A Lake District chef will be competing in the BBC’s Great British Menu finals this week.
Jack Bond, who co-owns The Cottage in the Wood at Whinlatter, near Keswick with his wife Beth, won the North West heat of the prestigious competition in February.
He is now getting ready to go head-to-head with the other regional champions from yesterday, Monday April 20, for a place at this year’s prestigious banquet.
This year’s theme, British movies and movie makers, has challenged the competing chefs to create dishes inspired by films, filmmakers and actors with strong connections to their region.
The series will culminate in a spectacular banquet cooked for leading figures from Britain’s film industry at St George’s Hall, used as Gotham City Hall in The Batman.
The competition unfolded under the guidance of veteran judge and former Great British Menu winner Lisa Goodwin-Allen, with support from Aktar Islam during the fish course.
For his starter, Jack created Bruce Wayne’s Breakfast, a Batman-inspired dish featuring pumpkin hummus with maple vinegar gel and pickled pumpkin seeds, topped with shaved pumpkin dusted to recreate the Batman logo. The dish was served with a crumpet, shiitake tea and a pumpkin seed miso spread.
His fish course, You Shall Not Bass, drew inspiration from Burnley’s Sir Ian McKellen in his portrayal of Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, referencing the iconic line spoken during the confrontation with the Balrog on the bridge of Khazad-dûm.
The dish featured sea bass served on hot rocks with charred leeks, sea herbs and calendula leaves, accompanied by a sauce of black pepper, capers, homemade tomato sauce, roasted garlic, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, homemade hot sauce, vadouvan and English mustard.
On day two, Jack paid homage to Lancashire-born filmmaker and animator Nick Park and his beloved characters Wallace and Gromit with his main course, Cracking Beef Gromit.
The dish comprised seared and grilled beef fillet with bone marrow sauce, roasted ox tongue and pulled beef cheek, served with confit carrot and topped with pickled carrot. It was accompanied by triple-cooked chips topped with Wensleydale cheese and braised hispi cabbage.
Dessert, Follow Your Nose, was inspired by Lancashire-born director Danny Boyle and his film Slumdog Millionaire.
Referencing a childhood scene in the film, the dish incorporated spices associated with travel around India and included masala tea ice cream, dark chilli chocolate, liquid shortbread, aerated chocolate, a jeera biscuit and cinnamon and orange caramel.
Jack and Paul were the finalists in the North West heats and following a closely contested cook-off, Paul Leonard achieved a total of 109 points across his four courses, while Jack secured 118 points, earning him the title of North West Champion and his place in finals week.
Now, as he prepares to compete against the remaining regional winners, Jack is focused on refining his dishes once more as he bids to secure a place at the banquet.
After the announcement of his regional win, Jack said: “Honestly, I didn’t think that was me. Everything that could go wrong in half an hour went wrong in half an hour.
“Wow – there’s going to be so many people who are going to be so proud. All my family, my wife Beth and my son – I could cry, and my mum is going to be so proud.
“I can’t believe I’m able to represent the North West in finals week for a second consecutive year. I’m determined to do my best and try to secure a place at the banquet and make everyone really proud – wish me luck!’’
Finals week is on BBC Two and iPlayerthroughout the week. The final will be broadcast on Friday at 9pm.
