Ahmed Abdalla – Head Chef, Legacy, The Grand Hotel, York

Ahmed heads up the kitchen at The Grand, York’s fine dining restaurant, Legacy. Following its opening in 2022, Ahmed led the restaurant to achieving three AA Rosettes, being featured in The Telegraph’s ’14 Best Restaurants in York’ list and inclusion in the Michelin Guide. He also competed in TV’s Great British Menu’s 20th anniversary show representing the North East

Ahmed will be cooking in the Game Cookery Theatre at 1pm and 3pm in the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre on Wednesday 15 July 2026.

Olayemi Adelekan – Chef & MasterChef semi-finalist 2022, Yummy By Design, Harrogate

Olayemi is a local chef, MasterChef UK semi-finalist, recipe developer and food content creator, plus the Harrogate Stray Ferret food writer. Her food bridges her Nigerian heritage, life in the West Indies and the UK, creating a unique fusion of flavours. She loves to showcase Yorkshire producers putting her own individual spin on Yorkshire ingredients.

Olayemi will be cooking at 10am in the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre & 4pm in the Game Cookery Theatre on Tuesday 14 July 2026.

Jon Appleby – Chef, The Durham Ox, Crayke. Head Chef, Middlesbrough College

Jon is a British chef with more than 20 years’ experience in the hospitality industry. Known for his passion for British cuisine, he has built a reputation for sourcing the finest local and sustainable ingredients while championing independent producers. Jon’s commitment to the best of British food combines with his dedication to education and supporting small businesses.

Jon will be cooking at 3pm in the Game Cookery Theatre on Friday 17 July 2026.

Kurtus Auty – International Chef, York

Yorkshire lad Kurtus is a passionate chef whose culinary journey has taken him around the world. Now based in the UK, he continues to push gastronomic boundaries, creating imaginative dishes and delivering excellence in dining experiences across international fine dining settings worldwide with dedication, precision and creative flair in modern cuisine.

Kurtus will be cooking at 11am in the Game Cookery Theatre and 1pm in the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre on Thursday 16 July 2026.

Lisa Bennison – Cookery School Manager, Betty’s Cookery School, Harrogate

Lisa joined Bettys in 1986 on a college placement and is now a central part of the award-winning Bettys Cookery School where she has worked as a tutor for more than 20 years. Her cooking philosophy is one of simplicity as she believes good quality ingredients should speak for themselves.

Lisa will be cooking at 4pm in the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre on Wednesday 15 July 2026.

Neil Bentinck – Chef Owner, Skosh, York

Neil opened Skosh in 2016 to local and national acclaim. He serves local, seasonal an organic produce in the form of snacks and small plates with a Pan-Asian influence, drawing from his Indian heritage and travels throughout Australia, Japan, Thailand & Japan. Skosh has held a Michelin ‘Bib Gourmand’ since 2017 and holds 3 AA Rosettes.

Neil will be cooking at 12 noon the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre and at 2pm in the Game Cookery Theatre on Thursday 16 July 2026.

Kevin Bonello – Executive Chef, The Grand Hotel, York

As Executive Head Chef, Kevin Bonello heads up the kitchen team at the award-winning 5-star hotel, The Grand, York. With an impressive culinary background spanning more than two decades, including as Culinary Director at Michelin-starred restaurant De Mondion, in his native Malta, Bonello brings a wealth of expertise and innovation to The Grand’s esteemed culinary team.

Kevin will be cooking at 1pm in the Game Cookery Theatre and 3pm in the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre on Wednesday 15 July 2026.

Katherine Breckon – Development Chef, North Yorkshire Council, Skipton

Kath is a professionally trained, award winning Development Chef for NYES Catering at North Yorkshire Council, with extensive experience across both private and public sectors and a specialist focus on education catering since 2008. An education ambassador, she is passionate about sourcing locally, championing regional suppliers, and promoting a true farm to fork approach that supports both sustainability and community.

Kath will be cooking at 10am in the Game Cookery Theatre and 3pm in the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre on Thursday 16 July 2026.

Joshua Brimmell – Executive Chef, York Minster Refectory & The Star Inn the City, York

Josh began his career some 17 years ago and worked at The Star Inn at Harome as Chef De Partie, later becoming Head Chef. More recently Josh took the helm at the Minster Mill in the Cotswolds gaining a Michelin recommendation and is now back with The Star Inn family as Executive Chef across their two York venues.

