Back for 2026, Yorkshire Food Guide will be hosting an incredible weekend of cooking demonstrations, with both established and up-and-coming chefs in the region showcasing their skills.
Thinking of joining us? This live entertainment is included in the price of your ticket!
2026 Cookery Theatre Line-up
Our Cookery Theatre is bringing together a handpicked selection of the region’s award-winning Head Chefs, independent businesses owners, Great British Bake Off Competitors and culinary educators. Enjoy THIRTEEN immersive demonstrations across the August Bank Holiday weekend…
SATURDAY, AUGUST 29th
11-11:40 Niki Baker (Blend Culinary Foundation)
12-12:40 Jon Appleby (Middlesbrough College)
13-13:40 Chris Hobson (Wrea Head Hall)
14-14:40 Sandy Docherty (The Great British Bake Off)
15-15:40 Jon Appleby (Middlesbrough College)
SUNDAY, AUGUST 30th
12-12:40 Jon Appleby (Middlesbrough College)
13-13:40 Sandy Docherty (The Great British Bake Off)
14-14:40 Sandy Docherty (The Great British Bake Off)
15-15:40 Jon Appleby (Middlesbrough College)
MONDAY, AUGUST 31ST
12-12:40 Jon Appleby (Middlesbrough College)
13-13:40 Sumith Babu (Nourish by Sumith)
14-14:40 Sumith Babu (Nourish by Sumith)
15-15:40 Jon Appleby (Middlesbrough College)
Here’s some further information of each of this year’s experts…
Niki Baker (Blend Culinary Foundation) – Niki delivers a vibrant selection of social cookery classes as the Curator and Community Engagement Lead at Blend Culinary Foundation, a registered community interest company who are committed to alleviating poverty and uniting communities through food.
Jon Appleby (Middlesbrough College) – Former Culinary Director of The Mill Group, and previously Head Chef of the Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa, Jon Appleby boasts an extensive portfolio of culinary experience across a variety of critically-acclaimed establishments. Jon is currently the Head Chef at Middlesbrough College, utilising his diverse skillset to guide the next generation of chefs.
Chris Hobson (Wrea Head Hall) – Senior Sous Chef at luxury country house hotel Wrea Head Hall, Chris Hobson’s passion for high-quality, locally-sourced produce is celebrated within every dish he creates. Chris was recently honoured with the inaugural Deliciously Yorkshire Taste Awards Rising Star award, testament to his steadfast dedication to creativity and sustainability.
Sandy Docherty (The Great British Bake Off) – Cookbook Author and Great British Bake Off fan-favourite Sandy Docherty is passionate about how people can tell stories and ‘Bake Down Barriers’ through food. Working closely with a number of charities and organisations across Yorkshire, Sandy continues to make a meaningful impact on her local community while spreading joy through her baking.
Sumith Babu (Nourish by Sumith) – Founder and Managing Director of Nourish by Sumith, Sumith Babu is a professional chef, food photographer, food stylist and blogger renowned for masterfully balancing bold, authentic flavours with clean, nutritional ingredients. Nourish by Sumith specialises in ready-to-cook, hand-prepared Indian dishes that use no colouring, preservatives, or additives.
