AWARD-WINNING chef Chris Wheeler will be showcasing his culinary skills at Taste of the South Festival next month.

Following his demonstration, Chris, an executive chef at Stoke Park, will be signing copies of his debut cookbook - The Ginger Chef Served Up.

Chris, who is originally from Swanage, says: “I’m delighted to be able to come home to Dorset and demonstrate at the Taste of the South Festival. I’m excited to be able to show people how to create a simple but stunning meal.”

Whilst continuing to manage the kitchens at Stoke Park, Chris started his consultancy and was appointed by Lamb and Wolf to advise on their chain of Dorset pubs and restaurants; The Angel in Poole and The Nothe Tavern & Kings Arms in Weymouth.

Chris is a familiar face on TV, appearing on Hell’s Kitchen 2 alongside Jean Christophe Novelli and more recently on BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen and Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch.

Taste of the South will be held at Chapel Gate, by Bournemouth Airport over the weekend of July 21-22 and will celebrate the south’s top talent in food, drink, art and culture.

Back by popular demand are Pete Murt, head chef at Rick Stein Sandbanks, Mark Hartstone from La Fosse at Cranborne, Asian food expert Sarah Ali Choudhury and Matt Budden, executive chef for Hilton Bournemouth.

Making their debut this year will be The Chocolate Chef, Christian Orner, Asian chef Andy Chu, and James Coward from Les Bouviers Restaurant in Wimborne, and Manash Choudhary from Hotel Collingwood.

Demonstrating all over the weekend are Clover Hutson who will be cooking in the Fisher & Paykel kitchen on July 21 and 22. Award-winning author and TV presenter, Richard ‘Foxy’ Fox, will also be hosting BBQ masterclasses on the Broil King stage.

Chef demonstrations are free to watch and access to the festival is £4 by advance ticket and £7 on the door. Children under-12 go free and parking is free.

For regular updates visit tastesouth.events or download the APP Taste of the South UK.