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Bake-Off: The Professionals 2025: who are the judges?
Bake-Off: The Professionals 2025: who are the judges?

Scotsman

time27-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Scotsman

Bake-Off: The Professionals 2025: who are the judges?

Bake-Off: The Professionals is back for series 10 on Channel 4 🍰 Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Bake-Off: The Professionals is back for series 10. Teams of pairs will be competing in the Channel 4 show. But who is on judging duty for 2025? It is time to return to the kitchen for a brand new series of Bake-Off: The Professionals. The hit spin-off show is back on Channel 4 tonight. A fresh batch of pastry chefs are ready to enter the heat of the competition and see who can rise to the occasion. The pros will be working in teams during the show. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Channel 4 has confirmed the line-up of judges and hosts for series 10. Here's all you need to know: When does Bake-Off: The Professionals start? The 10th series of the Great British Bake-Off spin-off is set to start on Channel 4 today (May 27). It will air on Tuesday nights at 8pm starting this evening, the broadcaster has confirmed. For its premiere, Bake-Off: The Professionals the episode will run for approximately 60 minutes including adverts. It will also be available on catch-up via Channel 4's on demand service by the same name. Who are the judges on Bake-Off: The Professionals? Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Bake-Off: The Professionals hosts and judges: (L-R) Ellie Taylor, Liam Charles, Cherish Finden and Benoit Blin | Channel 4 It will be a pair of familiar faces on judging duty for the 10th series of Bake-Off: The Professionals. Benoit Blin and Cherish Finden are returning to cast an expert eye, and several thousand expert tastebuds, over the contestants' creations. Blin is best known as the Chef Pâtissier at Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons. He said: 'What I've really noticed is that the gap between the strongest and weakest teams has narrowed so much. And when you reach the second or third stage of the competition, you see the teams are all really close together. I think now all the teams really understand what the competition is all about, so they prepare a little better.' Finden is formerly Executive Pastry Chef of the Pan Pacific London Hotel. Speaking ahead of series 10, she added: 'Hitting our 10th anniversary is like pulling a perfectly risen soufflé out of the oven – pure joy and satisfaction. Every series brings fresh talent, new surprises, and breathtaking creations. 'It is amazing to see how they evolve. I'm honoured to still be part of this journey and continue to inspire and challenge the best pastry in the industry.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Both Blin and Finden have been judges on the show since it began back in 2016 on BBC Two - when it was originally called Bake Off: Crème de la Crème. The duo have judged on all 10 series, including the one airing in 2025. Who are the hosts on Bake-Off: The Professionals? Unlike the judges, the hosts of the show have changed a lot of the 10 series so far. Over the years the likes of Tom Kerridge, Angus Deayton and Tom Allen have presented the show. For series 10, former Great British Bake Off contestant and Junior Bake Off judge Liam Charles and comedian, actress and writer Ellie Taylor will be on presenting duties. They have hosted it together since series eight - with Liam first becoming a host on the show in series three. Liam said: 'I feel like the chemistry between myself, Cherish, Benoit, and latterly Ellie, just gets better and better the more time we spend with each other. I also think the challenges have got a lot harder. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I know that's a bit rich coming from me, who can't do most of the challenges, but they seem to me to have got more difficult as the years have passed. The chefs are using a lot of cool new techniques as well. I think the show has just become a little more slick as time has gone by.' What to expect from Bake-Off: The Professionals tonight? The preview for the first episode of series 10, via Radio Times, reads: 'Judges Cherish Finden and Benoit Blin set the tasks, beginning with a secret challenge, which sees them working without a recipe to create one of Cherish's own creations, the Apple Tin. 'Then they serve up a food-and-drink-inspired showpiece with a hidden Victoria sandwich elevated to new heights, far from its humble beginnings.'

Bake-Off: The Professionals 2025: who are the judges?
Bake-Off: The Professionals 2025: who are the judges?

Scotsman

time27-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Scotsman

Bake-Off: The Professionals 2025: who are the judges?

