FOLLOWING the huge success of Rockliffe Hall’s first ever Festival of Food, the five-star resort says the event will return, bigger and better, in February 2020. The luxury hotel in Hurworth, near Darlington, will welcome some of the country’s top professional chefs and culinary stars during the second eight-day festival, which starts on Saturday, February 1.

An Artisan Food Fair will launch proceedings on the first weekend before a series of special lunches, afternoon teas, dinners, workshops and food and wine events take place throughout the week, finishing off with a spectacular “Come Dine With Us” Black Tie Gala Dinner on Saturday, February 8.

Chefs and food experts including Frances Atkins (The Yorke Arms), Terry Laybourne (21 Hospitality), Josh Overington (Le Cochon Aveugle) and Briony Williams (Great British Bake Off) are just some of the names confirmed for the gastronomic gathering.

The Artisan Food Fair will feature a winter wonderland twist and will welcome some of the North’s finest artisan producers. There’s an opportunity to sample goods, shopping, cookery demonstrations, live music, warming drinks, spirit schools, wine tasting events and interactive workshops with producers.

Money will be raised for Hospitality Action, the Great North Air Ambulance and Action Against Hunger, with great prize raffles at some of the evening dinners.

“We are delighted the Festival of Food is returning for its second year,” says Katie Scott, Rockliffe Hall’s sales and marketing manager. “This event is the perfect platform from which to shout about all the fantastic chefs and food and drink experts we have, not only here in the North-East, but in the UK.

“We’ve already lined up lots of top names in the food industry and still have more to announce as the festival draws closer. The first weekend will also see the return of the Artisan Food Fair which is a great opportunity to come and try some of the fabulous products made in our region by outstanding food and drink producers. The Festival of Food promises to be an event not to be missed and has become a key date in the region’s food festival calendar.”

Tickets are on sale now.

FESTIVAL OF FOOD

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2 – RESTAURANT HJEM POP-UP WITH ALEX NIETOSVUORI

Born in Sweden, Alex travelled the world working as a chef at some of the finest restaurants including the 2 Michelin-starred Daniel Berlin Krog in Sweden, and the 3-starred Maaemo in Oslo. Alex and his partner, Ally Thompson, opened Restaurant Hjem in 2019. He marries the very best produce of Northumberland with his Scandinavian roots and cooking techniques. For this event, Alex will be creating a 6 course tasting menu which can also be paired with specially selected wines.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 – GUEST CHEF TERRY LAYBOURNE MBE

This special evening will celebrate “30 years of 21” with legendary North-East chef Terry Laybourne MBE. A skilled restaurateur as well as a chef, he owns acclaimed restaurant group 21 Hospitality, which operates several venues across the region.

£70 – Welcome drink, five course menu; £45 – wine pairing.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 – FASHION OF FOOD: FRANCES ATKINS AND ELLIE RICHMOND

Join one of Britain’s Michelin-starred chefs, Frances Atkins (Yorke Arms) and previous protégé and now successful chef-patron, Ellie Richmond (Fox Hall Inn), for a special evening. Frances and Ellie have developed an exciting eight-course tasting menu which will take diners on a journey through culinary history, and the changing fashions in food.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6 – TASTE OF THE NORTH-EAST BANQUET

A banquet to celebrate the finest North-East produce, created by chefs from four of the region’s top restaurants. Guests chefs Gareth Rayner (Forge, Middleton Lodge), John Calton (The Staithe House), Tony Redwick (formerly Traköl) and Luke Taylor (Cleveland Tontine) will each create a dish.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7 – A GREAT BRITISH AFTERNOON TEA WITH BRIONY WILLIAMS

After years of baking at home and cultivating her creativity and skill, Briony first came to the public’s attention on our screens for nine weeks in the tent on the 2018 series of The Great British Bake Off. The tea will include cakes designed by Briony, followed by a Q&A.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7 – POWER OF PLANTS: VEGAN NIGHT

An evening to celebrate the rise in popularity of sustainable dining and plant-based cuisine. Member of the Master Chefs of Great Britain Aaron Craig and chef/food author Franck Pontais have designed a tasting menu that showcases produce from the estate kitchen gardens, along with fresh and flavoursome micro-vegetables and edible flowers. The menu will be 100 per cent vegan, and vegan wine pairing will be available.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8 – ASPIRING CHEF OF THE YEAR LUNCH

Featuring the winning dishes created by the most aspirational students chefs in the North-East. Diners will get the chance to vote on their favourite dish to one crown of the chefs the Champion of Champions.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8 – COME DINE WITH US BLACK TIE GALA DINNER

Rockliffe Hall’s executive chefs will each create a special dish for a glittering black-tie gala dinner to conclude the Festival of Food celebrations.

To find out more visit www.rockliffehall.com or search Rockliffe Hall’s Festival of Food