Back for 2026, we’re thrilled to announce the FULL Live Cookery Theatre Line-up for our Tenth Anniversary celebrations.
The milestone edition will also introduce a brand-new host, with acclaimed chef consultant, former professional chef and Yorkshire legend Stephanie Moon set to compère the for the first time.
Stephanie has carefully curated a diverse, high-calibre programme, bringing together an exciting mix of Michelin-recognised head-chefs, award-winning entrepreneurs, and competitors from MasterChef, The Great British Menu and The Great British Bake Off…
Thinking of joining us? This live entertainment is included in the price of your ticket!
2026 Live Cookery Theatre Programme
SATURDAY
11-11:40 Greg Lewis (Sykes House Farm, Wetherby)
12-12:40 Weike “Shane” Zhao (Wood Hall Hotel & Spa, Wetherby)
13-13:40 Freya Cox (The Great British Bake Off / Food Writer)
14-14:40 Emma Lawson (Culinary Tutor / Young Pastry Chef of the Year 2021)
15-15:40 Adam Maddock (Saltmoore, Whitby)
16-16:40 Sam Pullan (The Highland Laddie and the Empire Cafe, Leeds)
SUNDAY
12-12:40 Molly Payne (byMölly / MasterChef: The Professionals)
13-13:40 Ajith Kumar (Tharavadu / Uyare)
14-14:40 Minal Patel (Prashad, Drighlington)
15-15:40 Dale Spink ( Le Voyage Dining Experience / MasterChef: The Professionals )
Further Information
Greg Lewis, Sykes House Farm (Wetherby) – Development Chef at the iconic Yorkshire butchery Sykes House Farm, Greg Lewis runs their state-of-the-art demo kitchen with over 20 years of experience behind him. Greg works closely with professional clients to develop menus centered around high-quality, locally sourced produce that’s fresh off the farm.
Weike (Shane) Zhao (Wood Hall Hotel & Spa, Wetherby) – North East Representative on Season 21 of The Great British Menu and Head Chef of Wood Hall Hotel & Spa, Shane Zhao brings over 18 years of experience to the kitchen. Shane’s cooking is rooted in a love for exceptional Yorkshire produce combined with vibrant Asian flavours, a passion that has led her to being awarded two Michelin Plates in her career.
Freya Cox (The Great British Bake Off / Food Writer) – Award-winning recipe book author, independent business owner and Great British Bake Off contestant Freya Cox has risen to viral fame following her appearance as the first plant-based baker on the show. Since then, Freya has gone on to present for the BBC, write popular recipes for magazines, and build her successful postal-bake business Freyas.
Emma Lawson (Culinary Tutor / Young Pastry Chef of the Year 2021) – Pastry specialist and culinary tutor Emma Lawson has perfected her craft at renowned establishments, from training in Italy with patisserie experts, to tutoring in the Michelin-Starred Northcote Manor. Through combining Yorkshire’s seasonal produce with modern techniques, Emma creates intricately designed cakes, patisserie and artisan chocolates with a distinctive creative edge.
Adam Maddock (Saltmoore, Whitby) – Seafood specialist Adam Maddock is the Executive Chef of Saltmoore, a luxurious hotel on the North Yorkshire coast. Recently recognised in the MICHELIN Guide and awarded two Michelin Keys in his career, his cooking is shaped by a deep appreciation for British seafood and a strong sense of place.
Sam Pullan (The Highland Laddie and the Empire Cafe, Leeds) – Co-owner and Executive Chef of Empire Café and The Highland Laddie, Leeds-based chef Sam Pullan runs both thriving businesses alongside his partner Nicole Deighton. With an inventive take on classic Yorkshire favourites, Sam’s creative flair has led both kitchens to critically-acclaimed reviews, including recognition from The Good Food Guide.
Molly Payne (byMölly / MasterChef: The Professionals) – Entrepreneur and award-winning chef Molly Payne rose rapidly through the industry, becoming a Head Chef at just 19 and standing as the youngest winner of the Best Chef of The Year award. Founder of private chef-hire business byMölly, she also showcased her wealth of talent on the 2023 season of MasterChef: The Professionals.
Ajith Kumar (Tharavadu / Uyare, Leeds) – Founding chef of Uyare, Ajith Kumar is the creative force behind the restaurant’s culinary vision, elevating Indian fine-dining through intricate menu design. Recipient of the 2024 Chef of The Year award, his cooking celebrates the flavours of Kerala through a balance of traditional methods and modern culinary trends.
Minal Patel (Prashad, Drighlington) – Minal Patel is Head Chef at the award-winning Prashad, renowned for blending traditional Gujarati cuisine and family recipes with a creative flair for fine-dining. Winner of the MICHELIN Guide’s Bib Gourmand for 13 consecutive years, Minal has led Prashad to being one of two restaurants in Yorkshire awarded both the Bib Gourmand and two AA Rosettes.
Dale Spink (Le Voyage Dining Experience / MasterChef: The Professionals) – Dale Spink has evolved as both a chef and entrepreneur throughout his career, launching restaurant concepts, leading kitchens, and managing varying food businesses. Dale’s career was taken to the national stage as a competitor in MasterChef: The Professionals 2026, showcasing his creativity, passion and talent for telling stories through food.
