With just a few spaces remaining, guests have the opportunity to savour dishes from five of the Northwest’s award-winning chefs, who are coming together for an exclusive fundraising evening on Tuesday, 24th March from 6.15pm at Lancaster & Morecambe College. The event aims to raise vital funds for local charity CancerCare, which operates four centres across North Lancashire and South Cumbria.

In a mouth-watering twist, two of the evening’s chefs recently went head-to-head on national television. Jack Bond of The Cottage in the Wood, Whinlatter, and Paul Leonard of Forest Side, Grasmere, both competed in the Northwest regional heat of BBC Two’s Great British Menu. On 24th March, however, guests will have the rare privilege of seeing them cooking side by side, this time as collaborators rather than competitors.

Jack came out on top in what was a fiercely contested heat, earning his place in Finals Week, where he'll be battling for a coveted spot at the banquet, but Paul pushed him every step of the way and proved exactly why he is one of the region's most exciting culinary talents. If you've been watching the series, this is your chance to taste their food for yourself.

As dinner is served by the staff and students from the Kitchen Collective, members of Lancaster & Morecambe's Culinary School, guests will be able to savour five courses made up of dishes created by the following chefs using the finest locally sourced produce generously provided by local businesses:

Paul Leonard of Forest Side, Grasmere - fresh from his impressive Great British Menu campaign - will create snacks featuring New Season Asparagus, Morels, Wild Garlic & Ewes Curd.

Nina Matsunaga of The Black Bull & Tsuchi, Sedbergh, will serve up the starter of Howgill Herdwick Lamb & Kimchi Tartare, with Cured Hen's Egg Yolk and Puffed Rice.

Jack Bond of The Cottage in the Wood, Whinlatter - Great British Menu Northwest heat winner and now cooking in Finals Week - will cook the fish course of Roasted Cod, with Green Tomatoes & Nasturtium.

Ryan Blackburn of The Old Stamp House, Ambleside, will serve up the main course of Salt Aged Duck With Carrot, Blood Orange & Chicory, Confit Leg, and Duck Fat Brioche.

Oli Martin of Aven, Preston, will finish off the menu with a dessert of Parkin Tart, with White Chocolate, Rosemary & Forced Rhubarb.

Proceedings on the night will be hosted by Lorraine Stanton, a leading figure in the region's hospitality scene with over 40 years of industry experience. She began her career at the award-winning Michael's Nook Hotel in Grasmere and later served as General Manager of the Punch Bowl Inn, Crosthwaite, before going on to support hospitality businesses through training and consultancy. For more than a decade, Lorraine has also led the Food Theatre at the Westmorland County Show and similar events nationwide, championing regional talent and working with some of the UK's best-known celebrity chefs.

Tickets are priced at £150 per person, which includes a welcome glass of sparkling wine on arrival and a five-course set menu dinner. Additional drinks will also be available to purchase on the evening. Please note that, due to the nature of the event, a set menu is being served, which unfortunately means that the chefs are unable to cater for specific allergies or dietary requirements.

To purchase your ticket, please visit: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/100926

During dinner, there will be a silent auction and prize raffle, offering guests the chance to take away some fabulous items, including a Sail 'n' Dine Ploughman's lunch experience on Windermere, and a Michelin-starred culinary experience for two people at Source at Gilpin Hotel.

All proceeds raised by A Culinary Evening will be donated to CancerCare to help support their vital work helping people affected by cancer diagnosis, life-shortening illness, or sudden and unexpected bereavement, as well as providing cancer support for young adults and essential support for families.

Claire Mason, Head of Fundraising and Marketing at CancerCare, said: "We are thrilled to bring A Culinary Evening for CancerCare to Lancaster & Morecambe College for the first time. It promises to be a fantastic evening celebrating local produce, the exceptional talent of our region's chefs, including two who have just captivated audiences on BBC Two's Great British Menu, and, most importantly, raising the funds that enable us to support so many people every year."