Josh will be cooking at 2pm in the Game Cookery Theatre alongside Andrew Pern on Wednesday 15 July 2026.

Brian Clark – Director of Food and Beverage on the Luxury Northern Belle Train

A seasoned culinary leader with over 30 years of expertise, Brian Clark specializes in orchestrating elite gastronomic programs. Dedicated to ethical sourcing and innovation, he currently directs world-class culinary operations for the award-winning luxury rail brand, The Northern Belle.

Brian will be cooking at 10am in the Game Cookery Theatre on Friday 17 July 2026.

Heather Copley – Director, Farmer Copley’s Farm Shop, Pontefract

Heather co-owns Farmer Copley’s with husband Robert. With their desire for amazing food, fantastic local produce and a warm welcome, Farmer Copley’s has showcased how Britain – especially Yorkshire – can compete with the very best in the culinary world. Farmer Copley’s was Large Farm Shop of the Year at the Farm Shop & Deli Awards 2025.

Heather will be cooking at 10am in the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre on Thursday 16 July 2026.

Joe Crowe – Head Chef, Blacker Hall Farm Shop, Calder Grove, Wakefield

As Head Chef of The Barn at Blacker Hall Joe has two decades of hands-on culinary experience and is a seasoned chef known for transforming food concepts into successful, sustainable culinary operations. He has worked with high-end restaurants both AA and Michelin recommended and has deep understanding of classic techniques and modern food trends.

Joe will be cooking at 1pm in the Game Cookery Theatre and 3pm in the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre on Friday 17 July 2026.

Brayden Davies – Executive Chef, The Box Tree, Ilkley

Originally from Hillarys in Western Australia, Brayden began his career at 15 training under leading chefs in Australia and the UK. He has worked in some of the country’s most respected kitchens, including Northcote, The Raby Hunt and Grantley Hall. Now leading at The Box Tree, Brayden marries his Australian roots and British influences, creating modern dishes using classical techniques.

Brayden will be cooking at 11am in the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre on Tuesday 14 July 2026.

Adam Degg – Head Chef, FIFTY TWO, Rudding Park, Harrogate

Adam’s dishes are inspired by Rudding Park’s kitchen garden, which grows over 500 varieties of herbs and plants. A Birmingham native, now calling Yorkshire home, he trained under Tom Kerridge at 2 Michelin starred The Hand & Flowers. Adam has led FIFTY TWO to a Michelin Star within 2 years of opening, as well as gaining 3 AA Rosettes

Adam will be cooking at 1pm in the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre on Wednesday 15 July 2026.

Owen Diaram – Private Chef, Cook with Owen, Harrogate

Owen, from Harrogate, was a quarter-finalist in MasterChef UK 2023. Now a private chef, he combines seasonal local ingredients with spices and herbs from his South African and Indian heritage. He also runs a spice business winning a Great Taste Award for his onion bhaji mix in 2024 and becoming a finalist in the Deliciously Yorkshire Taste Awards in 2025.

Owen will be cooking with Billy Bowness at 2pm in the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre and 4pm in the Game Cookery Theatre at 4pm on Friday 17 July 2026.

Bruce Elsworth – Chef Owner, Elsworth at the Mill, Skipton

Bruce brings over 30 years of culinary experience to the table, having worked in top kitchens like the Michelin starred Northcote Manor and The Angel at Hetton. Bruce now offers supper clubs, food & wine pairings, and bespoke cooking demos alongside wife Rebecca, combining exceptional food with great company, at the historic High Corn Mill in the heart of Skipton.

Bruce will be cooking at 12 noon in the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre on Friday 17 July 2026.

Andrea Guardascione – Chef Tutor, Leeds City College, Leeds

Culinary professional with experience in leading kitchens across Italy and the UK. Trained at a prestigious Italian catering academy, he now combines industry expertise with a passion for developing the next generation of culinary professionals.

Andrea will be cooking with students at 9am in the Game Cookery Theatre on Thursday 15 July 2026.

Ruth Hansom – Chef Owner, Ransom Restaurant, Bedale

Multi-award-chef Ruth returned to Yorkshire after 12 years in London, starting with a six-month residency at the Swinton Estate where she gained invaluable knowledge from the head gardener, and also came away with a deeper understanding of British game from the estate’s 24,000 acres. She and her husband Mark opened Hansom’s in February 2024.

