Great British Menu is back and the nation's top chefs are competing for the ultimate prize - the chance to cook at a banquet held at the Palace of Westminster, in celebration of everyday great Britons honoured by the Queen. In the year of the Queen's 90th birthday, the chefs are challenged to showcase contemporary cuisine and demonstrate the transformation in British food during her historic reign. The 24 chefs competing in eight heats have travelled the country meeting great Britons who have been recognised for their tireless and selfless work for charities, for local communities and for the country.

Today, it is the starter course of the south west regional heat. Chef Josh Eggleton is back for a third time. Josh is the Michelin-star chef proprietor at The Pony and Trap near Bristol. Last year, he made the national finals when his starter was shortlisted for the banquet. This year, he intends to go one step further and cook at the banquet. One of his rivals last time, Jude Kereama, is also back and out to do better than he did previously. Jude runs Kota at Porthleven in Cornwall and last time he was knocked out after the dessert course. The third competitor is newcomer Chris Wheeler, who is originally from Swanage in Dorset. Chris trained in France and spent many years working with Jean Christophe Novelli. Chris is currently head chef at Humphry's in Stoke Park and prides himself on skilled classical techniques presented with a touch of theatre. Show less