Radio Times: Review by:; Alison Graham

Pan-fried skinned mice are probably no one’s idea of a festive feast, but then Heston Blumenthal isn’t one for a turkey roast. A lot of what he comes up with is uniquely repellent. He wants to cook dormice (a favourite of Roman emperors) for his celebrity guests, but he needs a bit of practice first.

It’s all technically fascinating and there is no doubt about Blumenthal’s wild, imaginative genius. The things this man can do with whale vomit have to be seen to be believed.

His diners, who include Mariella Frostrup, Arabella Weir and actor James Purefoy, are aghast and agog and, just occasionally, appalled. (First shown in 2009.)

About this programme

Chef Heston Blumenthal creates a unique festive feast inspired by dishes of the past. The gastronomic pioneer tries to create a spectacular menu in which every bite brings a new surprise to the senses. The menu includes an appetiser beloved of King Charles II with a most unusual ingredient - whale vomit - as well as dormouse, venison fit for a medieval monarch, and an edible Christmas scene complete with flavoured snow. The banquet is then served to celebrity diners including comedian and writer Charlie Higson, broadcaster Mariella Frostrup, comedienne Arabella Weir, former rugby union player Matt Dawson, actor James Purefoy and journalist Kate Spicer.