Restaurant closes

By Paul Fulford on Oct 30, 08 08:25 AM

That excellent TV programme The Restaurant drew to a close last night and, pathetic as it sounds, I'm going to miss it.

It was fascinating to watch the competitors struggle with the challenges of running their own restaurants and enlightening to get an insight into the perfectionism that has made Raymond Blanc one of the world#s greatest chefs.

But I reckon he got it wrong by choosing the couple from the Cheerful Soul (what sort of name is that...?) as his partners.

Though he seemed an organised and skilled chef, his food seemed boring. And she was twee beyond words. And despite her apparent good humour, she didn't take criticism at all well.

The two lads were a funny pair, but I'd warmed to them as the series progressed and reckon they'd made great strides forward.

Above all, though, the series made me realise just how hard it must be to run a restaurant.