Taste Cumbria Cockermouth is back on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 September – and Michelin-starred cookery is taking centre stage!
Chris Archer, head chef of the Pentonbridge Inn, is just one of the experts who will be appearing on the festival’s Demo Stage. He took the lead at the restaurant near Carlisle five years ago and achieved a lifetime dream in March 2023 when it was awarded a Michelin star. His style is modern British and dishes feature the best local ingredients, with fruit, vegetables and herbs provided by nearby Netherby Hall. The set tasting menus evolve with the seasons, with a focus on a first class dining experience in a relaxed, informal setting.
Chris said: “It’s been eight or nine years since I last did a cooking demo at Taste Cumbria and I am very excited to be back. I’m looking forward to sharing what I’ve been up to since then and giving an insight into my style of cooking and the sort of dishes we create at Pentonbridge Inn.
“Cumbria has an incredible food and drink scene and it’s a privilege to be part of it. Some of the best produce in the UK is on our doorstep and events such Taste Cumbria are an excellent showcase for our producers.”
Chris will appear on the Demo Stage at 10.30am on Saturday and he joins a host of food and drink experts, including Keswick-based Peter Sidwell who will be launching a new cookbook at 1pm on the same day.
Elsewhere in town there will be the biggest number of producers’ stalls the festival has seen since its creation in 2010, as well as a street party on Market Place, the Tractor Shed Brewing drinks tent and main stage on Memorial Gardens car park, with fairground rides and children’s activities, as well as street entertainers all around the town.
The festival is free to attend, though there are a number of ticketed events which are all now sold out. These include more Michelin-starred dishes at the Supper Club, hosted by The Cottage in the Wood and Low Hall the Lakes. There is also a Brush & Tipple arty workshop at The Vicky shared workspace, and a Comedy Night at Cockermouth Cricket Club.
The Taste Cumbria festivals are organised by Cumberland Council and boost the local economy by millions of pounds. On Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 November, Taste Cumbria is joining forces with Carlisle’s fireworks extravaganza, hosting a market in the heart of the city, then in December it’s time for festive food at the Taste Cumbria Christmas in Cockermouth on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8.