TV Moment at Blenheim Palace

The birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill was the location for an exciting wedding challenge in BBC2’s MasterChef 2008 competition. The three finalists – James Nathan, Emily Ludolf and Jonny Stevenson – were set the task of catering for an exclusive wedding for 150 guests at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.

Aided by a team of chefs from in-house caterers Sodexo, each contestant took responsibility for one part of the menu, which saw Loch Fyne smoked salmon parcels served ahead of British lamb with thyme and mustard crust, and a burnt orange tart to finish.

Happy couple Nicola Newman and Ben Rees held their wedding ceremony in the stunning Orangery before a canapé reception in the Saloon and, finally, dinner in The Great Hall. And the outcome? Well, James Nathan went on to pick up the MasterChef title. But, more importantly, the bride and groom were delighted with their wedding breakfast.

This article first appeared in Square Meal Venues & Events magazine, Spring 2008.