In 2025, our Cookery Theatre is hosted by local lad and Great British Bake off star Mak Patel!
This year, we’re joined by MasterChef: The Professionals Champion Alex Webb and the widely-celebrated Manchester chef Mary-Ellen McTague ! Alex performs two demonstrations across the weekend, whilst Mary-Ellen joins us midday on Saturday, August 3rd. Both experts perform alongside the the likes of a Junior Bake Off Champion, a Great British Bake Off Fan Favourite, Nutrition Experts, and leading Head Chefs…
Full 2025 Live Cookery Theatre Line-up
Saturday August 2nd
11:00 Brian Mellor (The Manchester Monastery)
12:00 Rob Appleby (Manchester University)
1:00 Mary-Ellen McTague (Pip at Treehouse Hotel)
2:00 Eva Humphries (Whole Food Warrior)
3:00 Fin Woodward (Junior Bake Off Winner)
4:00 Alex Webb (MasterChef: The Professionals Winner)
Sunday August 3rd
11:00 Dave Broxton (Ameven)
12:00 Gareth Mason (Chef Mason & Co)
1:00 Suki Pantal (Suki’s Curries and Spices)
2:00 Gill Howard (The Great British Bake Off)
3:00 Alex Webb (MasterChef: The Professionals Winner)
4:00 Yemi Adelekan (Yummi By Design / MasterChef)
Thinking of joining us? This live entertainment is included in the price of your ticket! Here’s some further information of each of this year’s experts…
Alex Webb (MasterChef: The Professionals Winner) – Winner of the 2020 series of ‘MasterChef The Professionals’, Adam Webb has developed his extensive skill set amongst various Michelin-starred restaurants. Having developed numerous exclusive menus, Alex champions British produce and creative presentation to create immersive dining experiences.
Mary Ellen-McTague (Pip at Treehouse Hotel) – An internationally-recognised, renowned Mancunian chef, Chef Mary Ellen-McTague is a widely celebrated for her impact on Manchester’s culinary scene. The mind behind restaurants Aumbry and The Creameries, her latest project is at Pip at Treehouse Hotel, utilising high-quality, sustainable local produce to create immersive and intricate dining experiences. Alongside Gemma Saunders and Kathleen O’Connor, she also founded Eat Well MCR – a charity providing chef-made meals to those in need.
Fin Woodward (Junior Bake Off Winner) – Winner of the 2019 series of Junior Bake Off and Junior Ambassador for Kenwood UK, Fin is an expert cake decorator and self-taught baker inspiring aspiring chefs nationwide.
Yemi Adelekan (Yummi by Design / MasterChef) – As an independent business owner, renowned author, culinary mentor, private chef, and recent MasterChef Semi-Finalist, Yemi has cemented her place in the culinary world with over 40 years of experience.
Gill Howard (The Great British Bake Off) – An expert in pastry, cakes and pies, Gill Howard quickly became a fan favourite during the 2024 series of The Great British Bake Off, reaching the semi-finals through her creative yet nostalgic bakes.
Eva Humphries (Whole Food Warrior) – Eva Humphries, MSc and Nutritional Therapy Diploma holder, is a leading nutritionist and independent business owner advocating for happier living through nourishing, nutrient-rich dishes.
Suki Pantel (Suki’s Curries and Spices) – Cookbook author and innovative recipe developer Suki offers detailed Indian home-cooking tutorials, having previously shared her skills on the 2022 series of The Great Cookbook Challenge with Jamie Oliver.
Gareth Mason (Chef Mason & Co) – Multi-award-winning Private Chef and Business Development Consultant Gareth Mason has refined his craft for over 23 years, drawing inspiration from an eclectic mix of global flavours.
Brian Mellor (The Manchester Monastery) – Chef Brian Mellor is an award-winning Chef, culinary judge, and educator who currently serves as Consultant Chef at a prestigious modern-day monastery in Manchester.
Dave Broxton (Ameven) – Founder of Ameven by Chef Broxton, Chef Broxton boasts a diverse portfolio of catering experience, developing his skills alongside Michelin-starred and MBE-honoured chefs.
Rob Appleby (Manchester University) – Through a unique, science-led approach to culinary refinement, Professor of Physics Rob Appleby will lead an analytical demonstration on perfecting a home-cooked steak.
