Top Chefs Show Their Skills at the Chatsworth Food and Drink Fair April 21 & 22

Top chefs, butchers and bakers will be sharing their skills at the Chatsworth Food and Drink Fair for the first time this year with the introduction of the AGA Rangemaster Cookery Theatre alongside the wonderful array of stallholders at the weekend event on April 21 & 22. 

The starry line-up includes Dan Brazill, Chatsworth’s executive chef; Alan Hill, Chef Patron for both The Devonshire Arms at Pilsley and The Devonshire Arms at Beeley and Michelin Chef Steve Smith from the Burlington Restaurant at the Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel, Bolton Abbey. Butcher Graham Booth will be joined by three bakers – James Brough, James Mettam and Chatsworth apprentice Chloe Empson - from the award winning Farm Shop to complete the expertise on show.

Demonstrations will take place at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm in the new AGA Rangemaster Cookery Theatre on Lodge Hill throughout Saturday and Sunday.

Alan Hill joined Devonshire Hotels in 2006 and became Patron Chef a year later, bringing a whole new approach to the kitchens, revamping menus and ensuring the use of local produce from quality suppliers, including much from the Chatsworth Estate.  He is the recipient of many awards including The Publican Food & Drink Awards 2010 “Chef of the Year” and the Derbyshire Food & Drink Awards 2010 “Gastro Pub of the Year” for The Devonshire Arms at Beeley.

         

Steve Smith joined the Devonshire Arms in April 2008 and very quickly regained the coveted Michelin Star for the Burlington Restaurant.  He brings a wealth of culinary knowledge having worked in and led some of the top kitchens in the country and at 24, was the youngest chef to gain a Michelin star.

Sourcing and nurturing local suppliers and certifying ethical standards of animal husbandry was at the top of the agenda when he first arrived to head up the kitchens at The Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel and Spa.  He has developed the use of the hotel’s own extensive kitchen gardens to provide quality seasonal produce. 

Richard Palmer, Head of Catering and Retail, Chatsworth said: “We are delighted to be welcoming these fantastic chefs, butchers and bakers to the food and drink fair. With the emphasis they place on using the best local produce, they will provide the perfect inspiration for visitors looking for ways to use the wonderful produce on offer.”

Hedgerow jellies, handmade cakes, biscuits, truffles, fudge and chocolate; award winning cheeses; curry sauces, oils, garlic, preserves and homemade ice-cream line up with brandy liqueurs, real ales, ciders, speciality teas and ground coffee.

Produce from the Chatsworth Farm Shop suppliers will be on offer as well as gourmet treats from further afield and a tasty selection of sweet and savoury dishes to enjoy on the day. There is no charge for the fair other than the car park fee of £3 per car. 

House, garden, farmyard and adventure playground are now open until December 23 2012. For more information and ticketing options including a 10 percent discount for online booking, visit www.chatsworth.org

Chatsworth is a member of the Treasure Houses of England, 10 of the most magnificent palaces, stately homes and castles in England. www.treasurehouses.co.uk