The champion of champions has been crowned. Great British Menu 2022 has been a wild ride, to say the least. We were given a new panel of judges, featuring Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge, Mowgli founder and TV presenter Nisha Katona and comedian and co-host of the Off-Menu Podcast Ed Gamble.
Andi Oliver returned to present and we also saw a whole host of celebrity guest judges, including Steve Pemberton, Dame Floella Benjamin and, of course, Huw Edwards. The banquet took place at the stunning Alexandra Palace, which is where the first BBC Radio broadcast ever took place exactly 100 years ago.
The finalists gave it their all, but there can only be one. And this year's winner is Spencer Metzger.
28-year-old Spencer Metzger from Chigwell, Essex is currently head chef at The Ritz. He first entered the prestigious kitchen at just 15 on a work experience placement. After that, he skyrocketed up the culinary rungs, working in kitchens like the now three Michelin-starred L'Enclume, before returning to The Ritz as premier sous chef and finally being promoted to head chef.
His fish dish, 'be careful what you fish for', was inspired by Sherlock Holmes and featured brill, smoked beurre blanc, dulse, finger lime, chives, marinated grapes and sea vegetables. In a rare double (almost triple with dessert!) win, his main also made it into the banquet. This 'first impressions' dish was inspired by Pride and Prejudice, featuring partridge, pommes de terre sarladaises and poached pear.
Banquet chefs
Spencer Metzger - Head chef at The Ritz, London
Nathan Davies - Chef patron at SY23, Aberystwyth
Chris McClurg - Chef de cuisine at No. 6 by Paul Ainsworth, Padstow
Finalists
Sally Abé - Chef Consultant at The Pem and winner of SquareMeal's 2021 Female Chef of the Year award
Sam Lomas - Head chef at Glebe House, Devon
Adam Handling - Chef/owner of Frog, Covent Garden
Luke French - Chef director at Jöro, Sheffield
Olivia Barry - Chef/owner at Adelina Yard, Bristol
For the full list of contestants, as well as tonnes more information about the show, check out our full guide to Great British Menu. If you're looking for more cooking TV to watch, Masterchef is back on.