THE Great British Menu is back for its 17th series as some of the country's best chefs showcase their culinary skills.
But what does the winner of the show walk home with?
What does the winner of Great British Menu get?
The contestants fight to win the title of Great British Menu winner.
A past contestant told The Staff Canteen that although there is no cash prize: "It is like having the best PR possible, yes you have to put a lot of work in but the rewards are brilliant."
They added: "I think with something like GBM you have to see the big picture, I have spent a lot of time practising and filming, which takes you away from the restaurant but the increase in business has meant I am now able to employ more staff and buy better equipment.”
The chefs get the honour of cooking for some of Britain's biggest names in the food and entertainment industries.
Are the contestants paid to take part?
The contestants are not paid to participate in the show.
The restaurants they represent have to fork out a budget.
However, the restaurants that participate seem more than happy to comply, as the show provides excellent exposure.
Who are the new judges on Great British Menu?'
Chefs Tom Kerridge and Nisha Katona, and comedian Ed Gamble join host Andi Oliver in the 17th series.
Celebrated chef Tom is no stranger to the series, having participated as a chef in 2010 and 2011 and winning the main course round both years, and returning in 2012 as a mentor and guide.
Tom told the BBC: “I’ve been involved with the show in some respect now for 12/13 years and I know how much it means, not just to the chefs that compete, but also the British food scene in general.
“It has been hugely influential, in terms of letting everybody know how great chefs and cooking is up and down the country, in all the nations and regions.”
Who were the past winners, and where are they now?
Series 1 – 2006
The very first edition of the show ended with a banquet for the Queen's 80th birthday.
- Starter: Richard Corrigan
- Fish course: Bryn Williams
- Main course: Nick Nairn
- Dessert: Marcus Wareing
Series 2 – 2007
The banquet was an Ambassadors Dinner at the British Embassy in Paris.
- Starter: Sat Bains
- Fish course: Richard Corrigan
- Main course: Mark Hix
- Dessert: Mark Hix
Series 3 – 2008
The chefs were competing to cook at a dinner hosted by Heston Blumenthal for the world's top chefs at the top of the "Gherkin" building in London.
- Starter: Jason Atherton
- Fish course: Stephen Terry
- Main course: Jason Atherton
- Dessert: Glynn Purnell
Series 4 – 2009
The final meal was held for British Service personnel returning from the Afghanistan war.
- Starter: Kenny Atkinson
- Fish course: Glynn Purnell
- Main course: Nigel Haworth
- Dessert: Shaun Rankin
Series 5 – 2010
The chefs were challenged with sourcing ingredients around a National Trust property in their region for a banquet attended by British food producers with the Prince of Wales as the guest of honour.
- Starter: Lisa Allen
- Fish course: Kenny Atkinson
- Main course: Tom Kerridge
- Dessert: Niall McKenna
Series 6 – 2011
Barbara Windsor hosted the 2011 banquet, the guests of which were people who make a difference by feeding their communities.
- Starter: Chris Fearon
- Fish course: Aktar Islam
- Main course: Tom Kerridge
- Dessert: Paul Ainsworth
Series 7 – 2012
- Starter: Colin McGurran
- Fish course: Phil Howard
- Main course: Daniel Clifford
- Dessert: Simon Rogan
Series 8 – 2013
This was the Comic Relief special, with a banquet held at the Royal Albert Hall for people associated with the charity event.
- Starter: Tom Aikens
- Fish course: Aiden Byrne
- Main course: Michael Smith
- Dessert: Richard Davies & Daniel Clifford
Series 9 – 2014
It was the 70th anniversary of D-Day in 2014, with the banquet held for veterans who fought in the Normandy invasion at St Paul's Cathedral.
- Starter: Adam Simmonds
- Fish course: Emily Watkins
- Main course: James Durrant
- Dessert: Colin McGurran
Series 10 – 2015
The 10th series of the show celebrated 100 years of the Women's Institute with a banquet at the Draper's Hall in London.
- Starter: Rich Bainbridge
- Fish course: Michael O'Hare
- Main course: Matt Gillan
- Dessert: Rich Bainbridge
Series 11 – 2016
In 2016, the banquet was held in the dining room of the House of Commons.
- Starter: Mark Abbott
- Fish course: Tommy Banks
- Main course: Mark Froydenlund
- Dessert: Adam Reid
Series 12 – 2017
Tennis was the theme for the 2017 series, which marked the 140th anniversary of Wimbledon.
- Starter: Pip Lacey
- Fish course: Tommy Banks
- Main course: Michael Bremner
- Dessert: Selin Kiazim
Series 13 – 2018
2018's show commemorated 70 years of the NHS, with the final banquet held for healthcare workers at the Great Hall of St Bartholomew's Hospital.
- Starter: James Cochran
- Fish course: Ellis Barrie
- Main course: Tom Brown
- Dessert: Chris Harrod
Series 14 – 2019
The chefs were competing to cook at a banquet at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Beatles last recording together.
- Starter: Luke Selby
- Fish course: Tom Anglesea
- Main course: Adam Reid
- Dessert: Lorna McNee
Series 15 – 2020
This series saw chefs cook a banquet for some of Britain's best authors.
- Starter: Alex Greene
- Fish: Niall Keating
- Main course: Tom Barnes
- Dessert: Alex Greene
Series 16 – 2021
The reigning champs are:
- Starter: Alex Bond
- Fish: Roberta Hall-McCarron
- Main course: Oli Marlow
- Dessert: Daniel McGeorge
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