Ruth will be cooking at 11am in the Game Cookery Theatre and 1pm in the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre on Tuesday 14 July 2026.

Macaullay Havery – Head Chef, The Northallerton Inn, Northallerton

Now proudly based in Yorkshire, Mac worked for two years in Scotland then eight fantastic years in Newcastle. During his time in the city he worked alongside some exceptional chefs, gaining invaluable knowledge and experience. His journey has brought him to Northallerton as part of the Inn Collection Group, a steady capable chef ready to lead from the helm.

Mac will be cooking at 12 noon in the Game Cookery Theatre on Wednesday 15 July 2026.

Chris Hobson – Senior Sous Chef, Wrea Head Hall Hotel, Scarborough

Chris has 25 years’ experience as a chef, working his way up from pot washer to head chef. He is passionate about local seasonal sustainable foods and the people who produce and supply them. He appeared in Channel 4’s Yorkshire by the Sea in 2024 and last year won the Rising Star award in the Deliciously Yorkshire Taste Awards.

Chris will be cooking 4pm in the Game Cookery Theatre on Wednesday 15 July 2026.

Richard Kitson – Executive Chef of Farmhouse Concepts

Trained alongside some of Yorkshire’s finest chefs including Stephanie Moon (Leeds Thomas Danby) Micheal Wignall (Angel at Hetton). Now producing a wide range of modern takes on Breakfast and Lunch dishes taking inspiration from all over the world using great suppliers with an approachable Family feel.

Richard will be cooking at 1pm in the Game Cookery Theatre on Thursday 16 July 2026.

Ajith Kumar – Chef Director of Tharavadu and Uyare, Leeds

Ajith began his culinary journey at 18, working in renowned hotels and restaurants worldwide. He founded Tharavadu in 2014, earning Michelin recognition and Oliver Awards acclaim. Named Chef of the Year in 2023, Ajith launched Uyare in 2025, Europe’s first South Indian rooftop restaurant.

Ajith will be cooking at 3pm in the Game Cookery Theatre on Tuesday 14 July 2026.

Emma Lawson – Cake Artist & Pastry Chef, Baked by Emma, Silsden, Leeds

Emma specialises in sugarcraft and buttercream cakes, patisserie and artisan chocolates. Her career has taken her worldwide, but she grew up baking with her grandfather, loved foraging and wandering the moors. She trained at The Devonshire Arms and Bettys craft bakery, honing her career at Michelin-starred Northcote Manor then tutoring at Leeds City College before striking out on her own.

Emma will be cooking at 10am in the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre and 11am in the Game Cookery Theatre on Wednesday 15 July 2026.

Greg Lewis – Development Chef, Method, Sykes House Farm, Wetherby

Greg started his career as a bakery assistant in his hometown in New Zealand. He then cooked for athletes at the Sydney Olympics before moving to the UK to work under Michelin-starred Jeff Baker at Pool Court in Leeds. Greg was at the helm of successful restaurants Room and Pintura in Leeds before becoming Development Chef at Sykes House Farm.

Greg will be cooking at 2pm in the Game Cookery Theatre and 4pm in the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre on Friday 17 July 2026.

Kyle Linley – Head Butchery Tutor, Leeds City College

Kyle is an award-winning butchery tutor and a 4th generation retail butcher, starting in his grandad’s shop at the age of 10. Throughout his career he has run and managed several prestigious retail shops in Yorkshire and has also produced and provided for the royal estates. He is one of the leading apprentice butcher training provider assessors in the UK.

Kyle will be cooking with his students at 10am in the Game Cookery Theatre on Tuesday 14 July 2026.

Joe Lofthouse – Head Gardener, Swinton Park Estate

Joe is passionate about gardening, starting as a schoolboy in the Swinton Park kitchen garden. He’s now fulfilled his dream by returning to Swinton earlier this year as the Head Gardener after gaining several years’ intensive gardening experience elsewhere . He has studied extensively gaining a Master’s degree in Horticulture, and is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture.

Joe will be appearing at 2pm alongside Gilly Robinson in the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre on Tuesday 14 July 2026.

Harvey Maher – Fifth Flavour Street Kitchen, York

Harvey has a real passion for seasonal, locally sourced food, preserving and foraging. He runs Fifth Flavour, a street food trailer where he brings all those things together. For him, it’s all about creating bold, honest food that reflects what’s growing around us and what’s in season. Whether it’s something pickled, wild, or slow-cooked, every dish tells a story.

