Chefs to showcase their skills at county show

Six top chefs will entertain the crowds at the cookery theatre at next month's Royal County of Berkshire Show

THE KNIVES are being sharpened for an all-star line up of local chefs demonstrating their skills at the Royal County of Berkshire Show next month.

Six top chefs are set to entertain and inspire the crowds, demonstrating their skills at a popular cookery theatre, making a return to the September 17/18 show.

Among these is Mike Robinson, who runs the renowned Pot Kiln in Frilsham, appears in the ITV television programme, Countrywise Kitchen, and owns the Michelin-starred pub, The Harwood Arms, in London.

Together with Alan Hayward, of Ashampstead butchers/game dealers, Vicars Game, he will be demonstrating Roe deer preparation and sausage making.

Graham White, of The Plough at Eastbury, will appear on both days with a demonstration about home-smoking meats called: ‘Smoking can be good for you'.

Former head chef of the Carnarvon Arms, Burghclere, Justin Brown, now of the Sun Inn (Dummer, Basingstoke), who holds an AA rosette, will be presenting home curing on the Saturday (September 17) and a selection of summer desserts on the Sunday (September 18).

Newcomer, Jean-Marc Bidegain, of The Compton Swan, will be demonstrating ‘sustainable seafood' whilst Alicia Gilbert, a winner from the local schools cookery competition, will take to the stage with Graham White, to demonstrate cooking for pleasure.

Also appearing this year for the first time will be The Fine Dining Academy's Chris Horridge, who specialises in nutritious dishes for specific diets, such as gluten-free and diabetics, without fat and sugar.

Mr Horridge, who takes the stage at 1pm on the Sunday (September 18) with his demonstration: ‘Naughty but nutritious - Truffles & other healthy treats!', said: “Naturally I'm passionate about food and my way of cooking it. It's great to get the chance to interact with cooking enthusiasts at a show like the Royal County of Berkshire, and I'm looking forward to my first appearance there.“