Acclaimed Chefs Announced For Leazes Park’s Newcastle Food Festival
MasterChef’s Anthony O’Shaughnessy To Host Live Cookery Theatre Featuring Tyneside’s Local Experts and Immersive ‘Cook-Offs’
The Newcastle Food Festival has announced the lineup of experts performing in the Live Cookery Theatre for their second annual event. From May 31st to June 1st, festival-goers can enjoy captivating demonstrations from some of Tyneside’s top chefs, including independent business owners, expert Head Chefs, and inspiring community leaders.
In partnership with MasterChef’s Anthony O’Shaughnessy, who is returning as host and compère, guests can unravel the necessary skills to master both local delicacies and international flavours.
“Heading into our second year, we wanted to create a new experience for attendees, so we’re introducing ‘Live Cook-Offs’ to really get the audience involved. We also want every hour to offer something unique, and the diverse range of demonstrations we have lined-up achieves that” - Michael Johnston, Event Director
Saturday, 31st May
Next Best Chef Cook-Off 1 (Newcastle College) - Two up-and-coming chefs from Newcastle College will compete in a Live Cook-Off for the title ‘Next Best Chef 2025’.
Each participant is mentored by an experienced chef, before a guest judge selects the winner.
Fozia Haider (Gateshead Community Bridgebuilders) - Fozia Haider is a community leader who continues to help victims of social injustice and disadvantaged communities. As the Interim Chair of the NHIP’s Public Partnership Oversight Committee, Fozia will host her demonstration alongside Rania, an individual who despite adversity went on to launch her own catering business.
Anthony O’Shaughnessy (MasterChef / Blackfriars) - Head Chef at Blackfriars Cookery School, Anthony is an esteemed mentor who teaches over 80 different classes. With experience at various award-winning cookery schools, including Jamie Oliver’s Ministry of Food and Leeds Cookery School, Anthony’s expertise led him to the MasterChef Semi-Finals.
Two additional Saturday demonstrations are set to be announced over the coming weeks.
Sunday, 1st June
Next Best Chef Cook-Off 2 (Newcastle College) - Sunday morning begins with the second round of Newcastle’s Next Best Chef 2025.
Richard Cullen (Kiln, Ousebourn) - Kiln is an industrial, Mediterranean street-food café in collaboration with professional Potter Jun Rhee and his contemporary ceramic studio. Richard specialises in the creation of authentic Middle Eastern flavours, served with the creative flair of Jun Rhee’s home-fired ceramics.
2Knives Kitchen, Hoults Yard - Formed by a small team of specialist cooks with a passion for the delectable flavours of America’s southern states, 2Knives Kitchen deconstructs the secrets behind the bold flavours of the region’s most popular cuisine.
Chris Rawlinson (Zucchini) - Zucchini Pasta Bar utilises fresh, seasonal produce to create intricate and unusual pasta-style dishes. As Chef Patron at what is the only fresh pasta bar in Newcastle, Chris is an expert at bringing to life the authentic flavours of Italian soul food.
Anthony O’Shaughnessy (MasterChef / Blackfriars) - Anthony returns for his second demonstration of the weekend. An expert in North East favourites and global delicacies, the stage is set for a vibrant demonstration sharing techniques from his expansive repertoire.
Further Attractions
Other cornerstone attractions make their return, including the Live Music Stage which recently announced headline acts Planet ABBA & Ska Britannia. Also awaiting festival-goers are Artisan Markets, Independent Bars, and the Street Food Arena, each set to host their most diverse range of independent vendors yet.
In partnership with Tyneside & Northumberland Mind, the festival hopes to add to the over £127,000 collectively raised in support of mental health initiatives across the north.
Limited Early Bird Tickets are on sale for the second annual Newcastle Food Festival, 31st May and June 1st, 2025, Leazes Park.
For more information, Early Bird Tickets, and updates, visit: https://newcastlefoodanddrinkfestival.com/
Featured image - Stephen Midgely, Breakpoint Media
