TV Chefs bring flavour and flair to Thoresby Park this September
Published On Thursday 24 Apr 2025 by Sticky Beak
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Festival of Food and Drink is back for its 12th year on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st September, and is preparing to unwrap another great weekend of delicious food, inspiring demos and a dazzling line-up of guest TV chefs.
On Saturday 20th September, Thoresby Park in Nottinghamshire will welcome Simon Rimmer, Rosemary Shrager and Paul A Young to the festival’s covered 500-seater cookery theatre.
Simon Rimmer has been waking up the nation for almost 13 years as Chef and Co-Presenter of C4’s Sunday Brunch. He will take to the stage on Saturday 20th September to share his expert cooking skills. Simon also presented Something for the Weekend on BBC Two where he cooked and interviewed guests alongside his co-host Tim Lovejoy. His podcast ‘Grilling’ launched in November 2020 and features discussions with world-famous chefs about their past experiences in the industry, and cooking hacks.
Simon has written and published five successful books, including the recent Sunday Brunch Cookbook.
Back by popular demand, Rosemary Shrager will once again be entertaining visitors with her distinctive humour as well as demonstrating some of her favourite recipes. Rosemary endeared herself to the nation on 'I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here' by showcasing her versatile cooking skills. Her recent shows include Cooking with the Stars, The Big Family Cooking Showdown and The Real Marigold Hotel.
Professionally, Rosemary has worked with Pierre Koffman at Tante Claire in London and Jean-Christophe Novelli. She was also head chef at Moyns Park, overseeing catering for the Mountbatten’s private and corporate events
Paul A Young has been named one of the world’s finest master chocolatiers and one of the best in the UK since opening his first chocolaterie in 2006. He is known for his innovation, creative flavour combinations and his approachable way of making chocolate part of anyone’s cooking repertoire.
Originally from Yorkshire, Paul secured his first head chef role at Alice Blossom’s restaurant in Whitby in 1994 at the age of 21. Just two years later, in 1996, he was offered a position as pastry chef at Marco Pierre White’s Criterion Brasserie in London’s Piccadilly.
Paul has graced our screens, appearing on This Morning, Alan Titchmarsh, Sunday Brunch, Saturday Kitchen, The Apprentice, Blue Peter, The Sweet Makers, Snack Masters, Top Chef US to name a few. Paul has four books, Adventures with Chocolate, Sensational Chocolate, How to Make Chocolates and The Joy of Chocolate.
The Cookery Theatre will once again be hosted by Chris Bavin - Chris has worked in the fresh produce industry for over 20 years and is presenter of BBC’s Eat Well for Less – he is renowned for his lively and interactive chat with the guest chefs.
There will be a fresh batch of special guests for the show’s second day on Sunday 21st September, to be announced in the coming weeks.
As well as a top-notch line-up of guest chefs, there will be over 160 stalls showcasing a variety of food and drink products, gift, crafts, and homewares. We also have exciting news for BBQ enthusiasts to announce over the coming months.
Live music, bars, cocktails and new and exciting bookable sessions. There’s plenty to keep the little people entertained with the Kids’ Cookery School, Circus School and arts and crafts and more.
Master Carvers will be getting crafty with the new live wood carving demonstrations – showcasing the techniques and tools of the trade and sharing expert tips for any budding carvers.
Tickets from just £12 can be purchased via the festival website. VIP tickets, children and family ticket options are also available, and under six years go free.
www.festivaloffoodanddrink.com
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