Bake-Off: The Professionals is back for series 10 on Channel 4 🍰 Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Bake-Off: The Professionals is back for series 10. Teams of pairs will be competing in the Channel 4 show. But who is on judging duty for 2025? It is time to return to the kitchen for a brand new series of Bake-Off: The Professionals. The hit spin-off show is back on Channel 4 tonight. A fresh batch of pastry chefs are ready to enter the heat of the competition and see who can rise to the occasion. The pros will be working in teams during the show. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Channel 4 has confirmed the line-up of judges and hosts for series 10. Here's all you need to know: When does Bake-Off: The Professionals start? The 10th series of the Great British Bake-Off spin-off is set to start on Channel 4 today (May 27). It will air on Tuesday nights at 8pm starting this evening, the broadcaster has confirmed. For its premiere, Bake-Off: The Professionals the episode will run for approximately 60 minutes including adverts. It will also be available on catch-up via Channel 4's on demand service by the same name. Who are the judges on Bake-Off: The Professionals? Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Bake-Off: The Professionals hosts and judges: (L-R) Ellie Taylor, Liam Charles, Cherish Finden and Benoit Blin | Channel 4 It will be a pair of familiar faces on judging duty for the 10th series of Bake-Off: The Professionals. Benoit Blin and Cherish Finden are returning to cast an expert eye, and several thousand expert tastebuds, over the contestants' creations. Blin is best known as the Chef Pâtissier at Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons. He said: 'What I've really noticed is that the gap between the strongest and weakest teams has narrowed so much. And when you reach the second or third stage of the competition, you see the teams are all really close together. I think now all the teams really understand what the competition is all about, so they prepare a little better.' Finden is formerly Executive Pastry Chef of the Pan Pacific London Hotel. Speaking ahead of series 10, she added: 'Hitting our 10th anniversary is like pulling a perfectly risen soufflé out of the oven – pure joy and satisfaction. Every series brings fresh talent, new surprises, and breathtaking creations. 'It is amazing to see how they evolve. I'm honoured to still be part of this journey and continue to inspire and challenge the best pastry in the industry.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Both Blin and Finden have been judges on the show since it began back in 2016 on BBC Two - when it was originally called Bake Off: Crème de la Crème. The duo have judged on all 10 series, including the one airing in 2025. Who are the hosts on Bake-Off: The Professionals? Unlike the judges, the hosts of the show have changed a lot of the 10 series so far. Over the years the likes of Tom Kerridge, Angus Deayton and Tom Allen have presented the show. For series 10, former Great British Bake Off contestant and Junior Bake Off judge Liam Charles and comedian, actress and writer Ellie Taylor will be on presenting duties. They have hosted it together since series eight - with Liam first becoming a host on the show in series three. Liam said: 'I feel like the chemistry between myself, Cherish, Benoit, and latterly Ellie, just gets better and better the more time we spend with each other. I also think the challenges have got a lot harder. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I know that's a bit rich coming from me, who can't do most of the challenges, but they seem to me to have got more difficult as the years have passed. The chefs are using a lot of cool new techniques as well. I think the show has just become a little more slick as time has gone by.' What to expect from Bake-Off: The Professionals tonight? The preview for the first episode of series 10, via Radio Times, reads: 'Judges Cherish Finden and Benoit Blin set the tasks, beginning with a secret challenge, which sees them working without a recipe to create one of Cherish's own creations, the Apple Tin. 'Then they serve up a food-and-drink-inspired showpiece with a hidden Victoria sandwich elevated to new heights, far from its humble beginnings.' Have you got a story you want to share with our readers? You can now send it to us online via YourWorld at . It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.

Chef Bobby Geetha Launches Bold New Book Showcasing the Future of Indian Fine Dining
Chef Bobby Geetha Launches Bold New Book Showcasing the Future of Indian Fine Dining

Yahoo

time01-05-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Chef Bobby Geetha Launches Bold New Book Showcasing the Future of Indian Fine Dining

