RIBBLE Valley chef Steven Smith is joining forces with one of London’s top cooks for a celebration of culinary talent across the country.

Steven, chef/patron of the award-winning Freemasons Country Inn, Wiswell, is working with Matthew Foxon, from the Criterion restaurant in the capital, to create a menu for the London Restaurant Festival American Express 10-10-10.

Ten of the capital’s best chefs – with 12 Michelin stars between them – have been paired up with 10 top regional chefs for the event on October 10.

Steven and Matthew have created a bespoke Sunday lunch menu which showcases each of their individual styles while introducing new collaborative ideas.

Their 10 dishes feature seasonal produce to create a taste of autumn, such as venison, leeks and hedgerow fruits, with Lancashire specialties also in the mix.

Courses include Goosnargh duck, Orkney scallops, Pugh’s piglet ‘head-to-toe, terrine, and lemon meringue pie with walnut whips.

Steven said: “I’m delighted to be i nvolved in such an exciting event and at the prospect of serving my food to a new and wider audience.

"I’m really happy with the menu we have created and I hope it will be well received on the day.”

Each of the 10 dishes will be complemented by a specially selected wine.

Steven and Matthew are in celebrated company, with Alain Roux, Raymond Blanc, Richard Corrigan, Tom Kerridge and Vivek Singh all lined up.