The inaugural PubChef Live event was held last week at the Cock at Hemingford Grey in Cambridgeshire.
Finding new menu inspiration can be a tough challenge for pub chefs faced with the demands of running a busy kitchen.
PubChef Live aims to help pub chefs pick up new menu ideas, source new suppliers and find out more about the produce on offer in their region.
Five events are being held around the UK during 2005.
The Cock is a freehouse owned by Oliver Thain and Richard Bradley and has a turnover of £14,000 a week.
The duo also own the Crown and Punchbowl at Horningsea and a third pub, the Boathouse in Ely will open this Easter.
Chefs and pub owners from Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Buckinghamshire and Essex attended the PubChef Live event.
During the day chefs picked up tips on using regional produce on their menus, sampled some of the produce available in the region at a tasting session, heard from a pig farmer about the story behind why his meat tastes so special and were given a butchery demo, which showed chefs the versatility of forequarter and belly pork.
The day ended with a five-course meal featuring produce sourced from the region.
Hars Caroline, of the Bell Inn, Hordon on the Hill, Essex, said: "The event put loads of information on offer, was interactive and friendly."
Paul Capener, head chef, at the Unicorn, in Cublington, Buckinghamshire, said: "It's fantastic to get all these chefs together. Swapping ideas and talking to each other is very important and I've found it very useful."
PubChef Live II
The second PubChef Live event for chefs in the North, will be held at the Three Fishes in Mitton, Lancashire on Monday, 25 April.
The pub is owned by Ribble Valley Inns, a company set up by Northcote Manor's Nigel Haworth and Craig Bancroft.
The event costs £10 to attend, including your meal. If your are interested in attending please contact Sue Selby on 01293 610238 or e-mail sue.selby@william-reed.co.uk