Food and Drink / Food & Drink News / Nigel’s Great British Menu creates a North-South divide

Nigel’s Great British Menu creates a North-South divide

Nigel Haworth won through his round of BBC2's Great British Menu to earn a place in the televised finals this week.

Triumphing over friend and fellow chef, Anthony Flinn, Nigel will be flying the flag for the North when some of the UK's top talents fight it out for the honour of cooking at a star-studded evening at London's iconic Gherkin building.

Hosted by Heston Blumenthal, guests include some of the world's leading chefs. It's the culmination of this year's competition...and a major feather in the gastronomic cap of the winner.

But Nigel's passage to the final has created something of a local controversy. Despite one of the three judges, Matthew Fort, being a Whalley lad, they panned Nigel's chosen pud...Lancashire Curd Tart, Rose Petal Cream and Red Currants.

"Nobody on earth should have to taste that", said Oliver Peyton. Prue Leith said she would "No more send that to the Gherkin than fly to the moon!". And Matthew Fort said he thought Nigel "May have sent out for this".

What's puzzling Nigel and his team at the Michelin Starred Northcote Manor, is the huge demand from diners to try it for themselves.

And their verdict? They absolutely love it!

Could it be that we have more refined palates than our southern-based compatriots? Or do they simply not appreciate the wonderful flavours that combine to create some of the classic dishes that have helped make the North West the food capital of Britain?

Undaunted, Nigel has also made the dessert available at his Ribble Valley Inns. Both the Three Fishes at Mitton and the Highwayman at Nether Burrow currently feature it on their menu...along with a line-caught Whitby Cod dish which wowed the judges and will be part of Nigel's menu for the final where it's the viewers votes that count.

The Final of the Great British Menu hits our screens again on May 19th at 6pm...the start of a weeklong contest to decide who has created the dishes that best capture Britain's fabulous food heritage.

Nigel aims for the North to come out on top...and this time it's rhubarb for the judges!