Harvey will be cooking at 11am in the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre on Friday 17 July 2026.

Jacob Mayled – Chef, Fifth Flavour Street Kitchen, York

Jake previously worked at Melton’s restaurant in York before joining the Tommy Banks group. He had previously trained as a butcher so joined the group’s preserving and foraging team working for all of Banks’s three restaurants and creating all the in-house charcuterie.

Jake will be cooking alongside Harvey Maher at 11am in the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre at 11am on Friday 17 July 2026.

Stephanie Moon – Chef Consultant, All Things Food, Boroughbridge

Steph is an award-winning chef and Yorkshire farmer’s daughter whose career has taken her worldwide. She now runs her own consultancy working with food businesses large and small to help them realise their potential. Steph is a recognised figure on the British food scene and as a proud believer in Yorkshire game will be compering the show’s Game Cookery Theatre.

Steph will be hosting the Game Cookery theatre every day throughout the Show.

Stuart Morris – Head Chef, Yolk Farm & Minskip Farm Shop, Boroughbridge

Harrogate-born Stuart brings over 25 years of culinary expertise as Head Chef at Yolk Farm. His career has spanned award-winning restaurants including the acclaimed Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, and Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. A dedicated lifelong learner, Stuart is also a passionate mentor, actively championing the next generation of chefs by sharing his extensive knowledge and inspiring young talent.

Stuart will be cooking at 11am in the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre on Thursday 16 July 2026.

Ian Myton – Course leader, Leeds City College

Ian leads the patisserie course at Leeds began his career at catering college, quickly realising his passion for patisserie and desserts. He worked in several hotels and restaurants before becoming head pastry chef in a busy Leeds restaurant and then pursuing a career in teaching to pass on his vast knowledge to the next generation of pastry chefs

Ian will be cooking at 9am in the Game Cookery Theatre on Friday 17 July 2026.

Sue Nelson – The Yorkshire Food Finder, with Deliciously Yorkshire Producers

Sue has been rummaging through Yorkshire’s abundant larder and championing its stunning quality for years. Her prolific knowledge and experience is incorporated into Yorkshire Food Finder, providing pop-up supper clubs, cookery demonstrations and recipe development celebrating Yorkshire’s food. Sue has close links with many of Yorkshire’s high-profile Michelin-starred and award-winning chefs, running the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre for over a decade.

Sue will be cooking each day at 9am with local Deliciously Yorkshire producers in the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre then hosting all the cookery demos there for the duration of the show.

Andrew Pern – Chef Patron, The Star Inn at Harome, Helmsley

As Chef Patron of the renowned Michelin-starred Star Inn at Harome, Andrew needs no introduction as he has been a leading light on the Yorkshire food scene for three decades. This year he celebrates 30 years since he bought The Star quickly fashioning it as one of the first ever ‘gastropubs’, voted No 1 Gastropub in the UK 3 times.

Andrew will be cooking at 12 noon alongside Stephen Smith in the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre and at 2pm with Joshua Brimmell in the Game Cookery Theatre on Wednesday 15 July 2026.

Salvatore Pinna – Harrogate College

Sardinian born and raised, Salvatore studied for his culinary diploma before moving to England to raise his family. During this time, Salvatore has worked in various roles within the industry, honing his craft before joining the Harrogate College Hospitality teaching team. In this role, Salvatore works to pass on his passion and talent to the next generation of budding chefs.

Salvatore will be cooking at 3pm in the Game Cookery Theatre on Thursday 16 July 2026.

Robert Ramsden – Chef Director, Delifresh, Bradford

Rob is passionate about food and nowhere is it more apparent than when he takes to the cookery demo stage. He is an experienced specialist with a history of working in the food and beverages industry, skilled in catering, food design and menu development. His mantra is connecting together all things people, food and innovation.

Rob will be cooking at 11am in the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre and 3pm in the Game Cookery Theatre on Wednesday 15 July 2026.

Richard Reddaway – Head Chef, Fodder – Great Yorkshire Food Hall, Harrogate

Richard is from a farming background growing up on his family farm in East Devon. He started working in his local pub as a teenager and quickly developed a passion for food and where it came from. He spent his culinary career in the South West until his family decided to move back to his partner’s home town of Harrogate.

