One night only - Adam Smith and Mark Poynton's Michelin-starred dinner

Two Michelin-starred chefs are coming together this autumn as Adam Smith of Coworth Park joins Mark Poynton for a one-off collaborative dinner at Ancient Shepherd’s.

The event will take place on October 8th, offering guests an eight-course menu that celebrates autumn and the very best of seasonal produce.

A showcase of two styles

Each chef will prepare four dishes, designed to highlight their individual approaches while blending into a cohesive dining experience.

The menu, priced at £150 per person with an optional £95 wine flight, includes dishes such as BBQ’d scallop with smoked roe, citrus and golden oscietra caviar; poached cod with Mark’s signature curry sauce; Wyndford Farm wagyu with shallot, parsley and mustard; and apricot and almond ice cream sandwiches.

The collaboration will see Adam bring his precise, elegant cooking - rooted in classical technique yet modern in execution - alongside Mark’s bold, flavour-led style. Together, they aim to create a memorable evening that reflects their shared respect for ingredients.

Adam Smith: from Roux Scholar to Michelin star

Adam first came to prominence after winning the Roux Scholarship, one of the most prestigious accolades for young chefs. Since then, he has built a reputation as one of the UK’s leading culinary talents. At Coworth Park, his food is known for refinement, balance and storytelling, quickly earning a Michelin star and a loyal following among diners who appreciate his combination of precision and modernity.

Mark Poynton: shaping Cambridge dining

Mark has long been part of the Cambridge dining scene, first as chef-patron of Alimentum, where he secured a Michelin star, and more recently at Restaurant Mark Poynton at Caistor Hall, recognised with a Michelin star in the 2025 Guide. His food is defined by bold flavour, technique and an eye for seasonality.

Read more: Michelin-starred chef Mark Poynton launches new restaurant in Cambridgeshire

This July he opened Ancient Shepherd's, a restaurant with rooms on the site of his former MJP @ The Shepherd’s. The new venture offers a tasting-menu-only format, set within a characterful village pub that places emphasis on sustainability, seasonality and British produce.

A perfect setting

Ancient Shepherd’s, with its intimate dining room and warm atmosphere, makes a fitting backdrop for the collaboration. Both chefs share a philosophy of cooking with integrity and focusing on the ingredient first. For guests, the evening promises not only technical brilliance but also a true celebration of flavour.