Watch our top chefs in action as they prepare their signature dishes and share their culinary secrets. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you’ll pick up tips and tricks to take your cooking to the next level.
CHEF LINE UP
Growing up in New Zealand, Jude was exposed to the diverse food cultures of the Asia-Pacific – not least through his mum who is Chinese-Malay. He moved to London to pursue his culinary career, and subsequently to Porthleven where he and his wife Jane opened first the Smokehouse, succeeded by Kota.
Boasting three AA Rosettes and a Bib Gourmand amongst a plethora of other accolades, this fine dining restaurant is known for its Asian-inspired dishes made using prime local ingredients. A few years later Kota Kai joined the fold, serving food in a similar vein but in a small plates format, overlooking the Porthleven harbour.
Jude has appeared on The Great British Menu several times, becoming South West Champion in 2021 and impressing viewers and judges with his warm personality and great food. Jude has also been extremely active in supporting the charity Hospitality Action amongst other good causes. He also kindly provided the Foreword for Truro Farmers Market – The Cookbook.
Kate was born and raised in Cornwall, and went to school in Truro. With an Iranian father and British mother, she grew up surrounded by international flavours and naturally brings this variety and originality to her cooking. After a number of years in London where Kate gained valuable experience in the hospitality industry at Michelin star level, she returned to Cornwall to marry and raise her family.
In 2015 Kate hosted a number of sell-out supper club events from her home in Truro, showcasing Iranian food to Cornish audiences in an intimate and informal setting.
An appearance on Masterchef in 2018 spurred her on to follow her dreams and embark on a career in the food industry. She opened Sabzi Deli in Truro in 2019 and three more neighbourhood eateries followed in Padstow, Falmouth, and Nansledan.
Incorporating elements from her Iranian heritage (Sabzi means ‘green herbs’ in Farzi), Kate’s food is colourful, wholesome, and eclectic. Using seasonal fruit and veg, the choice of salads, pulses, and dahls evolves daily, and everything is designed to takeaway, fuelling busy lifestyles with nourishing, heart-warming food.
Since growing up in his parents’ guesthouse in Southampton, Paul Ainsworth has spent a lifetime in hospitality. Watching and helping his parents at work, he developed a strong sense of drive and determination from the outset. His career has led him from Southampton to London and finally Cornwall, where Paul began his restaurant empire, The Ainsworth Collection, that includes the Michelin-starred Paul Ainsworth at No6; CiCi’s, a relaxed bar above the restaurant; a Mediterranean-style bistro, Caffè Rojano; Padstow Townhouse, a boutique 6-bedroom hotel, and The Mariners Public House, Paul's take on a traditional pub. Supported by his wife and business partner Emma Ainsworth, alongside their two daughters, Aricie (born 2016) and Audrey Bloom (born 2024), the couple offer outstanding hospitality across the entire group.
July 2024 saw the release of Paul’s debut cookbook, For the Love of Food, which became a Sunday Times Bestseller in under a week of publication. Inspired by the culinary memories that have made up his life, each segment explores a different chapter of his journey and the restaurants that have helped him grow. From land to sea, the book has comforting classics covered, in addition to showstoppers reminiscent of his work at Michelin-starred Paul Ainsworth at No6.
Join Caitlin Walsh, founder of award-winning Delea Fermented Foods for a deep dive in to gut-loving fermented foods with a live Sauerkraut demo.
Learn all about different ferments from around the world including kimchi, kefir, kombucha and more. Find out where they come from, what they taste like and their many health benefits!
Caitlin was first introduced to fermentation alongside the gut microbiome whilst on her travels. Having suffered with IBS for most of her life, she continued her research into gut health, experiencing first hand how a greater understanding of nutrition and eating live fermented foods can improve physical and mental health. Now, through workshops and talks, she aims to share her knowledge and experience in the hope of empowering others in their own gut health journeys.
Ben Quinn is a renowned chef based in Cornwall, UK, known for his innovative approach to cooking and hospitality. He is the founder of Woodfired Canteen, a venture that specializes in unique dining experiences, often involving cooking over fire and communal dining setups. Ben has a rich background in the culinary world, having worked in top restaurants across the UK and Australia. His early memories of cooking for his large family in County Donegal fuel his passion for creating memorable dining experiences centered around human connection and good values.
