Three chefs from North West England return to the kitchen, their culinary reputations on the line, in another installment of Great British Menu. With the coveted Blenheim Palace banquet looming, the pressure is on to impress veteran judge Paul Ainsworth. This week, the theme is “British icons,” and the resulting dishes are as eclectic as the figures they honor.
One chef takes inspiration from Cilla Black’s down-to-earth tastes, crafting a main course centered around liver, bacon, and cabbage – a culinary gamble that could either delight or horrify Ainsworth. Another contestant pays tribute to suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst with a more contemporary take: a black garlic and tofu ragu rosette, a dish that attempts to bridge the gap between historical significance and modern gastronomy. And then there’s the strawberry edible garden, a whimsical creation inspired by Liverpool’s Strawberry Fields and the enduring legacy of John Lennon.
Ainsworth, known for his discerning palate, doesn’t mince words when it comes to critiquing the dishes, leaving at least one chef facing elimination. While the culinary tributes to British icons are undoubtedly the focal point, the real drama, as always, lies in the interpersonal dynamics between the competitors. Will ambition get the better of them, or can they maintain a sense of camaraderie in the face of such high stakes?
Tune in to see whose dishes make the cut and who’s sent packing. One thing’s for sure: this episode of Great British Menu serves up a healthy dose of culinary creativity, cutthroat competition, and a dash of British history.
Great British Menu airs Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 8:00 PM on BBC Two.