Nigel stars again in BBC2's Great British Menu at 6.30pm every night next week.

Why settle for one year appearing on BBC2's mouthwatering Great British Menu, when the producers invite you back to star for a second? That's exactly what’s happened to Northcote chef and co-proprietor, Nigel Haworth, as he is yet again set to champion all that’s delicious about contemporary food in the North West.

2009's Great British Menu has a particularly patriotic theme as 16 top chefs compete to create original dishes for a Homecoming Banquet to welcome back and honour the men and women, along with their families, who are now returning from active service in Afghanistan.

In round one of the competition, Nigel will be pitting his talents against Aiden Byrne, chef at Church Green in Lymm...and he's already looking forward to the challenge. With a legendary reputation and passion for "Food with roots", Nigel sees this year's challenge as the perfect way to create a taste of home.

"I know the modern army has come a long way since the days of bully beef", says Nigel. "But however good the food is on active service, nothing will compare with how good it will taste when they're back, sitting around a table with their friends and families."

All sixteen chefs, representing eight regions, are determined to produce a magnificent British meal. They’ve even been in training, with each of them experiencing life in the armed forces by undertaking 'reconnaissance' missions to local military bases.

As in previous years, the dishes will be judged by the programme's regular experts, Prue Leith, Oliver Peyton and Matthew Fort. And, as per usual, it's their discriminating palettes that will decide which chef represents their region in the next round.

For Nigel and Aiden, the fun starts on Monday May 11th and continues at 6.30 every evening on BBC2 as the two go head-to-head in combat throughout the week. And diners at Northcote won't have to wait long before they can taste Nigel's new dishes for themselves. They’ll all be on the menu from Monday May 18th.

Follow Nigel's progress on www.northcote.com