Chef Bobby Geetha LEEDS, United Kingdom, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Acclaimed chef, entrepreneur, and hospitality consultant Bobby Geetha is proud to announce the launch of his latest cookbook and culinary business guide. Fine Dining Indian At Home is a bold step toward making Indian fine dining accessible, modern, and globally influential. The new title marks his sixth book and blends signature recipes with practical insights for chefs, restaurateurs, and ambitious home cooks alike. Born in Kerala, India, and now recognised internationally for his innovative take on Indian cuisine, Chef Bobby's culinary journey has taken him from the traditional kitchens of his hometown to Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe. His newest book is a culmination of decades of experience that fuse time-honoured Indian flavours with global culinary techniques. 'This book isn't just about recipes – it's about revolutionising how the world sees Indian cuisine,' said Chef Bobby. 'From home cooks to head chefs, I want people to feel empowered to explore India's culinary depth through a fine dining lens.' Chef Bobby's career began with a formal education in hospitality in Kerala, before earning a management certificate from Cornell University. He went on to train with world-renowned establishments such as Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, The Fat Duck, and Noma. In the UK, his leadership roles spanned hotels like Sofitel London and Novotel Liverpool, and his work on menus has shaped restaurants such as Flora Indica, Fleur Café, and Vermillion. Bobby's rise to culinary prominence includes reaching the quarter-finals on BBC's MasterChef: The Professionals, competing in the Great British Menu, becoming a semi-finalist in the Craft Guild of Chefs' National Chef of the Year and earning the title of UAE's Best Indian Chef (2019) alongside receiving the Hospitality Chef Excellence Gold Award (2018). His business ventures include multiple UK-based restaurants and cafés, such as the Kerala Canteen, inspired by the traditional toddy shops of southern India, and the franchisable Nesso Café concept. He is also the founder of Fine Dining Indian, a digital platform and media hub that champions modern Indian cuisine globally. Beyond the plate, Bobby is deeply involved in consultancy work for hospitality groups and ghost kitchens, advising on everything from kitchen planning and menu design to FMCG product development. His latest book reflects that unique duality: artistry and strategy. With Fine Dining Indian At Home, Chef Bobby offers not only a blueprint for refined Indian cooking but also a guide for anyone looking to transform passion into profession. Fine Dining Indian At Home is available now via A photo accompanying this announcement is available at CONTACT: CONTACT Bobby Geetha COMPANY: Fine Dining Indian Ltd EMAIL: bobbygeetha@ WEB:

The best pubs with secret outdoor gardens, picked by Britain's top chefs
The best pubs with secret outdoor gardens, picked by Britain's top chefs

