Great British Menu

Great British Menu

File:Great British Menu logo.png

Great British Menu logo

Great British Menu is a British television series that airs on BBC Two. The show features top chefs from across the United Kingdom competing to create a four-course menu that celebrates the best of British cuisine. The winning dishes are then served at a banquet for special guests, such as members of the military or Olympic athletes. In this article, we will explore the history, format, and notable chefs of Great British Menu.

History

Great British Menu first aired in 2006 and has since become a popular television program in the UK. The show was created by Richard Hopkins and Karen Ross, and it has been produced by Optomen Television since its inception. The series has run for over 16 seasons, and it has featured some of the UK's top chefs, including Marcus Wareing, Heston Blumenthal, and Tom Kerridge.

Format

Each season of Great British Menu features a different theme, such as a particular event or celebration. The chefs are then tasked with creating dishes that celebrate the theme while also showcasing the best of British cuisine. The competition is divided into several rounds, with the chefs presenting their dishes to a panel of judges that includes food critics and previous winners of the show.

In the final round, the remaining chefs compete to create a four-course menu that will be served at a banquet for special guests. The menu must include a starter, fish course, main course, and dessert, and the chefs are judged on their creativity, presentation, and taste.

Notable Chefs

Great British Menu has featured many notable chefs throughout its run, including some of the UK's top culinary talent. Some of the most notable chefs who have appeared on the show include:

Marcus Wareing - Chef Patron of the two Michelin-starred restaurant, Marcus.

Tom Kerridge - Chef Patron of The Hand and Flowers, the first pub to receive two Michelin stars.

Heston Blumenthal - Chef Patron of The Fat Duck, a three Michelin-starred restaurant.

Clare Smyth - Chef Patron of Core by Clare Smyth, a two Michelin-starred restaurant.

Sat Bains - Chef Patron of Restaurant Sat Bains, a two Michelin-starred restaurant.

Jason Atherton - Chef Patron of The Social Company, which operates several Michelin-starred restaurants.

Reception

Great British Menu has been well-received by critics and viewers alike. The show has been praised for its celebration of British cuisine and for its ability to showcase the skills of some of the UK's top chefs. Additionally, the show has helped to raise the profile of British food both in the UK and internationally.

Judges

• The judges of Great British Menu have included food critics such as Matthew Fort, Prue Leith, and Oliver Peyton. Guest judges have included celebrities, such as actress Joanna Lumley and musician Gary Barlow.

Contestants

• Over the years, many of Britain's top chefs have competed on Great British Menu. Notable contestants include Marcus Wareing, Heston Blumenthal, and Tom Kerridge.

Spin-offs

Great British Menu has also spawned several spin-off shows. In 2007, a special edition of the show aired in which the chefs created dishes inspired by iconic British inventions, such as the telephone and the steam engine. In 2012, a spin-off series called Great British Menu: Olympic Feast aired, in which the chefs created dishes inspired by the Olympic Games.

In 2015, a new spin-off series called Great British Menu: The Finals premiered, in which the winning dishes from previous seasons of the show were recreated and served at a special banquet. The show has also featured several Christmas specials, in which the chefs create festive dishes for a holiday banquet.

Impact

Great British Menu has had a significant impact on British cuisine and the hospitality industry. The show has helped to raise the profile of British food and has inspired many young chefs to pursue a career in the culinary arts. Additionally, the show has helped to promote sustainable and locally-sourced ingredients, as many of the chefs on the show prioritize using fresh, seasonal produce.

Criticisms

Despite its popularity, Great British Menu has also faced criticism from some quarters. Some have argued that the show is too focused on fine dining and high-end cuisine, and that it does not represent the full diversity of British food. Others have criticized the show for its lack of representation, as the majority of the chefs who have appeared on the show have been white and male.

Conclusion

Great British Menu is a popular television series that has helped to raise the profile of British cuisine and the hospitality industry. The show's format, which sees top chefs competing to create a four-course menu that celebrates the best of British food, has inspired many young chefs and food enthusiasts. Despite criticisms of the show, Great British Menu remains a beloved staple of British television.

Reception

• Great British Menu has been well received by audiences and critics alike. The show has won several awards, including a BAFTA for Best Feature in 2009. The program has also been credited with promoting British cuisine and inspiring home cooks.

External Links

Great British Menu on BBC Two Great British Menu on Optomen Television