour combinations and unexpected matches. Expect creamy, salty, nutty and tangy cheeses chosen to highlight the freshness, texture and personality of each wine — creating a relaxed and flavour-packed experience that feels like a holiday in a glass.
Whether you’re already a fan of Greek wine or discovering it for the first time, this 5-course tasting promises plenty of surprises, big flavours, and a little Mediterranean magic — all enjoyed from the comfort of your own home.
In the (2-person) box:
5 selections of Greek Wines (roughly 175ml each)
5 portions of Cheese (roughly 80g each)
A pairings menu
Tasting instructions
Harry Baines (a.k.a. The Big Cheese) will informally guide you through the menu and pairings LIVE on Facebook at 8:00pm GMT on Saturday 19th September 2026.
Learn the basics of working with chocolate, creating ganache and crafting your own chocolate truffles.
Available 20th, 24th, 27th
Discover the basics of chocolate making, from working with chocolate to make simple, gorgeous ganache to how to professionally temper chocolate so you can work with it to create a whole gorgeous array of delights. Participants will take home approximately 300g of their own chocolate creations together with lots of hints and tips to be able to make chocolates easily at home.
This is our initial workshop for working with chocolate, it’s a perfect starter for any budding chocolatier or cake maker that wants to understand more about how chocolate works.
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.
SHK Smokehouse & Bar, a Modern smokehouse grill and bar in the heart of Ripon City centre, will be visiting the festival with a Pop-Up evening showcasing some of their dishes.
Small, medium & large plates of SHK dishes & a few potential new menu items making their first appearance
Caesar Wing £1.50 per wing
Cheeseburger Spring Roll £9
Peach Tea Glazed Pork Ribs – Corn Bread, Pickles £12
Smoked Beef Cheek – Sweet Potato, Fennel £18
Quarter Smoked Chicken – Mac & Cheese £15
Smoked Aubergine – House Pickles, Harissa £16
Banoffee Pie £9
York Food Festival is proud to feature once again our Education Workshop Programme.
The programme offers free places to over 1000 Key Stage 2 primary school students, and local Scout & Guiding Groups, the opportunity to participate in workshops focused on various themes related to food and cooking.
The school program workshops cover the same themes as those in the main festival, including bread making, pasta making, vegan dips, smoking your own food, and more. The workshops are designed to be engaging and informative, providing students with a fun and interactive way to learn about food and cooking.
Each visit runs for two hours and involves a series of workhops. The workshops can start at either 10 am or 1 pm, depending on the availability and schedule of the school group.
Teachers and school administrators interested in enrolling their classes in the York Food Festival school program can find further information and apply to attend with our online form
Did you know that the York Food Festival is a not-for-profit organisation?
Any money generated (from trader fees to ticket sales) goes back into the festival to improve it year after year.
During the festivals we run this extensive free food education programme to local schools.
Please consider making a donation to support this programme and keep it running.
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
A tour through the history of drinking chocolate
The Making of Drinking Chocolate will take visitors on a fascinating journey through the history of one of the world’s oldest chocolate traditions, at York Cocoa Works from 21–25 September.
The experience will explore drinking chocolate from its South American origins and arrival in Europe, through to the elaborate drinking traditions of Georgian Britain and York’s own important history of chocolate manufacturing.
Visitors will discover how drinking chocolate has evolved over the centuries, before learning about the process used today to create the hot chocolate crafted at York Cocoa Works.
Combining history, chocolate-making and York’s rich industrial heritage, the experience will offer a fascinating insight into how a drink that was once considered an exotic luxury became a much-loved everyday treat.
For chocolate enthusiasts and history lovers alike, The Making of Drinking Chocolate will provide an engaging and informative look at chocolate’s journey through time, right through to the delicious drink enjoyed today.
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 with our It’s NOT Chocolate taster menu.
NOT Chocolate Tasting at York Cocoa Works will offer festival-goers a completely different way to experience the cocoa plant, exploring the parts of the cocoa fruit that are often overlooked in traditional chocolate-making.
Taking place at York Cocoa Works on Monday 21 September, the experience will invite guests to explore a range of innovative creations that make use of cocoa pod and plant materials, demonstrating how much more there is to cocoa than chocolate alone.