Telegraph

time05-04-2025

  • Telegraph

The best pubs with secret outdoor gardens, picked by Britain's top chefs

Like a golden wheat field or a vast expanse of ocean, there's something particularly glorious about a British pub when the sun hits. People are more cheerful, the beer, vino and cocktails taste better, and the good times roll a little easier. In fact, it's surprising just how easy it is to (accidentally or deliberately) lose track of time on a summer's evening or afternoon in a pub garden, surrounded by greenery, clinking glasses and happy chatter. 'One more' always seems like the best idea in the world. With blue skies and warm weather back again (thank the Lord) after a long, grey, cold winter, it's definitely 'beer garden o'clock'. And who better to recommend their favourite pubs for enjoying the sunshine than 10 of Britain's best chefs, including Tom Kerridge, Raymond Blanc and Sally Abé? Here are 10 fantastic pubs with outdoor gardens, each offering something a little different, from views of the Thames to marauding stags – all with top-notch food worth travelling for. The Wild Rabbit, Oxfordshire, England, OX7 6YA Sitting in the pretty Cotswolds village of Kingham in Chipping Norton, The Wild Rabbit was built in the 17 th century, its original name Conygree Farm meaning 'rabbit enclosure'. There's nothing hutch-like about the Grade II-listed pub these days, with Lady Bamford overseeing a modern British inn with rustic charms (exposed beams, comfy nooks, a roaring doubled-sided fireplace…). The serene outdoor garden has a terraced courtyard with views of the surrounding Cotswold countryside and a wood-fired oven in the Chicken Shed that's ideal for parties or private dinners. 'I often stray to The Wild Rabbit,' says Raymond Blanc, Chef Patron of Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in Oxfordshire. 'It has huge character and a great ambience. My partner, Natalia, and I try to meet up with friends to catch up over a convivial lunch. There's a glow about the place. The service has always been thoughtful, kind and very hospitable. It has an interesting menu that has great provenance. My traditional Sunday roast of choice is the Roast Paddock Farm pork loin, stuffing and apple sauce, with a delicious Yorkshire pudding.' The Crabtree, Fulham, London, England, W6 9HA The Crabtree sits on the banks of the Thames in a quiet stretch between Hammersmith and Putney bridges, a popular spot for watching the annual Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, which takes place next weekend, and enjoying memorable sunsets. The building dates back to the 18th century, with classic Georgian architecture and a whitewashed facade. Inside and out, you can tuck into classic pub meals, including fish and chips, cheeseburgers, steaks or the Pie of the Day. The outdoor garden's a real highlight: a large riverside terrace with trees and colourful flowers, comfy seating and panoramic views of the river. 'The Crabtree's a firm favourite of mine,' says Sally Abé, chef at The Pem restaurant in Westminster, London. 'They have the best beer garden in the area, with gorgeous seating along the riverside. It's also the perfect spot to watch the rugby. They win extra points for serving frozen margaritas on tap and having bottles of Bollinger at a very reasonable price. Their Sunday Roasts aren't bad either. It's a very lovely pub.' The Ship Inn, Elie, Fife, Scotland, KY9 1DT The Ship Inn, in the coastal village of Elie in Fife, is one of Scotland's most iconic pubs, famous for excellent views over Elie Bay from the pub and outdoor garden, with ample opportunities for pre- or post-pub meal coastal walks or beach wanders. Cullen Skink, haddock and chips, trout, pork schnitzel and burgers are all on the menu, and there's a beach-side barbecue on warmer days. 'The Ship Inn's location right on the water, with incredible views across the Firth, is the perfect spot for a relaxed meal after a walk with the kids along the beach, or some crabbing at the harbour,' says Dean Banks, chef and owner of Haar in St Andrews. 'With a laid-back atmosphere, they nail the balance between a seaside pub and a restaurant with a serious food offering. The menu showcases fantastic local seafood, and you can enjoy it all from their terrace, while watching the sunset in the summer. Plus, they're dog-friendly - a must for any great pub in my book.' The Star Inn, Yorkshire, England, YO62 5JE Pubs don't come much more characterful than The Star Inn in the village of Harome, near Helmsley, in North Yorkshire, a Grade II-listed building, with whitewashed exterior and a thatched roof. Chef Andrew Pern took over in 1996, bringing in modern Yorkshire cuisine, including a seven-course tasting menu, and more casual fare, including black treacle-glazed beef, venison, poussin and halibut. The inn recently retained a Michelin star for its 11 th consecutive year. 'Andrew Pern's pub is in a beautiful setting,' says Tom Kerridge, owner of The Hand And Flowers in Marlow, the only pub in the UK with two Michelin-stars. 'His food's outstanding, but also really honed to the incredible surroundings, where drinks and food can be enjoyed in their amazing outdoor space. The thatched 14th-century inn has a charming, rustic feel, and the garden's just as special, with step-over apple trees, fragrant kitchen herbs, and striking moon-gazing hare sculptures by Whitby artist Emma Stothard. There's great service, and once you've eaten everything, it's perfect for a countryside walk. In the summer, the outdoor bar adds to the relaxed atmosphere, making it a fantastic spot to soak in the surroundings.' The Gunton Arms, Norfolk, England, NR11 8TZ 'As someone who's lived abroad for many years, I can say that no one does a pub quite like the British,' says chef Kate Austen, who's currently working as a private chef in London. The Gunton Arms is proof of that. Just a few miles from the North Norfolk coast, Gunton's a 1,000-acre deer park, established in the 18th century, with sprawling parkland, ancient woodlands and a lake. The Gunton Arms occupies what was previously the gamekeeper's lodge. On summer days, you'll want to be out in the beer garden, taking in views of the estate and deer wandering past. Just don't get too attached - there's venison from the park on the menu, chef Stuart Tattersall's team cooking deer and beef over the open fire in the Elk Room, though there are also vegetarian and vegan menus. 