Everything You Need to Know About… Bite Back for Cancer Research UK
All the details you need to enjoy an afternoon of fabulous food for a brilliant cause
Perhaps the only thing better than eating really great food is eating really great food for a fantastic cause and if that's your jam then you won't want to miss out on Bite Back for Cancer Research UK — a brand-new food festival/fundraiser happening at Newcastle's Wylam Brewery this June.
It's a must-do for any self-proclaimed foodie, so we've gathered together all the info you need to know to make the most of what promises to be an amazing event.
What is Bite Back for Cancer Research UK?
Bite Back for Cancer Research UK is the brainchild of Sian and Cal Byerley from Restaurant Pine, the Northumberland restaurant that is building a phenomenal reputation thanks to its stunning tasting menus. They have gathered an incredible team of chefs – all Michelin-starred and with plenty representing the North East – to prepare what they’re describing as ‘elevated street food’ for an afternoon, with all proceeds going to Cancer Research UK, to support their essential work.
When and where is it happening?
Bite Back for Cancer Research UK is taking place at the magnificent Wylam Brewery in Exhibition Park (something of a mainstay for Tyneside foodie events these days) on Sunday 9th June, from noon to 5pm.
Which chefs are taking part?
The Bite Back team have been releasing the participating chefs using a cunning drip-feed approach but all 15 are now confirmed. The list includes Ian Waller and Cal Byerley from Restaurant Pine, star Newcastle chef and restaurateur Kenny Atkinson (of House Of Tides and Solstice fame), Alex Nietosvuori from Northumberland’s Hjem and Kevin Brown, Northumberland-born but now at Heston Blumenthal's legendary Fat Duck (check out the full chef line-up on the Bite Back website). Each chef will cook up their own unique, Michelin-starred take on street food with 500 portions of their dish available on the day.
How do I get tickets?
Tickets aren’t necessary as admission is free but you will need tokens to enjoy the food. The first round of tokens were sold online and got snapped up super quickly but luckily there are 600 tokens held back and available to purchase the day of the event — we'd recommend getting there early to secure yours. Each token costs £6 and gets you one dish.
How many tokens will I need?
The dishes being served are roughly the size of a starter portion so the organisers suggest 5-6 tokens would be ideal to make sure you get to taste as many great dishes as possible.
Will vegetarian, vegan and allergen-free dishes be available?
Because each chef is only preparing one dish, it won’t always be possible to provide vegetarian and allergen-free alternatives in every case. However, there will be plenty of vegetarian options available, but no vegan dishes unfortunately.
Is it kid and dog-friendly?
Both kids and dogs are more than welcome to attend!
What else is happening?
There are plenty of other goings-on throughout the day, including DJs and a live auction hosted by local celebrities. Some fantastic prizes are up for grabs including a £50 voucher to spend at top Newcastle restaurant The French Quarter, a private tour of Hepple Distillery and a private dinner in your own home with local restaurateur Terry Laybourne and Si King of Hairy Bikers fame. Check out the full Bite Back auction lot list and get bidding!
Bite Back for Cancer Research UK is set to be a deliciously enjoyable day, full of superb food and good company and the chance to win some excellent prizes. That it’s all in aid of a deeply Important charity only adds to the sense of occasion – a must for foodies, for sure, but also for anyone who fancies a fine afternoon dining while doing something worthwhile for an amazing cause.
Bite Back takes place on Sunday 9th June from 12pm to 5pm at Wylam Brewery in Exhibition Park. For more information visit www.bitebackfestival.co.uk.