Ben has been actively involved in various culinary events and collaborations, including feeding NHS staff during the pandemic and participating in major food festivals like Meatopia and Wilderness Festival. His approach to sustainable and community-focused food practices is evident in his work with Newquay Orchard, where he supports a community-supported agriculture model to reduce food miles and promote a circular economy in food production.
Athina Selina is the co-founder of The Magic Whisk, a microbakery based in St Austell, Cornwall. Originally from Greece, Athina moved to Cornwall in 2021 with her partner Bruno after spending a decade in London, where they gained extensive experience working in prestigious five-star hotels such as The Dorchester and The Berkeley. Athina’s culinary journey began in London, where she honed her skills as a pastry chef and worked at renowned establishments including the Royal Lancaster Hotel.
The Magic Whisk started as a blog where Athina shared her passion for baking and patisserie, which has now grown into a successful bakery. Known for their delicious patisserie treats, including their signature Basque cheesecake, Athina and Bruno operate from a vintage pink van, delivering their baked goods across Cornwall and participating in local markets. Their dedication to quality and community is evident in their efforts to expand their business and engage with customers both locally and through various online platforms.
At just 22, Charlie Walters has already impressed some of the toughest culinary critics in the country. Born and raised in Cornwall, he started working in kitchens at the age of 14 and food gradually became a real passion. He gained valuable experience at The Mariners in Rock, then at The Sardine Factory in Looe.
Following his successful appearance on Masterchef: The Professionals where he was a Finalist in 2023, Charlie has now opened his own restaurant. Charlie Walters at The Gate is described as restaurant within a boutique hotel, served refined Cornish small plates. We can’t wait to give it a try!
Kate Martin, alongside her husband Will, runs Treway Farm in Grampound, Cornwall. They are first-generation farmers who bought the farm in 2007 with a passion for traditional farming methods and high animal welfare standards. Treway Farm is renowned for its award-winning bronze turkeys and pedigree shorthorn cattle. The couple diversified into turkey farming in 2016 and have grown their operation significantly, adhering to the Golden Turkey Standard, which ensures their birds are reared to the highest welfare standards and fed a natural diet, contributing to their exceptional flavor.
The Martins’ commitment to sustainability and quality extends to their beef production as well. Their shorthorn cattle are grass-fed and raised to develop fine marbling and deep flavor, with the beef being dry-aged for 28 days. Treway Farm products are sold directly to customers at local markets and through their website, reflecting Kate and Will’s dedication to maintaining a close connection with their community and customers
Tom’s career in cooking began after he discovered his passion while working part-time in a local pub, despite his initial focus on Business and Further Maths. He worked his way up through various kitchens, from large gastropubs to boutique hotels, and trained at The Driftwood Hotel in Portscatho under Michelin-starred chef Chris Eden. Embracing the community spirit of gastropubs, Tom took over The Rising Sun a decade ago, transforming it into a celebrated venue.
Under Tom’s leadership, The Rising Sun has earned numerous accolades, including Cornwall, South West, and Visit England Tourism Awards, Trencherman’s Awards, Taste of the West Best Dining Pub, and a spot in the Top 100 Gastropubs list. Tom’s approach to menu development emphasizes seasonality and local sourcing, reflecting a dynamic menu that evolves with nature. He values the relationships with local suppliers, integrating their expertise to create dishes that celebrate the best of Cornwall’s produce. Tom believes in the synergy of seasonal ingredients, stating, “What grows together goes together,” ensuring that The Rising Sun’s offerings are both fresh and innovative.
Todd’s life in the kitchen began at the age of 15, washing up in an Italian restaurant. His Head Chef discovered he had an aptitude for cooking, and he was soon juggling pans, pizza dough and pasta alongside his studies.
Fast-forward a few years and Todd was using his culinary skills to take him to places as far flung as the French Alpes, the Maldives, and New Zealand, cooking aboard super yachts and in high-end ski chalets.
However, as his third decade approach Todd was hankering for the west country and he settled in Cornwall, throwing himself into the vibrant local food scene as well as dabbling with cider making and mentoring young chefs.