'The Gunton Arms encapsulates that comforting and nostalgic pub feeling, with a pint that tastes better than anywhere else, especially when perched in their garden,' says Austen. 'Antlers sloping past is very much part of the package. Be sure not to overlook the art as you watch your step on the stony floor or wander round the park. There are pieces and sculptures from the likes of Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst, Sol Le Witt and Dan Graham, to name a few.' The Heathcock, Cardiff, Wales, CF5 2EN Llandaff, a quiet suburb in the north of Cardiff, is known for its 12th-century cathedral and other historic buildings. The Heathcock has been knocking around for a fair while too, providing refreshment for locals for more than 100 years. Today, the elegant, whitewashed pub draws on produce from across the Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff for the restaurant's daily tasting menu and substantial pub dishes, including hake, pork belly, lamb, and pheasant, ham hock and leek pie. Behind the pub, there's a spacious garden for whiling away summer afternoons and evenings, complete with a fragrant herb garden. 'The Heathcock's garden is a bit of a sun trap,' says Tom Waters, chef and founder of Gorse in Cardiff. 'Sunday evening is the best time to visit, as the sun's drawing in and you can sit in the garden, which is very green and surrounded by lots of the kitchen produce, which is grown there. It's a great 'independent', with outdoor seating, local Welsh cask beers and fantastic bar snacks. I particularly enjoy the Glamorgan pale ale partnered with a little homemade sausage roll. They often have live music in the evenings too, which creates a great atmosphere.' The Three Fishes, Mitton, Lancashire, England, BB7 9PQ The Ribble Valley has plenty to explore, including charming villages and market towns, rolling hills, green valleys and forest. But the area is also renowned as a haven for foodies – the Valley's been called 'the UK's capital of gastropubs'. The Three Fishes, in the village of Mitton, is helmed by Chef Patron Nigel Haworth, who worked for over 30 years at the acclaimed Northcote restaurant, earning it a Michelin star. 'Nigel's transformed this destination pub-restaurant into a hub of culinary excellence,' says Atul Kochhar, owner and chef of Kanishka in Mayfair, London. 'His two-acre organic garden offers a diverse range of vegetables, fruits, and herbs that are used in the restaurant. I have great admiration for his spontaneous approach to menus, which always showcases the freshest ingredients straight from the garden. He has ever-changing seasonal dishes - you never know what will be on the menu.' As well as a five or seven course Farm To Fork tasting menus, the main Choice menu offers deer, cod, beef, and celeriac and Shittake lasagne, while there's also a dedicated Plant-Based menu. The pub's exquisite beer garden has plenty of spots to eat, drink and take in the Ribble Valley scenery, perhaps plotting your next walk to work off all the grub. The Parson's Nose, County Down, Northern Ireland, BT26 6AB Just over 10 miles out of Belfast, The Parson's Nose was originally built by the Marquis of Downshire in the late 1700s, in the village of Hillsborough, in County Down. Now, chef Danny Millar serves up refined pub meals inside and in the tranquil beer garden, including fish and chips, duck, chicken supreme, lamb and wood-fired sourdough pizzas. 'The Parson's Nose in Hillsborough, close to Belfast, is where I go with my family,' says Michael Deane, chef and owner of mrDeanes Bistro. 'Originally an elegant Georgina townhouse, it retains its historic charm. Both the pub and its clientele reflect the gentile vibe of the village. Outside, there's a beer garden overlooking Hillsborough Castle lake. The castle's the official residence of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Royal Family on their visits. A splendid old oak tree also gives welcome shade on a sunny day.' The Ship Inn, Porthleven, Cornwall, England, TR13 9JS The Ship Inn, in the Cornish fishing village of Porthleven, is a 17th century building, which originally served as a fishermen's rest before becoming a pub. It looks out over one of the UK's most attractive harbours. It's no surprise that they do a fine fish and chips, alongside sole, red mullet, steak burgers, and Korean beef BBQ noodles. The unique terraced beer garden has four levels where locals and visitors can enjoy the sea air and views, one with a heated gazebo and two with wooden decking and seating built into the cliffside above the pub, next to a rocky sloping garden bursting with seasonal flowers and herbs used in the kitchen. The Crows Nest provides panoramic views of the harbour, fishing village and clock tower. 'I've been going to my good old local The Ship Inn for the last 22 years,' says Jude Kereama, chef and owner of Kota in Cornwall. 'Perched right on the edge of Porthleven's harbour, it's got that proper old Cornish smugglers' pub feel, with sea shanty singers, lively local events, and a pop-up downstairs bar for extra summer vibes. The terrace and picnic tables sit right on the harbour's edge, giving you front-row seats to watch boats passing by. Whether it's sunshine or sea breeze, this is the spot to kick back-Cornish-style.' The Bonnie Badger, Gullane, East Lothian, Scotland, EH31 2AB Chef Tom Kitchin and his partner Michaela have taken an old coaching inn, dating from 1836, and transformed it into a destination pub and restaurant in the Scottish coastal village of Gullane, East Lothian, around a 30-minute drive from Edinburgh, in an area with more than 20 golf courses. The Broc Bar serves hearty pub grub, including fish pie, steak pie and bone marrow, and beef sausage with mash, while diners in the cosy, outdoor garden can tuck into fresh-off-the-grill seafood (lobster, scallops, octopus…) and Highland Wagyu beef burgers, the patio area decked out with potted plants. 'The Bonnie Badger in Gullane is fitted out beautifully and they have a kitchen outside, where they barbecue lots of meat and shellfish,' says Roberta Hall-McCarron, executive chef and owner of The Little Chartroom in Edinburgh. 'It's the perfect way to spend a summer's day. The atmosphere on a busy Bank Holiday weekend is electric, and on a quieter day, it's so relaxing. It's a great place to go with the entire family, as they're so child-friendly.'

