Raymond Blanc's Royal Kitchen Gardens

World-renowned chef and author Raymond Blanc uncovers some of the most incredible royal kitchen gardens across the UK in a fascinating culinary tour.

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2024 HD 47min United Kingdom English Returning Series
Documentary

Credits:

S1E1 - Hampton Court 2024-02-18

Raymond’s journey takes him to the impressive Hampton Court Palace. In the shadows of the imposing palace, he finds the wonderful walled gardens and chats to Keeper of the Walled Garden, Hilary who tells him about the fascinating history and long heritage of the plots they’re standing in. Using one of his favourite ingredients, Raymond makes a beautiful dessert, sure to impress, his Iced Cassis Parfait. Chef Neil is busy harvesting herbs before making Raymond a dish of Chalk Stream Trout, Courgette Ribbons and broad beans served with a fresh mint dressing. In the Great Hall, Raymond meets Historian and Curator Tracy Borman to discuss the vast Tudor feasts once held there and the impressive number of meals turned out by the kitchens. Raymond has a feast of his own in mind, making his take on a Sunday Roast, Herb Stuffed Lamb Leg with Salsa Verde. A dish fit for a Royal Banquet.

S1E2 - Castle of Mey 2024-02-25

Raymond journeys to the Northernly tip of Scotland to the majestic Castle of Mey, once home to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, now a treasured place to King Charles the III. In the walled garden Raymond meets Head Gardener Chris and finds out the history of the garden under The Queen Mother, and how to grow produce in such a challenging location. Raymond meets some of the castle’s most iconic residence, the Aberdeen Angus cattle, a herd founded by the Queen Mother and currently tended to by farmer Danny. In the castle’s old kitchen, Chef Martin makes the most of the Castle produce cooking an Aberdeen Angus fillet steak with seasonal vegetables from the gardens. Tour Guide Jim offers Raymond and viewers a glimpse of dining at the castle by Royal invitation and Raymond reminisces about his own Royal encounters. The visit to the Queen Mother’s beloved Castle stir Raymond to make a dish he once created in her honour, his pineapple sunflower.

S1E3 - Dumfries House 2024-03-03

Raymond visits Dumfries House in the Ayrshire countryside and explores the grounds, meeting head Gardener Melissa and learning about the impressive gardens structure and scale. Inspired by the vegetables grown there, he makes a Scallop, Salmon, and Vegetable Ceviche. He also visits the Education Farm and learns about sustainability efforts. Resident Chef Kevin shows him how to use the garden produce in his Pig Cheek Scotch Eggs. Raymond then joins Satinder in the Georgian House to discuss its history and makes a Potato and Turnip Dauphinoise.

S1E4 - Hillsborough Castle 2024-03-10

Raymond visits Hillsborough Castle and Gardens in Northern Ireland, where he enjoys the tranquillity of the gardens and learns about their history while walking with Christine. He explores the Walled Gardens, interacts with gardener Edele, and gets inspired for his own garden at home. Raymond indulges in a delicious dish prepared by the café chef, Jamie, using produce from the gardens. He also explores the State Dining Room, talks to David about the houses history, and views the menu served for Queen Elizabeth IIs Coronation celebration.

S1E5 - Highgrove 2024-03-17

Raymond visits the impressive Highgrove house and garden, which is home to King Charles III. He explores the grounds and learns about the organic principles of the estate from Mel. Raymond then cooks a Lyonnaise salad using fresh greens from his own garden and enjoys a Rosemary chicken dish prepared by head chef Luke. He also visits the dye garden to learn about the educational programmes offered by the Princes foundation and makes baked figs and pain perdu inspired by the colorful garden.

S1E6 - Hampton Court Palace 2024-03-24

Raymond returns to Hampton Court Palace, where he learns about the Great Vines history and care from the Keeper, Hilary. He also explores the herb collection and cooks a dish with Ichiho. In the palace kitchen, head chef Neil prepares marinated beetroots with goats curd for Raymond. Raymond visits the Historical Kitchens to see how hot chocolate was made in Georgian times and makes Maman Blancs Chocolate Mousse, reflecting on its history.

S1E7 - Castle of Mey 2024-04-14

Raymond is once again at the farthest tip of mainland Scotland to learn about what it takes to grow produce - including peaches - in its grounds.

S1E8 - Dumfries House 2024-04-21

Raymond returns to Dumfries House to visit its Education Garden, make an aubergine parmigiana, and learn about its rare breeds of chicken.

S1E9 - Hillsborough 2024-05-05

Raymond returns to the magnificent Hillsborough to learn about its gardens extensive restoration and see some extraordinary fruits grown there.