Renowned chefs and cookery experts to delight foodie visitors to the Kitchen Theatre

The GWCT Scottish Game Fair is back, and it’s time for food enthusiasts and game cooking connoisseurs to get excited as the schedule for this year’s Kitchen Theatre has been unveiled. Over the three days of the event, the Kitchen Theatre hosts skilled chefs and cookery experts from across Scotland will showcase their culinary skills and creative flair, with a focus on Scottish game and wild foraged food. Here are the highlights from this year’s Kitchen Theatre:

Friday Highlights

Kicking off the cooking demos on Friday morning is the talented Lucy Pattinson, an up-and-coming private chef, skilled hunter, and avid angler. Specialising in outdoor fire cooking and putting game on the table, Lucy’s will showcase the art of butchery before preparing pigeon breast in two ways, revealing the versatility of this simple game bird.

At 11:30 am, Andrew Spence, former executive head chef at Raffles St Anton and currently leading the award-winning kitchen at The Boars Head in Auchtermuchty, Fife, will take the stage for his demonstration, ‘Game Birds Made Simple.’

As lunchtime approaches, watch chefs Richard Dalgleish and Ben Gallier from the prestigious Gleneagles country hotel demonstrate how they craft a guest favourite dish from scratch – they will take the stage at 12:30pm.

Saturday Highlights

The second day’s demos begin with an appearance from Tim Maddams, a free-range chef, responsible hunter, and ethical food advocate. Formerly head chef at River Cottage, Tim will prepare a seasonal three-course meal at 10:30am, showcasing the versatility and deliciousness of game meats.

At 10:30am, slow food and foraging expert Amy Rankine will guide participants on a captivating foraging walk through the enchanting grounds of Scone Palace where she will share the ethical dos and don’ts of foraging. Following the walk, she will return to the Kitchen Theatre at 12:00pm sharp to prepare a delectable dish using game and the ingredients she has foraged.

Next on stage at 1:00pm is Tom Lewis, the innkeeper and chef at Monachlye Mhor, a luxurious boutique hotel nestled on the banks of Loch Voil, and Mhor 84, a motel, restaurant, bar, and cafe in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Tom’s family has long prioritised sourcing food from reputable origins, and his demonstration will showcase his passion for locally sourced ingredients.

At 2:00pm, Harris McNeill, head chef from The Feasts by Ballintaggart, will share his secrets for creating a tantalising rabbit ravioli dish. Drawing inspiration from Scotland’s natural larder, Harris’s culinary creations reflect the changing seasons and ingredients grown in the Ballintaggart Farm kitchen garden or foraged from the surrounding fields and woodlands.

Sunday Highlights

Kick-start your Sunday at 11:00am with a kids’ cookery workshop hosted by Daniela Forbes, an Edinburgh-based chef and dedicated food educator. Daniela’s passion lies in teaching children how to create healthy and delicious food, and during the workshop, she will teach attendees how to make mouthwatering venison burgers.

At 12:15pm, Andrew Moss, co-owner of The North Port restaurant in Perth, will take the stage to present a masterclass in cooking rabbit. Known for creating exceptional dishes with ingredients sourced from local growers, breeders, suppliers, and foragers, Andrew’s passions and culinary experience are the perfect match for this event.

Prepare for a culinary delight at 3:15pm as celebrity chef Nick Nairn showcases his talents. With a repertoire that includes Scottish roe haunch two ways, pepper medallions with a whisky mushroom sauce, and Indian spiced meatballs with makhani sauce, Nick promises to leave the audience in awe. Don’t miss this chance to witness his culinary prowess.

Steve Brown will take the stage at 4:00pm on Sunday to wrap up the weekend’s Kitchen Theatre demonstrations. A veteran of the culinary world, Steve will demonstrate how to create the perfect French dip steak sandwich using exquisite venison. As the founder of catering company Pop, Steve aims to provide top-notch food that is conscious of people, place, and the planet.

The Kitchen Theatre at The GWCT Scottish Game Fair is a must-visit for all game cooking enthusiasts and food lovers. With a diverse lineup of esteemed chefs and emerging female voices in Scottish cuisine, this culinary extravaganza promises three days filled with culinary magic. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Scottish game cooking, celebrate the rich larder of Scotland, and indulge your taste buds at the Kitchen Theatre.