The Square and Hibiscus Go Head to Head on the Great British Menu

The Square

By Claire Coleman

Have you been watching the Great British Menu? Of course you have, it’s compelling viewing. If by any chance you’ve missed it, it’s a simple premise - a bunch of the best chefs in the country compete region by region to impress a fellow chef and a panel of tough judges. They’re all vying for the honour of cooking at an über-high-profile Olympic banquet.

This week, the focus is on London and the South East, with Phil Howard (The Square), Graham Garrett (The West House in Kent) and Marcus McGuinness (Hibiscus) all desperate to prove to Jason Atherton (Pollen Street Social) that they’ve got what it takes.

In terms of entertainment, it'll be tough to beat last week’s drama, which saw Johnnie Mountain from Westminster’s Atrium throw off his mike in disgust and storm out after Marcus Wareing gave his fish course just a score of two (out of 10). But, hissy fits aside, it’s genuinely fascinating to watch these accomplished chefs really going all out with their imagination and culinary skills.

Anyway, watch, drool, decide whose restaurant you really, really want to go to - after last week, we’re mad keen to check out Simon Rogan’s L’Enclume and Roganic - and, if you’re feeling really keen, download the apps, which have recipes from some of the featured chefs.