A finalist in series 14 of Great British Bake Off, Bollington-based Dan Hunter wowed Paul Hollywood, Prue Leith and Noel Fielding with his brilliant bakes. This month, he will be one of the top bakers, cooks and chefs at this months Foodies Festival at Tatton Park, Knutsford. The 43-year-old allocation advisor, who lives with wife Natalie and sons, Rory and Sam, started cooking and baking in 2007, appearing on the popular Channel four show in 2023. Here, he shares his food loves.
Tells us a little about what you have been up to recently.
Since Bake Off finished I am still working but have been around the country at food festivals doing demos. I’ve held some baking classes, some private dining and of course had plenty of cake requests.
Why did you want to be involved with Foodies Festival? What are you looking forward to?
I really wanted to be involved as its local to me so means that much more. Local support during and since Bake Off has been so special. To be a local and part of the line-up is very special, and to celebrate food from the area with amazing chefs and bakers is going to be great fun! It’s going to be an amazing weekend for all the family. I am really looking forward to meeting everyone at the festival and, of course, trying some amazing food.
What memories stand out for you and your Great British Bake Off experience?
Getting star baker on week one and, of course, the famous Paul Hollywood handshake in week nine. Getting to the final was a very proud moment for me and my family.
First dish/bake you learned to cook?
One of my earliest bakes I remember was a chicken and leek pie with my own pastry, I was so pleased with myself.
Most vivid childhood food memory?
My mum’s meat and potato pie, and also milk jelly which I still love now.
Most memorable meal out?
Le Champignon Sauvage in Cheltenham. An incredible restaurant.
Favourite ingredient?
Lemon, it is such an underrated flavour enhancer.
Your go-to snack?
Crisps.
Your dream dinner guest?
Billy Connelly, he’s had an amazing life, and I would love to listen to all his stories, I know it would be a very funny evening.
What's your guilty food pleasure?
Ham, cheese and crisp butty – and there’s nothing to be guilty about.
Who are your Cheshire food and drink heroes?
There are too many to mention. But I’d love to give a huge shout out to all the independent restaurants, delis and pubs offering something different around Bollington and Macclesfield. I think it’s probably the best it’s ever been for food around there and it has been under really tough conditions. They are absolute heroes.
A place you love to eat?
The Picturedrome in Macclesfield is superb for the variety of quality food and drink on offer.
A career highlight?
Having a slice of cake with Ryan Reynolds and his family, with Paul Hollywood and Noel Fielding. It was very surreal. They were all lovely people.
What's next?
I am hopefully working towards a book this year and plenty more food festivals.
Dan’s favourite bake
My rhubarb and custard cake sent me on my way during Bake Off and helped to win the judges over with my flavours. I love this bake and always believed in what I was making which represents what I’m all about.
A festival of food
Foodies Festival, the UK’s biggest touring celebrity food and music festival series, returns to Tatton Park, 12th–14th July 12th – 14th with brand new features and a star-studded line-up of celebrity chefs and chart-topping music stars, including Example, Blue and Sister Sledge
Known as Gastro-Glastonbury, the three-day event will feature live cooking demonstrations from TV celebrities and chefs drawn from the ranks of MasterChef, Great British Bake Off and Great British Menu.
Along with Dan, the line-up also includes two-time winner of Great British Menu, Adam Reid, chef-patron from 4AA Rosette awarded Adam Reid at The French in Manchester, MasterChef champion Tom Rhodes, Great British Menu finalist, Danielle Heron, from Osma, Prestwich, MasterChef 2023 finalist, Omar Foster, Channel 4 Beat The Chef, MasterChef contestant and author, Yui Miles, BBC1’s Best Home Cook finalist, Sarah Woods, from Wilmslow and TV and radio presenter, Matt White.
Showcasing the best of the North West, many of the region’s most-highly acclaimed Michelin and multi-award-winning chefs will also appear. Including: head chef, Andrew Green, from AA Rosette awarded Mottram Hall, Macclesfield, chef-patron, Luke Payne, from Michelin recommended Pack Horse, Hayfield, chef-patron, Richard Nuttall, from Michelin recommended Next Door, Frodsham, chef-patron, Valentina Aviotti, from Michelin Plate awarded Da Noi and Augusto Pizzeria in Chester and Great British Menu star and chef-patron, Stuart Collins, from Michelin recommended Docket No 33.
There is also a Cake and Desserts Theatre, Kids Cookery School, masterclasses in the Drinks Theatre, a shopping village, artisan market and feasting tent, which features a mouth-watering range of street food and delicacies from all four corners of the globe.
For the fifth year running, the festival will support Musicians Against Homelessness (MAH) with tickets helping to raise money for UK-wide homelessness charity Crisis.
foodiesfestival.com
