Jad Youssef

Joining this year’s chef line-up is Jad Youssef, the Beirut-born chef behind Surrey’s award-winning Lebnani. Founder of London’s Yalla Yalla in 2009, Jad is known for bringing bold, vibrant Lebanese flavours to the UK. Lebnani has earned an AA Rosette and praise from Jay Rayner for its “gloriously zingy Lebanese flavours,” as well as recognition from Be Inclusive Hospitality.

His cookbook Lebnani, out 23 March, celebrates authentic Lebanese cooking with 84 family recipes passed down through generations, alongside stories of resilience, hospitality and home.

At the festival, Jad will fire up the grill to cook a Lebanese Kafta Sandwich – Charcoal-grilled lamb kafta made with minced lamb shoulder and baharat, wrapped with cucumber labné, sweet charred red onion, and charred tomato with visitors invited to taste the flavours fresh from the BBQ.