Heston Blumenthal to create London 2012 menu for British Airways

Michelin-starred chef Heston Blumenthal is on the hunt for an up and coming chef to design a signature British Airways menu for passengers flying to the UK for the Olympic Games.

The move is part of a wider initiative by BA - the official 2012 Olympic airline - to showcase British talent to those visiting the UK.

The successful candidate will create an appetising British menu inspired by London 2012 and the food will be served in all cabins to millions of customers on board flights in the run up to and during the Games. Blumenthal will provide one-on-one mentorship, while BA will provide financial support.

Blumenthal said: "I thrive on creativity and developing new and exciting dishes, and I'm looking to find someone who shares this enthusiasm. Together we will showcase British cuisine at its best and at 35,000ft."

Britons aged 16 and over who have an interest in food, as well as a background in the catering industry, can enter the competition. A panel of judges, including Blumenthal and Taste Festivals, will select a shortlist of finalists to present their ideas to them. They will be judged on criteria including creativity, passion, experience and raw talent.

Opportunities to work with actor, writer and director Richard E Grant on a film script and artist Tracey Emin on a unique art project are also being offered under the BA Great Britons programme. Both productions will be used on British Airways flights in the run up to the London 2012 Games.

Luisa Fernandez, British Airways' global sponsorship manager, said: "We're proud to bring the most celebrated British talent together with some of the best up and coming British talent in the run up to the London 2012 Games."

The deadline for entries is 27 July 2011 and more information can be found at www.ba.com/greatbritons

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<span class="Á"noindexÁ"">By Helen Gilbert

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