Chester’s biggest foodie celebration is back – and it’s a special one! The Taste Cheshire Food and Drink Festival returns this Easter Weekend, from 19th – 21st April 2025, marking an incredible 25 years of delicious discoveries, chef talent, and foodie fun.
Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a curious first-timer, this year’s line-up promises to be a feast for the senses – and we’re thrilled to see some familiar faces from our guided food tours in Chester family taking centre stage!
Star-Studded Chef Demos
The chef demo stage is always a crowd favourite, and 2025 is shaping up to be one of the best yet. Celebrity Chef Phil Vickery will be appearing alongside the wonderful Nisha Katona, who returns on Easter Monday with her signature warmth, flavour, and food storytelling.
But what really excites us is seeing local legends and tour venue partners stepping into the spotlight…
From Surf to Shack: Martin Taylor of The Sandbar Seafood Shack
Appearing on Easter Sunday, Martin Taylor – aka The Surfing Chef – will showcase the same passion for seafood that makes his stall at Chester Market one of our tour highlights. With a background in fine dining (yes, he’s cooked for celebrities and even Royalty!), Martin swapped white tablecloths for wetsuits, surfing his way around the globe and discovering how accessible great seafood can be.
Inspired by the simple, flavoursome food he found on his travels, Martin returned to Chester and launched The Sandbar Seafood Shack. His mission? To bring fresh, affordable British seafood to the heart of the city – and trust us, he’s absolutely smashing it.
Sweet Success: Stephanie Peters of Pastry Pedaleur
Joining the stage on Easter Monday is another of our favourites: Stephanie Peters, the creative force behind Pastry Pedaleur. Formerly the pastry chef at the prestigious Chester Grosvenor, Stephanie honed her craft under Michelin Star chef Simon Radley before striking out on her own.
Founded in 2019, Pastry Pedaleur is now a must-visit destination in Chester Market, with people travelling from all over for a taste of her classic French pastries with a delicious Indian twist. From delicate tarts to indulgent éclairs, everything she creates is made with passion, precision, and a whole lot of heart.
Stephanie’s work has gained national attention, too – she wowed viewers on Channel 4’s Aldi’s Next Big Thing and recently featured in Marketing Cheshire’s campaign for Cheshire Day.
Over 120 Reasons to Visit
Of course, it wouldn’t be the Taste Cheshire Festival without the incredible exhibitor line-up. This year, you can explore over 120 food, drink and lifestyle stalls offering everything from artisan cheeses and gourmet street food to small-batch spirits and handmade homeware. It’s the perfect chance to meet producers, taste something new, and stock up on foodie treasures.
