Experts bring their ideas to homes show

May 19 2008 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

Experts bring their ideas to homes show

CHEF Jean-Christophe Novelli, gardening expert Charlie Dimmock and Big Brother winner-turned-DIY expert Craig Phillips were on hand to show how the professionals do it at the North West Homes and Gardens Show, held over the weekend at the Echo Arena Liverpool.

Thousands of visitors flocked to the event, held over Saturday and Sunday.

The flamboyant French chef – a passionate Liverpool supporter – gave a number of cookery theatres over the two days promoting the best of North West food and produce.

Novelli, “the world’s sexiest chef” according to the New York Times, said of Liverpool: “I love the city, it's got a big place in my heart.”

His friends here include fellow chef Paul Heathcote.

Charlie Dimmock took amateurs’ questions during the event, and gave talks several times on the gardening stage.

“I love live work,” she said. “You meet such different people.

“People can be shy, feel their questions are a bit silly, but with gardening most of us experience similar difficulties.”

Craig Phillips and fashion presenter and stylist Hannah Sandling also held court at the “how to” and style stages respectively.

More than 80 exhibitors took part in the show, including Rapid Hardware, Bath Store, Lewis’s and Taskers.