During the Spring of 2009 l'ortolan's Chef Patron Alan Murchison graced our television screens on BBC2s Great British Menu.

Now Alan is back in the l'ortolan kitchen and doesn't regret his television experience for a second:

“The great thing about the Great British Menu is, like at l’ortolan, the food is taken seriously.  Great food creates great memories, and that was what I wanted to serve up to our servicemen at the final of the show.  These soldiers do a very difficult job, so they really deserve our support and respect.  I’m passionate about what I do, so if I couldn’t have done exactly what I wanted for these fantastic men and women, I wouldn’t have been interested in getting involved with the programme.

 “I went into the competition not caring about the outcome. But on that final day, standing in front of the three judges, I wanted nothing more than to win.  I wanted to give the army boys and girls something spectacular, and at the same time really showcase what l’ortolan is all about.  I put my heart and soul into my menu, and I was genuinely devastated when I lost.

“But I knew the food that I served was fantastic.  We’ve got great suppliers who put everything into their product.  We had a dish similar to my pork course on the menu at l’ortolan last summer and it was brilliantly received, and that’s because quality and passion are at the heart of everything we do.”

 “Since doing the programme I’ve been flooded with well-wishers wanting to know more about my food. I have one lady who might be coming in to visit me in a few weeks so I can show her exactly how to make the Cranachan dessert so that she can really impress at a dinner party she’s throwing.  I think that’s great! I didn’t do the television show to become a celebrity, I just love food, and I want to share that with other passionate people.”

If you are interested in learning from Alan why not consider having a go in the Demonstration Studio, or for the really brave, why not try your hand at the l’ortolan Chef's Experience.