Rather than tasting chocolate, participants will enjoy a specially created “It’s NOT Chocolate” taster menu, showcasing imaginative ways of using and upcycling different parts of the cocoa plant. The experience will highlight new approaches to sustainability and creativity within the food industry, while challenging perceptions of what cocoa can be used for.
With its combination of discovery, innovation and unusual flavours, NOT Chocolate Tasting will provide a fascinating and unexpected experience for curious food lovers.
While we won’t be tasting chocolate – it’s all cocoa!
Meet the award-winning author of Midnight Chicken Ella Risbridger joins for her brilliant new cookbook The Kitchen Book.
Home cooking but make it gorgeous. Make it the thing that improves your day. Make it beautiful, useful and delicious. Make your life just, like, 10% better.
The Kitchen Book is the perfect kitchen companion for those who love to cook and eat. Each of the recipes is guaranteed to be worth the time spent washing up and, I dare say, guaranteed to bring a bit of magic to the everyday. There are meals that must be consumed from the sofa with a cushion on your lap to full spreads for a sweltering summer gathering with friends. If you come along to this event for one reason and one reason only, let it be for the incredible cookie matrix on pg 309.
Join us at the bookshop for an evening of cookery chatter and some delicious tasters from the new book.
Doors open 6:30pm, event starts at 7pm, event end time will vary!
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.
Learn the basics of working with chocolate, creating ganache and crafting your own chocolate truffles.
Available 20th, 24th, 27th
Discover the basics of chocolate making, from working with chocolate to make simple, gorgeous ganache to how to professionally temper chocolate so you can work with it to create a whole gorgeous array of delights. Participants will take home approximately 300g of their own chocolate creations together with lots of hints and tips to be able to make chocolates easily at home.
This is our initial workshop for working with chocolate, it’s a perfect starter for any budding chocolatier or cake maker that wants to understand more about how chocolate works.
Enjoy a two-course meal, friendly conversation, and a chance to meet new people
As part of the 50+ Festival and the York Food and Drink Festival, Age UK have partnered with a local York restaurant, for three dates on a Thursday afternoon.
We’re delighted to introduce a series of special Friendship Lunches at The Chopping Block – a charming French bistro on the bustling Walmgate.
Join us for great food, friendly conversation and the chance to meet new people over a delicious two-course meal for just £15.
Dates:
Wednesday 24 September
Wednesday 8 October
Wednesday 15 October
Time: 1.00pm–2.30pm
To book your place, simply call the venue 01904 629222 and quote ’50+ Festival’ or follow the link below
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.
Join Yahala Mataam for a 3 course Syrian Meal served banquet style, freshly prepared by their refugee chef team.
(Vegetarian & Vegan options available)
Dinner with Yahala Mataam will bring the vibrant flavours and hospitality of Syria to the York Food & Drink Festival with a special three-course banquet-style meal.
Hosted at St Sampson’s Centre, the evening will showcase freshly prepared Syrian dishes cooked by Yahala Mataam’s refugee chef team. Guests will be invited to enjoy an authentic dining experience that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Syria, with vegetarian and vegan options available.
More than simply a meal, the evening will provide an opportunity to discover the flavours, stories and cultural heritage behind the food. The banquet-style format will encourage guests to share dishes and enjoy the warm, communal spirit that is central to Syrian hospitality.
With its combination of authentic food, cultural storytelling and community, Dinner with Yahala Mataam will offer festival-goers a memorable evening and a chance to experience Syrian cuisine in a welcoming and meaningful setting.
City Centre play cafe for pre-schoolers
Sammie’s is our new Grandparents’ café which is open every Friday morning in the Annexe from 10 AM – 2 PM during term time. We know how difficult it can be to find somewhere in the city centre that is suitable for pre-schoolers, so we are here to help. Sammie’s is a relaxed and safe environment with a low-cost kid’s menu, toys, plenty of space to run around, baby changing facilities, and space for buggies.
Whilst Sammie’s was created with Grandparents in mind, as a familiar place for them to bring their grandchildren, we are here for anyone with pre-schoolers and hope that Sammie’s will become a known, child-friendly hub in the city centre.
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.
Learn the full magic of creating chocolate from the raw bean itself to making actual chocolate. The secrets of the chocolate making process will be shared to create your very own chocolate recipe.
Available Fri 18th, Sat 19th, Fri 25th, Sat 26th
Each participant will work with the base chocolate ingredients to make their own signature blended chocolate that they can take home to use in their own chocolate creations.
