Blog posts in Competitions

The final menu for the banquet in the 2012 series of Great British Menu was revealed on last night’s show. Chefs Simon Rogan, Phil Howard, Daniel Clifford and Colin McGurran were selected to cook following the national finals which were shown this week.

The banquet, held at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich for British Olympic athletes and sporting heroes was hosted by Sir Steve Redgrave.

The Olympic Feast - Starter being served

Daniel Clifford’s main course was the highest scoring dish to reach the banquet, having received a ‘perfect 10′ from not only regional judge Glynn Purnell in the heats but from Tom Kerridge and the three judges in the final week. Fellow two Michelin Star holder, Phil Howard’s mackerel dish also scored heavily, being awarded a 9 in the regional heats by Jason Atherton and a near perfect 39 in the finals week.

The starter from Colin McGurran was perhaps the most surprising winner having only scored 4 in the regional heats, however the chef had made considerable changes to the dish refining it and adding pastry, a miso glaze and black garlic. The judges at the final felt the dish had improved beyond recognition and it went on to be the highest scoring starter at the finals.

It was, however, newcomer to the competition Simon Rogan who dominated – with each of his courses being in the final three. His dessert, which scored 39 out of 40 in the final round of judging was chosen to complete the banquet menu.

Chefs Simon Rogan, Phil Howard, Daniel Clifford and Colin McGurran

The Olympic Feast Menu

Starter

Quail in the woods.
Colin McGurran (North East)

Fish course

A tasting of Cornish Mackerel with oysters, mussels, winkles and samphire.
Phil Howard (South East)

Main course

Slow-poached chicken, sweetcorn egg, spinach with peas and bacon.
Daniel Clifford (Central)

Dessert

Poached pears, anise hyssop snow, sweet cheese ice cream & rosehip syrup.
Simon Rogan (North West)

Matthew Fort, Prue Leith, Sir Steve Redgrave and Oliver Peyton at the banquet

Also see: Full dish-by-dish coverage of the 2012 series of Great British menu and check our blog for interviews with the chefs and judges.