Great British Menu 2020 was a culinary storytelling extravaganza for both foodies and bookworms. With a new host, an expanded format, and an ambitious literary theme that celebrated nearly 200 years of British children’s books, this season marked a dramatic evolution in the long-running BBC series. It involved more than just cooking; it involved creating dishes that immersed judges and spectators in the worlds of classic novels.
A Season Drawn from the Enchantment of Narrative
Charles Dickens, the literary giant who invented child-centered storytelling with Oliver Twist, passed away 150 years ago in 2020. Great British Menu challenged chefs to create dishes based on iconic books, authors, and characters in celebration of this milestone. The season was a masterclass in fusing culinary art with narrative artistry, from Julia Donaldson’s whimsical worlds to Roald Dahl’s fantastical imagination.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Theme | British Children’s Literature |
| New Format Changes | More chefs per region, six-course menus, on-screen presenter |
| Final Banquet Location | Exeter College, Oxford |
| Notable Guest Judges | Cressida Cowell, Malorie Blackman, Anthony Horowitz, Greg James |
| New Presenter | Susan Calman |
| Format Change | First elimination after fish course, second elimination after dessert |
| Winning Chef | Various regional champions competed for the final banquet |
Chefs used traditional literary themes to create inventive and nostalgic dishes that brought the magic of children’s books to life through flavors, plating, and technique.
The Most Significant Format Upheaval to Date
A number of daring changes were made to this year’s competition, which increased the level of excitement and intensity.
✔ More Competitors Per Region: This season, there were four chefs per region, upping the ante from the previous three.
✔ Expanded Menus: The competition was changed to a six-course culinary adventure with the introduction of amuse-bouche and pre-dessert palate cleaners.
✔ Unexpected Removals: The pressure was increased right away when the chef with the lowest score was removed following the fish course.
✔ A New Face – Susan Calman made her debut as the first presenter to appear on screen since Season 2, sharing her perspectives on the creative processes of chefs.
With additional drama, uncertainty, and crucial choices brought about by these updates, GBM 2020 was one of the most exciting seasons to date.
Regional Showdowns: Creativity Meets Competition
Each region was assigned a sub-theme, allowing chefs to explore diverse genres within British children’s literature. The results? Some of the most imaginative and boundary-pushing dishes ever seen on Great British Menu.
Standout Regional Battles
- Central – Fantasy Fiction: Niall Keating delivered plates straight out of a fairy tale.
- Northern Ireland – Magical Lands & Time Travel: Alex Greene’s dishes defied time and space.
- North West – Action & Adventure: Tom Barnes created high-energy, adrenaline-packed flavors.
- Scotland – Heroes & Villains: Roberta Hall-McCarron played with light and dark elements beautifully.
- South West – Picture Books & Animal Characters: Joe Baker crafted dishes with a playful, childlike wonder.
These culinary battles highlighted the diversity of British literature while showcasing each chef’s unique storytelling approach through food.
The Grand Finale: A Feast for Literary Icons
The top eight chefs advanced to the final banquet, a star-studded culinary event held at Exeter College, Oxford. The guest judges were renowned authors who have shaped generations of young readers, adding an extra layer of significance to the event.
✔ Starter Judge – Cressida Cowell, creator of How to Train Your Dragon.
✔ Fish Course Judge – Malorie Blackman, author of Noughts & Crosses.
✔ Main Course Judge – Anthony Horowitz, mastermind behind Alex Rider.
✔ Dessert Judge – Greg James & Chris Smith, co-authors of Kid Normal.
Every dish presented at the banquet was a love letter to childhood storytelling, weaving flavors and aesthetics that evoked nostalgia, adventure, and whimsy.
Why Great British Menu 2020 Was a Game-Changer
This wasn’t just another season of Great British Menu—it was a bold reinvention of what food competitions can be. By fusing literature and gastronomy, the show set a new standard for creativity, innovation, and thematic execution.
✅ More intense, more competitive, and more imaginative than ever before.
✅ A season that seamlessly blended food, culture, and storytelling.
✅ Unforgettable dishes that honored the most beloved children’s books of all time.
For fans of food, literature, and high-stakes cooking, Great British Menu 2020 was an unmissable masterpiece. If you haven’t watched it yet, now’s the time to experience the magic!
📺 Stream it now and rediscover the art of storytelling through food!
