The Craft Guild of Chefs encourages chefs and food service professionals alike to book early for the 8th annual Universal Cookery and Food Festival (UCFF). The industries most unique annual event will take place on Tuesday 25th June 2019 at Farrington Oils in Northamptonshire.
A ticket to this year’s UCFF includes entry to the farmers market which will showcase the best of local and national producers and suppliers, foraging and farm tours, clay pigeon shooting, access to all live sessions including the main stage and game stage hosted by BASC, and inclusive of breakfast and lunch including a selection of hot and cold beverages throughout the day. The price also includes an evening BBQ, beer and entertainment from a live band.
Established in 2012, UCFF was the brainchild of Lee Maycock, Ian Nottage and John Feeney during their time as Craft Guild of Chefs committee members. Designed by chefs, for chefs, each year the festival moves around the UK, taking the event directly to chefs in different locations. It is an excellent opportunity for foodservice professionals to gather and listen to thoughts and experiences from great chefs, industry experts, producers, suppliers, growers and thought leaders
Lee Maycock, Universal Cookery and Food Festival director said:
“Attending this year, you will be able to see the home of Britain’s first bottled cold pressed rapeseed oil (Mellow Yellow), spend some time foraging wild food, shoot some clay pigeons, wander through our artisan farmers market and watch some amazing demonstrations on both our stages. It is exciting to see the event evolve every year. We are looking forward to another amazing Universal Cookery and Food Festival.”
Confirmed speakers includes a variety of inspirational professionals within the industry such as Anjula Devi, consultant chef at Manchester United football club, Galton Blackiston, Chef proprietor of Morston Hall in Norfolk, Paul Foster, head chef at Salt in Warwickshire, and Kuba Winkowski, head chef at The Feathered Nest Country Inn in Oxfordshire and winner of the Craft Guild of Chefs National Chef of the Year 2019 title.
Kuba Winkowski (pictured below) comments:
“I am so excited to be taking part in this year’s UCFF. During my session, I will be talking about the effect of Brexit on our industry. I moved to the UK in 2004 when Poland joined the EU, and since then I can’t be thankful enough for what the UK has offered me to develop myself as a chef. 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. We need to find a way to put that message across.”
He adds, “Craft Guild of Chefs is an amazing organisation. Since winning National Chef of the Year 2019 I am more and more exposed to what the Guild are doing for the industry, especially for the younger generation. We are very lucky to have so many Craft Guild of Chefs members volunteering their own time to nurture the future generation of chefs. Over the years I have received a lot of support and opportunities to grow and expand my skills.
I’m looking forward to a fun day of learning, eating, networking and just having a good time in a relaxed atmosphere. I highly recommend attending the UCFF. I have heard the weather is going to glorious too!”
The event theme is “From the Land” and will focus on sustainability, alongside complimentary issues such as crowd funding, local heroes and ‘Mums in the kitchen’. The new dateline of June reflects pre-harvest, in line with the chosen venue. New to 2019, is a game stage, featuring deer and rabbit skinning, as well as falconry and the opportunity for clay pigeon shooting.
Book now and you will only have to pay the early bird ticket price £99 +VAT. This includes food and drink throughout the day (breakfast, lunch and refreshments), along with a BBQ and evening entertainment. This offer ends 31st March 2019.
Standard ticket price is £120 +VAT.
If you are a course leader or lecturer and would like to make a group booking including your students, please call the UCFF team on 01293 854 403 and they will take your booking over the phone. Student bookings are not available online.
Show opens at 7:45am.
For more information, including a list of local hotels in the area, please visit www.cookeryandfoodfestival.co.uk/visitus