Richard will be cooking at 4pm in the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre on Thursday 16 July 2026.

Gilly Robinson – Chef Director, The Cook’s Place, Malton

Failing her A-levels was the best thing Gilly ever did as it led her into the world of food via Eggleston Hall in Teesdale where she gained The Cordon Bleu Diploma. Since then her whole life has been immersed in food, from being Rosemary Shrager’s kitchen sidekick to now running her own cookery school and food event venue in Malton.

Gilly will be cooking at 2pm alongside Joe Lofthouse in the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre on Tuesday 14 July 2026.

Whaheed Rojan – Chef Owner, Round Table Dining, Harrogate

From the kitchens of South Africa to the galleys on Queen Mary II, Whaheed has cooked for many well-known figures across the world like Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, rock stars, and several celebrities. His passion for travel ties neatly with his cooking, as he seeks out places around the globe to learn authentic recipes from across the continents.

Whaheed will be cooking at 11am in the Game Cookery Theatre and 1pm in the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre on Friday 17 July 2026.

St Aidan’s School – Year 8 Students & Teacher Leah Blewitt, Harrogate

Year 8 students from St Aidan’s Church of England High School will once again be taking to the stage for a live cookery demonstration which the school says helps them grow in character as they become more courageous and confident in their cooking skills. They will be preparing a pizza, side dish and dessert.

The St Aidan’s students will be cooking at 2pm in the Game Cookery Theatre on Tuesday 14 July 2026.

Stephen Smith – Chef Director, The Star Inn at Harome, Helmsley

Steve began his career at the 2-Michelin starred Paul Heathcote Restaurant, Longridge, then worked under Jeff Baker at Pool Court, the first Chef to gain a Michelin Star in Leeds. Stephen The Star Inn at in 2008 progressing to Chef/Director and maintaining The Star’s Michelin star standards. He was Yorkshire Life Chef of The Year 2023.

Steve will be cooking at 12 noon alongside Andrew Pern in the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre on Wednesday 15 July 2026.

Andrew Stead – Course Leader & Professional Cookery Tutor, Leeds City College

Andy has extensive hands-on experience in professional and outside catering. He formerly ran a catering franchise before moving to teaching at Leeds City College where he shares practical skills and industry insight to inspire the next generation of chefs.

Andy will be cooking at 9am in the Game Cookery Theatre on Wednesday 15 July 2026.

Lionel Strubb – Chef Owner, The Clarendon Country Pub & Rooms, Hebden, nr Grassington

Lionel heads up the award-winning Clarendon Inn in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Born in France and classically trained, Lionel has won many accolades, including Best UK Game Pub 2023 and Best Game Chef the same year, reaching the semi-final of the national chef of the year two years running. He also holds an Outstanding Achievement Award.

Lionel will be cooking at 10am in the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre and 12 noon in the Game Cookery Theatre on Friday 17 July 2026.

Claire Syrenne – Chef & Writer, MasterChef UK runner-up 2025

This year’s show will be something of a home-coming for Nottinghamshire-based Claire who got married in Harrogate. Always a writer, working in PR, video production and radio, Claire started taking her love of cooking more seriously as a healing tool for severe post-natal depression, so much so that she was runner-up in last year’s MasterChef UK.

Claire will be cooking at 12 noon in the Game Cookery Theatre and 2pm in the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre on Thursday 16 July 2026.

Aled Williams – Executive Chef, The General Tarleton, Ferrensby, Knaresborough

Aled is Executive Chef of Jeopardy Hospitality, part of the Tommy Banks Group. In its first 6 months the Tarleton has already won many prestigious awards like the ‘Ones to Watch’ from Estrella Damm’s top 50 gastro pub awards, number 44 in the Good Food Guide’s 100 best pubs and 5 out of 5 from acclaimed food critic William Sitwell.

Aled will be cooking at 12 noon in the Game Cookery Theatre and 3pm in the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre on Tuesday 14 July 2026.

Iain Wilkinson – Chef and co-owner, Storehouse Kitchen, Ripon

Iain runs Storehouse Kitchen with his wife Kirsty and was chef of the year in the Harrogate Hospitality and Tourism Awards in 2024. He was also a chef of the year finalist in this year’s awards. His cooking style is a mix of a la carte, grills and twists on street food

Iain will be cooking at 10am in the Game Cookery Theatre and 2pm in the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre on Wednesday 15 July 2026.