King learned how to grow veg from me, says Raymond Blanc
King learned how to grow veg from me, says Raymond Blanc

Telegraph

time05-03-2025

  • Business
  • Telegraph

King learned how to grow veg from me, says Raymond Blanc

Cementing their partnership, Blanc's Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons will now work with the King's Foundation, offering training and development opportunities for students and staff at Dumfries House in Ayrshire and Highgrove Gardens, Glos. The King's charity, which promotes slow food and fashion, offers courses and educational programmes on a vast range of heritage crafts and skills, from embroidery and woodwork to hedge-laying. Blanc hailed the King for his role in helping to change society's attitudes towards sustainability. 'Way back in the 1970s, he had to fight, which was not easy because there were so many detractors,' he said. 'I think now it's wonderful to see really, that the King's views are now totally accepted and very much part of this new world order, where we are doing something about it.' He said that modern consumers now cared much more about buying luxury goods that would last. 'Excellence in the past was all about the outside – gold painted while inside was toxic,' he said. 'The way excellence is working today – whether it is textiles, whether it is cars – is creating things which are recyclable. 'We have a modern guest who is much more responsible, much more knowledgeable, who wants a different form of excellence. 'We don't want that gold-plated luxury. We want to know what's inside… when you buy a car, you will ask different questions than yesterday. 'And the King has been very much instrumental in this change.' 'Brother in arms' To mark his role as an ambassador, Blanc created a three-course lunch at Highgrove on Wednesday for the annual Winter Warmers event, an initiative designed to tackle social isolation. Speaking at Highgrove, Blanc said he considered the King a 'brother in arms'. 'I am very happy and honoured as a Frenchman, a French republican, to be an ambassador, to serve the cause,' he said of his new role at the foundation. 'We want to create lots of engagement between our gardens, an exchange of skills. I certainly would love to consider doing a garden cookery school.' He paid tribute to his mother and father, who instilled in him a culture of growing food and not wasting anything. On the King's visit to Le Manoir, he added: 'He spent three hours in the pelting rain asking endless questions and I felt he was a brother in arms.' Blanc is the 10th ambassador to join the foundation, with one or two more due to be announced later this year, as the charity marks its 35th anniversary. 'Incredible opportunities' A spokesman said they were aiming for broad appeal. 'It is part of an effort to deepen the impact of the foundation's work, and ensure a wider audience is aware of the incredible opportunities we can offer to our students in particular,' they said. 'We are keen to have committed people on board who share our vision of a world where people, places and the planet can live in harmony, who are passionate about nature, and who can inspire our students and staff.' Blanc joins a new cohort of high-profile new signings at the foundation, among them, David Beckham, Sienna Miller, Rod Stewart and his wife Penny Lancaster. The charity said it was keen to work alongside those who were 'genuinely interested' in its work and could get deeply and actively involved. Beckham is focused on young people and beekeeping, while Miller is interested in textiles and Lancaster, a volunteer special constable, is interested in building communities.

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