AS well as welcoming some of the country's most famous cooks, the food festival has showcased the skills of some of Bolton's top chefs.

Nick Cullen and Jon Jones were two of the talented chefs to appear in the festival's regional chefs marquee today.

Nick, a food columnist for The Bolton News, served up a treat during his well attended demonstration.

He concocted a fish inspired dish, with crab and hake herb crust and monkfish wrapped in bacon.

Nick, who opened Nick's Restaurant in Chorley Old Road in 2001, and in January 2012, his Nicks at Chequerbent restaurant in Manchester Road, Westhoughton, wowed the crowd with his tasty offerings.

He said: "I was a bit nervous at first, because it is the first time I have done this really, but it went really well, it was nice to cook in front of some people I know.

Jon Jones, who runs The Farmers Arms in Darcy Lever, created a dessert with a twist, with his Eton mess minestrone.

As well as delivering an eccentric twist on classic dishes, he is also known for his ‘Triple Bypass’ burger eating challenge, which The Bolton News reporter Jeremy Culley tried and ultimately failed to complete.

Now he has created a new ‘death by chocolate’ challenge, featuring a three kilo chocolate trifle.

Jon, originally from Cardiff, said: “Events like this are really good for the town, it helps to promote the town centre and it is good to promote the pub.”

Were you out enjoying the food and drink festival over the bank holiday weekend? Send your photographs to pictures@theboltonnews.co.uk