Todd currently works as Breakfast Chef at the Royal Duchy in Falmouth, which gives him the time to deliver private chef experiences and, luckily for us, work on passion projects like Truro Farmers Market – The Cookbook. Todd devised and cooked all the dishes in this wonderful book, showcasing Truro Farmers Market producers and providing seasonal food inspiration throughout the year.
Nick Hemming is the award-winning chef and owner of The Heron Inn in Malpas, Cornwall. With over 35 years of culinary experience, Nick has a passion for fresh, locally sourced seafood, which is reflected in the gastropub’s menu that changes with the seasons. His dedication to quality and local produce has earned The Heron Inn numerous accolades, including the “Licensee of the Year” by the British Institute of Innkeeping in 2022. Nick and his wife Amanda have transformed The Heron Inn into a popular destination for both locals and visitors, known for its exemplary hospitality, stunning riverside views, and delicious, sustainably sourced dishes
Andrew Tuck, also known as Andi Tuck, is a prominent chef from Cornwall, currently leading the kitchen at Tartan Fox in Newquay. Known for his passion for open-fire cooking and creating innovative flavor combinations, Andrew has made a significant mark on the Cornish food scene. His culinary journey began at a young age, inspired by fishing trips with his father and starting his career as a kitchen porter at 14. Over the years, he has worked with notable chefs like Ben Quinn and Simon Stallard and has been featured on Rick Stein’s Cornwall Series 2.
Andrew gained wider recognition through his appearances on BBC Two’s Great British Menu in 2023 and 2024, where he showcased his skills and creativity, becoming a regional semi-finalist. Before his current role, he was the head chef at the award-winning St. Kew Inn, which ranked 36th on the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastro Pubs list. His dedication to using local, seasonal ingredients and his innovative approach to cooking have earned him a loyal following and numerous accolades in the culinary world
Ugo Massabo, the founder of The Cornish Italian, transitioned from a career in theatre to culinary entrepreneurship, inspired by his late father’s tiramisu recipe. Originally from Garbagnate Milanese, Italy, Ugo began his venture in 2018 by hand-making tiramisu in eco-friendly glass jars using high-quality Cornish and Italian ingredients. His tiramisu, branded as TiramisUGO, quickly garnered acclaim, winning awards such as the Gold Taste of the West and a One Star Great Taste award.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ugo adapted by delivering Italian ready meals directly to customers’ doors, which helped his business thrive. He later expanded his offerings with The Cornish Italian Trattoria, a food truck providing authentic Italian street food across Cornwall. This venture led to the establishment of his first restaurant, bringing a touch of Italian culinary excellence to the heart of Cornwall
Of Punjabi heritage, Jasmine has lived in a number of different regions in India but her formative years were spend in Rajasthan. She learned her cooking methods and speciality dishes from various family members but inherited a real love for homely food from her grandmother.
Alongside husband Ben, Jasmine started MahaMasala – a high-quality spice company. Cornishman Ben shares Jasmine’s love of Indian cuisine having travelled extensively there. The couple opened Daaku – first in Penryn followed by a move to Falmouth – which has become known as one of the best places to eat Indian food in the whole of the South West.
Whenever Ben or Jasmine are cooking, you can expect a real treat. An inspired fusion of fresh and local ingredients with deeply authentic Indian cooking, combined with a willingness to experiment, makes for exceptional taste experiences.
Adam Kesacoff, known as The Aussie Smoker, is a celebrated pitmaster hailing from Perth, Australia. Growing up in a vibrant family environment where barbecues were a staple of gatherings, Adam developed his passion for BBQ early on. This passion led him to establish The Aussie Smoker in Cornwall, UK, where he now resides with his family. Adam’s journey into the culinary world was unconventional; he honed his BBQ skills while working various jobs, including as a gym instructor and lifeguard, before fully diving into his catering business.
The Aussie Smoker specializes in both meat and vegan BBQ options, providing services for weddings, corporate events, and private parties. Adam’s dedication to authentic barbecue techniques and his innovative approach have earned his business several accolades, including multiple gold awards from Taste of the West. His use of traditional family recipes, coupled with his creative flair, has made The Aussie Smoker a beloved name in the UK BBQ scene