Celebrity Chef Chris Flamebaster Roberts Ignites BBC One with Debut Fire-Cooking Series
Chris Flamebaster Roberts, a celebrity chef renowned for his passion for fire-cooking, is set to make his highly anticipated debut on BBC One this weekend. While he is already a familiar face in his native Wales, this new series, titled Flaming Feasts, will introduce his unique culinary approach to audiences across the entire United Kingdom.
A Pilgrimage Across Wales Celebrating Food and Community
In Flaming Feasts, Roberts embarks on a pilgrimage across Wales, showcasing top chefs, local producers, and epic food destinations. He travels extensively throughout the country, cooking his signature dishes with a fired-up technique that promises to captivate viewers. The series features a diverse range of settings and culinary adventures, highlighting the rich food culture of Wales.
- Flipping pancakes on the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Wales' highest peak.
- Learning a traditional Ukrainian recipe from refugee Victoriia in Aberteifi.
- Hosting a whole cow feast in Llanberis, recreating historic celebrations that marked the end of food rationing in 1954.
Roberts explains his philosophy: "I want people to understand that it’s not enough to just eat local—it's about celebrating it. We have incredible produce in Britain, and we should be shouting it from the rooftops."
From Support Worker to Globe-Trotting Chef: A Culinary Journey
Now a globe-trotting chef, Roberts first discovered the transformative power of cooking while working as a support worker. He used food to bring joy and connection to individuals with additional needs, but his love for cuisine began much earlier in life.
He recalls, "I’ve always loved food. I remember being around five years old, while my friends were glued to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Transformers, I was watching Keith Floyd and the legendary Two Fat Ladies."
His fascination with fire-cooking was ignited by his father's stories of trips to Patagonia, where tales of camping, fishing, and cooking Asado style with gauchos left a lasting impression. Roberts emphasizes, "Fire is primal—it’s seared into our DNA! Before gas, electric or microwaves, we ALL cooked with fire."
Exploring Wales' Food Heritage and Behind-the-Scenes Stories
Despite having cooked and feasted with top international chefs from New York to Japan, Roberts is now turning his focus to his homeland. In this series, he aims to uncover Wales' incredible food past, present, and future, bringing to light the hard work of local chefs and producers.
He adds, “There are so many incredible chefs and producers working so hard behind the scenes, and bringing their stories to the forefront—showcasing the love, sweat, and tears they pour into their craft, has been one of the most rewarding parts of the series.” Roberts admits that butter is the one ingredient he cannot live without.
The Origin of 'Flamebaster' and a Unique Cooking Technique
Roberts' nickname, Flamebaster, originates from his admiration for a medieval Scandinavian fire cooking technique involving the Flambedou—an ancient steel cooking funnel that becomes superheated in coals. He describes the process: "You hit it with bone marrow or some animal fat, and as it melts, it rains fire-basting droplets over your ingredients—steaks, oysters, grilled veg, fish—you name it, you can flamebaste it! While it’s highly visual, it’s all about the flavour, and trust me—it bangs like nothing else!"
Broadcast Details and Availability
Flaming Feasts will premiere on BBC One on Saturday, March 28, at 11:30 AM. The series will also be available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, allowing viewers to enjoy Roberts' fiery culinary adventures at their convenience.
