Great British Menu returns for 21st series

Great British Menu will return to BBC Two for its 21st series on 24 February.

 

Thirty-two chefs from across Britain and Northern Ireland will have the opportunity to cook at a banquet celebrating the British film industry at St George’s Hall in Liverpool, which features as Gotham City Hall in The Batman (2022), starring actor Robert Pattinson.

 

Chefs Tom Kerridge, Lorna McNee and presenter Andi Oliver are joined by comedian and new judge Phil Wang, who takes over from Ed Gamble.

 

A veteran judge will also join the panel every week to score dishes and choose the two chefs who will qualify for the next round. Only one of the chefs will be selected to represent their region or nation in the finals.

 

Kerridge said of the show: “Viewers can expect outstanding cookery once again, showing some exemplary skills from up and down the country, showcasing some of the most wonderful regional produce, alongside a great theme, where the judges chamber is joined by some incredibly talented, knowledgeable, and entertaining guests.”

 

McPhee added: “The viewers can look forward to loads of great story telling, some amazing creations with regards to interpretation of brief and style of food complexity. And loads of great laughs from Mr Phil Wang!”

 

Who are the chefs competing in Great British Menu 2026?

 

Week 1 - North West

• Jack Bond, the Cottage in the Woods
• Paul Leonard, Forest Side
• Exose Grant, Exose At Home
• Daniel Heffy, Nord

 

Week 2 - Scotland

• Hannah Rose, yacht chef
• Jun Au, Pomelo
• Rohan Wadke, Cameron House
• Orry Shand, Falls

 

Week 3 - Central Region

• Louisa Ellis, private chef
• Nikita Pathakji, supper club chef
• Ash Valenzuela-Heeger, Riverine Rabbit
• James Sherwin, Wild Shropshire

 

Week 4 - Wales

• John Chantarasak, AngloThai
• Corrin Harrison, Gwen
• Dan Andree, Penmaenuchaf Dolgellau
• Carl Cleghorn, Tyme By Carl Cleghorn

 

Week 5 - North East

• Cal Byerley, Restaurant Pine
• Jamie Keeble, Restaurant Mýse
• Ryan McVay, the Calabash Tree
• Weike Zhao, Wood Hall

 

Week 6- Northern Ireland

• Lawrence Barrow, Hearth and Tine
• Kristin Reagon, Finn Lough
• Callum Irwin, Cooked by Callum
• Marion Lancial, Mon Petit Chou

 

Week 7 - London & South East

• Abbie Hendren, Teal by Sally Abe
• Dana Choi, Jang
• Josh Hughes, Hide and Fox
• Vincent Smith, development chef

 

Week 8 - South West

• Jeffrey Robinson, Harbour View House St Ives
• Mark Tuttiett, Da Terra 
• Ciaran Brennan, Osip
• Martin Baylis, New Coast Kitchen