Britain's Queen Elizabeth reportedly looking for top chef

Jan 25, 2006, 15:45 GMT

Britain's Queen Elizabeth is reportedly looking for a top chef to improve the meals prepared in the royal kitchens.

The 79-year-old monarch is said to be considering some of the best cooks at the country's top restaurants to head up her team of 20 chefs.

The chosen chef would cook for the queen as well as preparing feasts for visiting dignitaries.

A Buckingham Palace insider is quoted in Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper as saying: 'Ww are stressing it's an important role. The food has to be perfect.

'We cannot have foreign heads of state turning up to a banquet and finding the food is not up to standard.'

Earlier this week it was revealed the British public will choose what the monarch eats for lunch on her 80th birthday.

A special TV programme - starring 14 of the UK's top chefs - will be launched in April and viewers will vote for the 'perfect' four course dinner for the queen.

The final menu will be chosen in a public poll and served at a City of London lunch, being held on June 15 to mark the queen's big day.

Each of the chefs will be given one of seven regions in the UK and asked to make four 'innovative' dishes from the best local ingredients.

Lord Mayor Brewer, who will host the lunch, said: 'The City of London is proud to honour Her Majesty on behalf of the nation on this very special occasion.

'Food brings us all together and through this event the whole country can take part.'

The BBC has commissioned the programme.

Jay Hunt, controller of BBC daytime, said: 'It's fantastic that the best of the best, as chosen by the audience, will then be tasted by the queen.'

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