Hector Henderson and Tom Barnes to headline 2026 Eat Well MCR x NRB fundraising dinner

Some of the UK’s most respected chefs will gather in Manchester next month as the sixth annual Eat Well MCR x NRB fundraising dinner returns on 9 March.

Taking place at Circolo Popolare in St Michael’s, the evening will bring together a wide-ranging line-up of extraordinary cooking talent, from Michelin-listed names to grassroots food heroes, all in support of the Eat Well MCR charity, which since 2020 has provided chef-cooked meals to those in food poverty across the region.

Among those leading the bill are Hector Henderson, head chef of the legendary Rochelle Canteen in Shoreditch, known for his seasonal, pared-back British cooking, and Tom Barnes, Roux Scholar and chef-patron at Skof in Manchester, which was awarded a Michelin Star in 2025.

They will be joined by Ahmed Abdalla of Legacy at The Grand in York, Chris Trundle of Climat, Alfonso Esposito of Circolo Popolare, Jamie Pickles of Stow, Livia Alarcon of CHIN-ZANO, Shaun Moffat and Tom McManus of Winsome, Natalia Ribbe of Sète in Margate, Paul Durand of Manifest in Liverpool, Richard Carver of Honest Crust and Proloco, Rich Shaples of Loafibakehouse in Ramsbottom, and Zosima Fulwell, aka Mama Z.

The chef line-up has been curated by Eat Well MCR co-founder chef Mary-Ellen McTague, with the evening hosted once again by Emily Spowage.

Guests can expect welcome drinks and canapés followed by a specially curated multi-course dinner, paired with selected drinks. After dinner, Living Room Dance Club and DJ Lenny will provide the soundtrack into the evening.

Proceeds from the dinner will fund chef-made meals for families living in temporary accommodation, women seeking refuge, food banks and schools supporting families in need.

With much of the event supported by industry partners, organisers say at least 80% of funds raised will go directly towards providing meals.

Click here to get tickets…