What Happened
The Great British Menu 2026 premiered this week on BBC Two, featuring 32 chefs competing across eight heats. Among the competitors is Exose Grant, who is representing the North West region. The series is themed around a banquet celebrating British cinema, with chefs creating dishes inspired by iconic films such as Batman and Lord of the Rings.
Why It Matters
This year’s competition introduces new judge Phil Wang, who replaces Ed Gamble. The show aims to highlight the finest culinary talents in the UK, with each chef vying for the opportunity to present their dish at the grand finale. The inclusion of Exose Grant, alongside notable chefs like Paul Leonard and Daniel Heffy, underscores the diverse talent emerging from the North West culinary scene.
What’s Next
As the competition progresses, viewers can expect to see more innovative dishes and culinary techniques from the contestants. However, the premiere episode faced criticism from viewers who felt that access to upcoming episodes on iPlayer spoiled the excitement of the live broadcast. The series will continue to unfold, showcasing the chefs’ journeys and the challenges they face in pursuit of culinary excellence.
