Great British Menu is here once again! And with it a chance for some of the UK's most talented chefs to go head to head and compete for a place at the prestigious Great British Menu banquet.

As ever, there will be chefs from eight different regions of the UK designing a four-course menu based around a specific theme. They will be scored by some of the biggest culinary stars in the country, with heat winners and regional finalists also facing a further panel of judges.

Read on to find out everything you need to know about Great British Menu 2026. We will be regularly updating this page as more details emerge, so be sure to keep checking back.

Great British Menu series 21 kicked off on 24 February 2026 at 7pm, with three episodes airing a week for the first eight weeks, followed by a five-episode finals week.

This year the competing chefs will be theming their dishes around 'British movies and movie makers'. Each chef is being tasked with making dishes inspired by films, filmmakers and actors with a connection to their region. The finale will be held at St George’s Hall in Liverpool, itself a filming location for The Batman (2022).

There has been a shake up in the judging panel this year, with comedian Phil Wang replacing Ed Gamble. Phil was a guest judge in series 16 'Science & Invention'. Andi Oliver remains the presenter, while Michelin-starred chefs Tom Kerridge and Lorna McNee, both past winners of the competition, will be judging. They will also be joined each week by guest judges with a connection to the British film industry.

Last year, the starter course was won by Sally Abé, the fish and main by Jean Delport, and the dessert by Amber Francis. At the banquet, Amber Francis was declared the Champion of Champions.

Week 1 (North West)

Jack Bond, Paul Leonard, Exose Grant, Daniel Heffy

Week 2 (Scotland)

Hannah Rose, Jun Au, Rohan Wadke, Orry Shand

Week 3 (Central)

Louisa Ellis, Nikita Pathakji, Ash Valenzuela-Heeger, James Sherwin

Week 4 (Wales)

John Chantarasak, Corrin Harrison, Dan Andree, Carl Cleghorn

Week 5 (North East)

Cal Byerley, Jamie Keeble, Ryan McVay, Weike Zhao

Week 6 (Northern Ireland)

Lawrence Barrow, Kristin Reagon, Callum Irwin, Marion Lancial

Week 7 (London & South East)

Abbie Hendren, Dana Choi, Josh Hughes, Vincent Smith

Week 8 (South West)

Jeffrey Robinson, Mark Tuttiett, Ciaran Brennan, Martin Baylis