Chefs sharpen their knives ready for food festival treats

Organisers at Hull’s business improvement district (BID) said last year’s event attracted 30,000 people and they are hoping to build on that, while raising the profile of the catering and hospitality industry, and giving businesses a chance to boost their own food sales.

There will be a launch event in a marquee in Princes Dock Street on Thursday night to coincide with Hull Jazz Festival, with the two-day Yum! programme starting on Friday.

Recipes that date back generations will be presented alongside the best in modern cuisine.

TV chef Gerard Baker will compere events in the chef’s theatre, with participating chefs including Mark Barrett from The Wilson in Hull and James Mackenzie, from the Michelin-starred Pipe and Glass restaurant at South Dalton.

BID manager Kathryn Shillito said: “The first Yum! Festival was a great success so we’ve kept the best of that and added a few new ingredients. We’re joining forces with the Hull Jazz Festival for a launch event on Thursday night and then there will be two days of celebrating and enjoying some fantastic food creations.

“It’s a great opportunity to promote our hospitality and catering businesses and it’s also important for local retailers who will find themselves with thousands of budding chefs all wanting to try out some new ideas.”

Apprentice chefs Alex James of the Millhouse, Skidby, and Ryan McPherson of The Starr Inn, Sancton, will go head to head in a “cook off” for the Copper Saucepan award.