Focussing on the theme ‘From the Land’, the Craft Guild of Chefs will have sustainability high on the agenda. The speaker line-up includes a variety of industry experts eagerly wanting to share their past and current experiences. Visitors will expect to see a wide range of presentations and demonstrations by chefs and industry professionals alike.
Lee Maycock, Universal Cookery & Food Festival representative said: “We have something quite unique and it grows organically each year. We have been true to our word since year one when we promised to move the festival around the country, taking it to the chefs in various geographical locations.”
The main stage, hosted by BBC Radio presenter Nigel Barden, will focus on seven main feature topics comprising of; Standing out from the crowd, Mum’s in the kitchen, Plastic population, Shooting stars, Local heroes, From the land and The b word! what next?
New to 2019 is the ‘Mum’s in the kitchen’ session where all chefs in this session just happen to be mums. They will be sharing their own personal journeys and exploring how well the industry treats mums returning to work.
Anjula Devi, consultant chef at Manchester United FC and UCFF said: “The fact that the UCFF event is highlighting the vital issue of sustainability is one of the main things that initially attracted me. I am really looking forward to this important date in the calendar, which should also be a lot of fun.”
Speakers during the ‘Standing out from the crown’ session include Paul Foster from Salt, Tommy Heaney Chef and owner of Heaney’s in Cardiff, Sean Cannon from Cannon and Cannon, Andrea Waters and Catherine Salway from Redemption Bar Founders, and Philip Martin from Blanco Nino.
Amongst the speakers for the Brexit session will be Kuba Winkowski, head chef at The Feathered Nest Country Inn, Oxfordshire and winner of the Craft Guild of Chefs National Chef of the Year 2019 title.
He added: “Brexit is a subject close to my heart. I wouldn’t like to see the door close for young, enthusiastic and hard-working caterers from outside the UK. The UK is an amazing place for any young person wanting to develop and grow in the hospitality industry.”
The UCFF’s theme for the event and main stage topic ‘From the Land’ will close the day. Speakers will include culinary development and innovation chef Colin Wheeler-James, Ivan Tisdall-Downes and Imogen Davies from Native, and Caroline Drummond MBE from LEAF (Linking the Environment and Farming).
The Universal Cookery & Food Festival opens at 7:45 am with a 50-strong supplier exhibition with the festival commencing from 9am-5pm. This will be followed by a BBQ cook-off, dinner and band, closing at 10pm. Tickets cost £120+VAT each.
For more information visit www.cookeryandfoodfestival.co.uk/visitus