Image: BBC Press
By Jon Donnis
Great British Menu is back for its 20th season on BBC Two and iPlayer, promising an exciting lineup of culinary talent, British history, and a fresh addition to the judging panel. Lorna McNee, a former Great British Menu Champion and one of the UK's most accomplished chefs, will join Tom Kerridge and Ed Gamble as they seek out the nation's next top chef. McNee, currently Chef Director at the Michelin-starred Cail Bruich in Glasgow, steps into the role previously held by Nisha Katona, who has departed after three years on the show.
McNee's career story is inspiring. Starting out in the small town of Forres in Moray, she has risen through the ranks to become Scotland's only Michelin-starred female chef. She credits her 2018 win on Great British Menu with opening doors that led her to her current position at Cail Bruich. Now, she is thrilled to help guide a new generation of chefs through the competition. Andi Oliver, the show's host and mentor since 2017, has warmly welcomed McNee and describes her as a fantastic fit for what the show is all about: championing diversity, excellence, and compelling stories from the culinary world.
This season's theme, "Great Britons," gives chefs a unique opportunity to honour key figures from British history, with a focus on well-known icons as well as lesser-known heroes. Chefs will prepare dishes inspired by these figures, representing their local regions and the people who shaped them. In each episode, a guest judge with strong regional ties will join the judging panel. For instance, in Scotland, the guest judge is Ben Thomas, an RNLI volunteer and firefighter who was recognised at the 2024 Pride of Scotland awards. Judges and viewers alike are looking forward to the stories and inspirations that will come to life in this year's lineup of dishes.
Head judge Tom Kerridge is particularly enthusiastic about McNee joining the panel. As a Michelin-starred chef himself, he knows McNee's experience will add depth to the judging process, helping to elevate the standard of competition. Kerridge believes McNee's presence will push the chefs to aim even higher. Comedian Ed Gamble, known for bringing a dose of humour to the table, will undoubtedly add his own light-hearted perspective to the judging panel.
Fans of Great British Menu know the show is as much about storytelling as it is about the food itself. The chefs' creations often highlight the people and heritage of their regions, and this season's theme will bring a special focus on local heroes and historical icons. Each guest judge will bring their own connection to the region they represent, adding to the depth of the stories that unfold in each episode.
Sarah Eglin, the show's Executive Producer, expressed her excitement about this milestone season. Eglin shared that Great British Menu has showcased top culinary talent from across the UK for two decades. She is thrilled to see McNee bring fresh energy to the panel, believing her journey as a chef perfectly aligns with the show's mission. Eglin also extended a heartfelt thank you to Katona for her years of dedication, wishing her well as she moves on from the programme.
Great British Menu has become one of the UK's longest-running and most beloved cooking shows, combining high-stakes competition with rich elements of British culture. With McNee joining the panel and an exciting theme that highlights British history and heroes, this 20th season promises to be memorable. Catch the new season on BBC Two and iPlayer in early 2025 to see which chef's creations will make it to the ultimate banquet.
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