Learn how to develop flavours and qualities from each stage of the cocoa bean processing
Learn how to combine ingredients to create desired chocolate recipes
Make a personalised signature chocolate blend to your own recipe
Beautifully package up your creations so you can enjoy them or re-use them at home in your own recipes
Go home with recipes and your newly found chocolate knowledge
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.
Four Course Gascony themed menu at The Chopping Block, with optional Wine Flight
Bookings from 5pm to 8.30pm
A four course tasting menu and optional wine flight on Friday 25th September from 5pm. Located in the historic building of the Chopping Block at Walmgate Ale House, a French restaurant with an English Ale House below.
Salade Landaise – Frisee Salas, Duck Gizzards, Croutons and a Poached Egg
Sauteed Cep Mushroom – on Homemade toasted bread
Pigeon Casserole – With seasonal vegetables and Pommes Puree
Pear Croustade – A crunchy croustade base filled with caramelized pear
Now in its 5th year – The Bedern Hall Pork Pie Competition is back!
Did you know that before restoration Bedern Hall was part of William Wright’s Pork Butchers. In search of the perfect pie, we’ve invited local pie makers to enter their very best pies for you to judge and vote for your favourites. Local ales from Yorkshire Heart Brewery, the perfect pie partner, available to buy.
Step into the world of the Brontës for Botanically Brontë — A Literary Cocktail Experience – an original immersive cocktail theatre event blending storytelling, performance and botanical drinks.
Performances available at 6.15pm and 8.30pm (each option 1.5 hours long)
Journey through the seasons alongside Charlotte, Anne, Emily and Branwell Brontë, exploring their lives, relationships and extraordinary literary legacy through an intimate theatrical experience.
Across the performance, audiences will be served four specially created botanical cocktails, each inspired by a different season and member of the Brontë family — from the bright florals of Elastic Springs to the bittersweet Last Winter Rose.
Expect literature, atmosphere, storytelling and a little theatrical magic as the world of the Brontës is brought to life around you.
Your experience includes four botanical drinks. Non-alcoholic options are available.
Step into the Great Hall at Barley Hall for an evening of mead, myths, and memorable storytelling.
The Vikings loved nothing more than sharing a drink while listening to a skald weave tales of gods, heroes, and fearsome monsters. Think of it as their version of dinner and a show.
In this unique tasting experience, you’ll discover a new side to one of the world’s oldest drinks as our friends from Horns of Odin serve a selection of expertly crafted mead cocktails. Between each drink, our skald will bring the world of Norse mythology to life with dramatic tales inspired by the Viking Age.
Whether you’re a mead enthusiast or trying it for the first time, this is the perfect opportunity to experience Viking hospitality with a modern twist.
So raise your glass, drink, and be merry. Skål!
Please Note: This event is for adults aged 18 and over.
If you have any dietary requirements please contact our reservations team at groups@yorkat.co.uk.
Accessibility:
Due to the historic nature of the building, Barley Hall has raised thresholds throughout. A temporary ramp provides access to the Great Hall and the Steward’s Room. Public toilets are available; however, there are no accessible toilets on site
A casual beer tasting session, exploring the freshest of Northern Monk’s beers. You’ll enjoy three third-pints of beer.
Northern Monk is an independent brewery from Leeds, founded in 2013 with a mission to make beers that delight, unite and do right.
Alongside their flagship product, Faith, our team will be bringing a small selection of beers for you to enjoy. You’ll also get to know the brewery with a brief history of the business and profession alongside trying their beers.
Attendees will receive a flier that entitles them to 10% discount in our Little Stonegate taproom, the Refectory, that evening. So if you have questions we don’t cover in the session, or you want to try more of our products, you’re welcome to stop by!
Beers at the Tasting Session are vegan but will contain gluten. Please discuss any other allergens with the host.
This is event is for over 18s only, you may be asked for ID.
Learn how to master the important tempering process as we explore a range of tempering techniques so you can confidently work with chocolate at home.
The science behind chocolate tempering can at times be overwhelming however it is an essential component to being able to master chocolate. We’ll be exploring the process and the different techniques that can be used to effectively temper chocolate.
Learn how to master 3 different tempering methods – slab tempering, seed tempering and our own hair dryer method.
By the end of the workshop you will be able to recognise and correct bloom and crystallisation errors.
