With reference to your article "BBC launches TV search for the Great British Menu" (Caterer, 16 February, page 11), I am amazed that Angela Hartnett has been appointed to represent Wales. Ireland is being represented by two well-known Irishmen, Scotland by two Scotsmen and the regions of England by good, old-fashioned English chefs. Where is the Welsh connection?
She will have little knowledge of local and specialist produce from the principality, as I believe that prior to her move to the Connaught she was working in Dubai for Gordon Ramsay. Hartnett also sets great store by her Italian connections: both she and the press allude to this at every turn. A good background for creating a truly Welsh/British menu?
One begins to think that the only people allowed to appear on television these days are celebrity chefs and the team from Gordon Ramsay Holdings. I have no axe to grind with Angela Hartnett, but when you have the likes of Stephen Terry, Chris Chown and little old me all working and living in Wales, I find her appointment a puzzle. Where is the sense? I can only assume that the BBC does not wish to introduce unknowns to the great British public.
Mary Ann Gilchrist
Carlton House Restaurant, Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys
We have it on good authority that Angela is of Welsh decent - Ed.
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