The Great British Menu is set to return for its 21st series on 24 February, airing on BBC Two and iPlayer. The cooking competition, hosted by Andi Oliver, will see 32 chefs from across Britain and Northern Ireland compete in eight heats. Their task is to create blockbuster dishes celebrating the British movie industry, with a connection to their region or nation.
New judge Phil Wang, a comedian, joins lead judge Tom Kerridge and Lorna McNee in the search for the next best in British cuisine. Each week, a veteran judge will score the dishes and select two chefs to cook for the panel and a guest judge. Only one chef per heat will advance to the finals, with the ultimate prize being the chance to cook at a banquet for the movie industry held at St George’s Hall in Liverpool, which featured as Gotham City Hall in Batman.
The chefs will draw inspiration from a wide range of British films, from blockbusters to independent cult classics. Judges noted that many chefs had deeply personal connections to the theme, often drawing on childhood memories and family influences. The series promises to showcase outstanding cookery, regional produce, and creative dishes that reflect the rich variety of British cinema.
Among the competing chefs are Louisa Ellis, Nikita Pathakji, Ash Valenzuela-Heeger, James Sherwin, John Chantarasak, Corrin Harrison, Dan Andree, Carl Cleghorn, Lawrence Barrow, Kristin Reagon, Callum Irwin, Marion Lancial, Jeffrey Robinson, Mark Tuttiett, Ciaran Brennan, and Martin Baylis. The series aims to introduce new stars in the making, with judges expressing excitement about the talent on display.