You should be able to identify ways to effectively manage your environment to achieve perfectly tempered chocolate.
You will make a variety of chocolate products, including bars, shells and crystallised couverture for you to take home and work with.
You will beautifully wrap your creations to take home and enjoy
Go home with recipes and your newly found chocolate knowledge
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.
An independent whisky specialist, with their first shop opening on Edinburgh’s iconic Royal Mile back in 1991. Now, they’ve opened their newest shop in the heart of York. Pop into 11 Coney Street and join them for free tastings of whisky from Spirit of Yorkshire and Edinburgh independent bottler Fragrant Drops.
Come in, have a dram and raise a glass with them!
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.
Join the Medieval custom of trying the cities Ale Houses
The Assize of Ale and Bread is a medieval tradition that requires the Sheriff of York to visit local pubs, tasting the ale to ensure it is of good quality.
The expensive equipment required for brewing led to a commercial market for these goods, and so a need for regulations to control quality and pricing, therefore the Sheriff summoned their sergeants to visit the city’s ale houses to test the quality of the ale. Any sergeant who failed to answer the summons was guilty of an offence and liable to fines or time in the pillory, so be warned !
Starting at York Mansion House, the event involves participants visiting several pubs in the city centre with the final stop at the York Food and Drink Festival Marquee in Parliament Street for the closing declaration.
Guests are then invited for a Fish and Chip Supper and an ale sponsored and supported by ‘Mr Chippy’, ‘Brew York’ ‘Dough’ and ‘The Potions Cauldron Group’. All this fun, excitement and tradition for only £20, with all proceeds going to the Lord Mayor’s Charity Fund which this year is local charity ‘York Cares’ and community group ‘Shared York’. The event is held at St Sampson’s Centre, York.
Participants wearing medieval or ancient costumes will be eligible to 10% discount off drinks in all the participating pubs. Should you need inspiration, Festival of Fun on Goodramgate is offering 10% off purchases if you quote “Assize of Ale” !
The events starts at 2pm at York Mansion House where the Town Crier will start proceedings by introducing The Sheriff of York to perform the traditional proclamation. There will also be fanfare in St Helen’s Square provided by YO1 Radio with Owls also in attendance.
Please book the Fish and Chips Dinner separately!
EMAIL civicyorkfundraising@yahoo.com TO BOOK
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.
Join the Assize of Ale for a Fish and Chips and Ale dinner in St Sampson’s Centre
Following the Assize of Ale Pub Craw, guests are then invited for a Fish and Chip Supper and an ale. Sponsored and supported by ‘Mr Chippy’, ‘Brew York’ ‘Dough’ and ‘The Potions Cauldron Group’. All this fun, excitement and tradition for only £20, with all proceeds going to the Lord Mayor’s Charity Fund which this year is local charity ‘York Cares’ and community group ‘Shared York’. The event is held at St Sampson’s Centre, York.
If you are interested in the Assize of Ale Pub Crawl see the separate page or email civicyorkfundraising@yahoo.com
Love Cheese? Love Whisky? Then this is for you.
Cheese and whisky lovers will be in for a treat at the Cheese and Whisky Tasting, taking place at Belfrey Hall on Saturday 26 September as part of York Food & Drink Festival.
This special tasting will bring together Jordan from Love Cheese and the team from York Whisky Club for an evening exploring the delicious relationship between two very different, but surprisingly complementary, flavours. Guests will be treated to four carefully selected whiskies paired with four generous helpings of cheese, creating an opportunity to discover new flavour combinations and learn more about both.
Whether visitors are passionate about whisky, devoted to cheese or simply curious to try something different, the event will offer a relaxed and sociable tasting experience in the historic surroundings of Belfrey Hall.
With expert guidance, generous tastings and plenty of opportunities to discover new pairings, this promises to be a must for food and drink enthusiasts.
Learn the basics of working with chocolate, creating ganache and crafting your own chocolate truffles.
Available 20th, 24th, 27th
Discover the basics of chocolate making, from working with chocolate to make simple, gorgeous ganache to how to professionally temper chocolate so you can work with it to create a whole gorgeous array of delights. Participants will take home approximately 300g of their own chocolate creations together with lots of hints and tips to be able to make chocolates easily at home.
This is our initial workshop for working with chocolate, it’s a perfect starter for any budding chocolatier or cake maker that wants to understand more about how chocolate works.
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
