The Restaurant - Series 3 - 2. The Chain

The Restaurant is back for a third season. World-renowned chef Raymond Blanc, along with partners David Moore and Sarah Willingham, is on the hunt for a couple to back in a brand new restaurant venture. This time all three will be investing their own money in the winners' restaurant, so the stakes are high from the off.

In the last episode, two couples were sent home, their dreams of running a restaurant with Raymond Blanc cut short. Their skills and concepts did not stand up to the scrutiny of Raymond and his partners David Moore and Sarah Willingham.

They are looking for a strong idea, cooking skills and a strong partnership, but in an economic downturn they also need a couple who can prove they can tough it out in the harsh realities of working in the restaurant trade.

Now seven couples are left in the competition - but to get keys to one of Raymond's Bristol restaurants they must overcome a final obstacle. Together they must run three of the city's leading chain restaurants. It is a pressured environment and a chance for the couples to prove they have real potential.

Divided into groups, they receive intensive training. The menus look simple - pizzas, noodles and sushi. But under the watchful eyes of Raymond, Sarah and David, the couples open the doors to hundreds of customers and service does not run smoothly.

For the couples it is a reality check. For Raymond and his investors it is an opportunity to find out who can deliver, who can learn, and who will buckle under pressure.

And as Raymond has keys to just six restaurants - one couple is going home. (R)

Broadcast on:

BBC Two, 8:00pm Thursday 5th November 2009

First broadcast:

Thursday 5th November 2009

Duration:

60 minutes

Available until:

9:59pm Thursday 24th December 2009

Categories:

• Entertainment,
• Games & Quizzes,
• Factual,
• Food & Drink