Following the recent announcement of Saturday’s guest chefs—Simon Rimmer, Rosemary Shrager, and Paul A Young—the Festival of Food and Drink at Thoresby Park has just turned up the heat. Joining the line-up on Sunday 21st September are culinary stars John Torode, Francesco Mattana, and Chris Baber, completing a delicious weekend of foodie entertainment.
A hugely popular and influential figure on the UK culinary circuit, John Torode MBE is best known as the straight-talking co-host presenter and judge of MasterChef and Celebrity MasterChef (the world’s most successful cookery TV format). A regular guest chef on This Morning, John also appears with his wife Lisa Faulkner co-hosting John & Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen on ITV, a hugely successful series, now in its 9th series.
John was awarded an MBE in 2022 for services to Food, Broadcast & Charity. His cookery books and writings have received huge critical acclaim, including the bestselling My Kind of Food, and Sydney to Seoul. His new book entitled John & Lisa’s Kitchen was published in 2024.
Leading Italian chef, Francesco Mattana, also takes to the stage on the Sunday. Francesco has built a loyal following on his social media platforms, with over 1.3M followers across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube. Francesco is an advocate for eating sustainably, reducing food waste and following the seasons, something that he’s learnt from his Sardinian upbringing.
In 2018, he turned to teaching full-time and was the Head Teaching Chef at Jamie Oliver’s Cookery School in London. He’s also worked and collaborated with Eataly – La Scuola, Emilia’s Pasta, Food at 52, The Pasta Academy run by Pasta Evangelists and Bread Ahead Baking School. He is currently writing his own book, due to be published in 2026.
Also appearing on the Sunday is Chris Baber who began working under critically acclaimed Michelin-starred chef Atul Kocchar. Partnered with his background in athletics and passion for fitness, Chris has developed a unique approach to eating well and has just had his second Men’s Fitness cover and recipe series, blending his passion for food and fitness.
Chris began his career winning BBC1s ‘Yes Chef’ in 2016 and has since cooked on Saturday Kitchen, was the resident Chef on ITV’s ‘Cooking with the Stars Extra Helpings’ and has recently filmed with Robson Green for the highest rating BBC documentary show ‘Weekend Escapes’ and is subsequently working on his own concept with ITV.
Chris’ debut cookbook ‘Easy’ quickly climbed to number 1 on Amazon. Chris is in talks with his publisher for his second book. With over 250,000 engaged followers across social media Chris has a solid platform that continues to grow.
As well as a first-class line-up of guest chefs, there will be over 160 stalls showcasing a variety of food and drink products, gift, crafts, and homewares.
There’s plenty of entertainment for the kids with the Kid’s Cookery School, Circus School and arts and crafts and more.
The Cookery Theatre will once again have presenter Chris Bavin at the helm – renowned for his lively and interactive chat with the guest chefs, you are guaranteed a fun time in the 500-seater cookery theatre.
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.
https://festivaloffoodanddrink.com/
Posted on 15 May 2025
