Exeter hosts Great British Menu banquet: now available to watch online

The grand finale of the BBC’s Great British Menu competition 2020 was filmed at Exeter College and is now available to view on BBC iPlayer. The finale – an extraordinary banquet celebrating children’s literature – took place in Exeter’s Hall in February, despite Storm Ciara making travel extremely difficult, and was televised on 15 May.

Almost 100 guests attended the banquet, including aspiring young writers and many authors and illustrators of children’s books such as Jacqueline Wilson, Cressida Cowell, Anthony Horowitz, Greg James, Francesca Simon and Charlie Higson.

The dishes were prepared by some of the UK’s leading chefs, each of whom won the opportunity to cook through a series of earlier qualifying rounds. At the end of the meal the guests voted for their favourite dish and one chef was crowned Great British Menu champion for 2020.

The Hall and the College grounds were transformed into a magical landscape especially for the occasion. Members of Exeter’s catering team helped to welcome and serve the guests and make the evening a great success.

To view the episode go to BBC iPlayer (UK only until 15 May 2021).