Hexclad & Louisa's Honey
HexClad is a premium global kitchenware brand based in Los Angeles, known for its patented hybrid cookware that fuses stainless steel with non-stick for exceptional performance and durability. Since launching in 2016, HexClad has empowered cooks worldwide with revolutionary tools and was named one of America's fastest-growing brands in 2023. Partnering with them is Louisa’s Honey, a family-run business bringing award-winning Italian honeys to the UK. Sustainably harvested and rigorously tested for purity and antibacterial strength, Louisa’s varieties – including Bosco, Acacia, and Cherry – are known as the real nectar of Italy, with their high Total Activity (TA) scores setting them apart for both flavour and health benefits.
James Skelton
James Skelton, aka Silver Fox Cooks, is a MasterChef UK Series 18 semi-finalist known for his hearty dishes, standout pasta, and indulgent desserts. A PGA Golf Professional for over 20 years, James turned his lifelong passion for cooking into a second career, now hosting supper clubs, private dining experiences, and food demos across the UK. His ultimate dream? To combine golf and gastronomy into luxury travel experiences.
Instagram - @silverfoxcooks
Olayemi Adelekan
Olayemi Adelekan, aka Yummy By Design, is a MasterChef UK 2022 semi-finalist celebrated for her bold fusion of West African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, and European flavours. With over 40 years of cooking experience, she’s a private chef, food writer, and live demo regular at top UK food festivals. Through her weekly column Yemi’s Food Stories and her vibrant supper clubs, Olayemi shares the rich cultural stories behind every dish she creates.
Instagram - @yummy_bydesign
Jonathan Henry
Jonathan Henry, known online as ‘ThePlasticItalian’, is a self-taught food content creator on a mission to bring authentic, flavour-packed Italian cooking to British kitchens. Inspired by his lockdown move to London and a newfound love for hospitality, Jonathan built a loyal following by sharing simple, budget-friendly recipes rooted in the Italian tradition of Cucina Povera. Despite not growing up in a foodie household, his passion has taken him from home cook to honoured guest at the Italian Embassy and a rare British member of the Italian Culinary Consortium. With charm, creativity, and a nod to his hero Gennaro Contaldo, Jonathan is proving that you don’t have to be Italian to cook like one.
Instagram - @theplasticitalian
Nicky Laceby
Nicky, a fan favourite from The Great British Bake Off Series 14, won hearts with her joyful spirit and imaginative bakes—from the viral Norman the Beaver cake to her show-stopping Angus the Highland Cow bread. Originally from Scotland and now based in the West Midlands, she shares her passion through food festivals, recipe reels, and magazine features. A lifelong baker inspired by her Gran, Nicky brings warmth, creativity, and a dash of wanderlust to everything she makes.
Instagram - @nickybakesalot
Matthew Samuels
Matthew Samuels, MasterChef UK Quarter Finalist in 2023 and 2024, is known for his bold, soulful Caribbean flavours inspired by childhood memories cooking with his Jamaican family. Twice praised by judges for his unforgettable ackee and saltfish, Matthew is now stepping out of his culinary comfort zone—taking on the challenge of Italian cuisine for the first time. Bringing his signature creativity and respect for tradition, he’s ready to put a unique spin on Italian classics while staying true to his roots.
Instagram - @matthew_samuel1
Thuy Hoang
Thuy Hoang, a 2023 MasterChef UK Quarter Finalist, is a Vietnamese-born chef and food presenter known for championing the bold, fresh flavours of her heritage. Based in London, she teaches at the School of Wok, judges major UK food awards, and appears regularly at top food festivals. While Vietnamese cuisine is her speciality, Thuy is bringing a one-off Italian twist to Festival Italia—infusing her signature style into a unique dish that celebrates the crossover of cultures and flavour.
Instagram - @thuycooks