Great British Menu

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Great British Menu is a British television cooking competition show that has been broadcast on BBC Two since 2006. The show features some of the best chefs from across the United Kingdom competing to create dishes for a prestigious banquet.

Format

The competition is divided into several stages, starting with regional heats. Chefs from different regions of the UK compete against each other to create a menu that represents their area. The regions include Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and various parts of England such as the North East, North West, South West, and London.

Each week, three chefs from a specific region compete in a series of challenges. They are judged by a veteran chef who has previously competed on the show. The chefs must prepare a starter, fish course, main course, and dessert. The dishes are scored, and the chef with the lowest score is eliminated mid-week. The remaining two chefs then cook their entire menu for a panel of judges.

Judges

The judging panel typically consists of three food critics and industry experts. Over the years, the panel has included notable figures such as Prue Leith, Matthew Fort, and Oliver Peyton. The judges taste the dishes and score them based on presentation, taste, and how well they fit the theme of the banquet.

Banquet

The climax of the series is the banquet, where the winning chefs from each region come together to cook their dishes. The banquet is usually held in a prestigious location and attended by notable guests, including celebrities, politicians, and other public figures. The theme of the banquet changes each year and has included events such as celebrating the Olympic Games, honoring the National Health Service, and commemorating World War I.

Notable Chefs

Many chefs who have competed on Great British Menu have gone on to achieve significant success in the culinary world. Some of the notable chefs include Tom Kerridge, Michael O'Hare, and Angela Hartnett.

Cultural Impact

Great British Menu has had a significant impact on the UK's culinary scene. It has helped to raise the profile of regional British cuisine and has provided a platform for chefs to showcase their skills. The show has also inspired viewers to explore and appreciate the diversity of British food.

Series Overview

The show has been running for multiple series, with each series featuring a new set of chefs and a new theme for the banquet. The format has remained largely consistent, although there have been some changes in the judging panel and the structure of the competition over the years.

See Also

• MasterChef (UK TV series)
• The Great British Bake Off
• Hell's Kitchen (British TV series)
• Saturday Kitchen