BBC Two’s cooking-themed reality TV show The Restaurant returns for a third series next Thursday (29 October) with world-renowned chef and restaurateur Raymond Blanc offering nine new couples the chance to win the opportunity to open a restaurant with him.
The series reflects the current economic difficulties with Raymond looking for a couple able to show him they have what it takes to survive.
“The industry is under tremendous difficulty,” says Raymond. “Every day restaurants are closing down. I must tell you that the customer has become demanding, picky… he wants the best value for money and expects great things. So the pressure is on us all. We must aim higher. We must do better.”
As ever the would-be restaurateurs will come under the watchful eye of Raymond’s eagle-eyed industry experts: Sarah Willingham and David Moore who, as investors in this year’s prize, are looking for a strong brand concept and service excellence.
Fans of Blanc can also look forward to Raymond Blanc – Kitchen Secrets, a new cooking series starting in November in which he teaches home cooks how to elevate their dishes from the ordinary to the sublime.
The Restaurant, BBC Two, Thursday 29 October at 8.00pm