Raymond Blanc takes The Restaurant to North Devon

BBC FILM crews descended on Castle Hill in Filleigh last week for a culinary challenge which will make or break the dreams of four budding restaurateurs.

Castle Hill, home to Lord and Lady Arran, was used as the venue for the final of BBC2 show The Restaurant which will be screened tonight at 8pm.

The challenge saw the two remaining pairs of contestants serve up a prestigious banquet for the Arrans and their guests.

The couples competed by making alternate courses of a seven-course meal, facing a final cook-off with the souffle dessert.

Lady Arran said: "I'm sure the final will make unmissable viewing — it was certainly a very interesting and entertaining experience for us.

"Snoopy, Lord Arran's dog, took a dislike to one of the cameramen and the food didn't all quite turn out as anticipated.

"However, the chefs worked very hard and were so enthusiastic. We are looking forward to finding out who wins this wonderful opportunity to work with Raymond Blanc."

The programme has had a long-running association with North Devon with all the previous winners hailing from the area.

Last year the competition was won by Woolacombe couple Russell Clement and Michele English and in 2007 by Jane and Jeremy Hooper from Chivenor near Braunton.

The Hoopers went on to run The Thatch in Oxfordshire while Russell and Michele spent last year building up trade at their restaurant, The Cheerful Soul at the Hare and Hounds in Buckinghamshire.