Edinburgh Chef Jun Au on Great British Menu Edinburgh 2026

Key Points

• Jun Au, chef-owner of Pomelo restaurant in Edinburgh, is making his TV debut on BBC Two’s Great British Menu, representing Scotland in the 21st series.
• The Scotland heat airs at 7pm on Tuesday 3rd March 2026, with subsequent episodes on Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th March, available on iPlayer from 3rd March.
• Jun Au competes against Orry Shand (Falls in Aberdeenshire), Rohan Wadke (Cameron House, Loch Lomond), and superyacht chef Hannah Rose.
• The series theme is ‘British movies or movie makers’, inspiring chefs to create dishes linked to films, filmmakers, or actors connected to their region.​
• Presenters and judges include Andi Oliver (host), Tom Kerridge (Michelin-starred, two-time banquet winner), Phil Wang (new judge, comedian), and Lorna McNee (Michelin-starred Scottish former champion).
• Jun Au describes participation as a career highlight: “Taking part in Great British Menu this year has absolutely been one of the highlights of my career. I remember watching the show growing up, and it’s been a dream to have been asked to represent Scotland and compete against some of the country’s top chefs. I’m up against some seriously tough competition, and I’m looking forward to my loyal customers, friends and family following my journey on screen.”
• He added on the theme: “This year’s theme was ‘British movies or movie makers’, which was a lot of fun to work with – giving me the chance to revisit some of my favourite cinematography with ties to my home and heritage. I can’t wait for people to see my interpretation of the theme through the dishes I’ve created, which highlight my Chinese roots while showcasing the outstanding produce available to us around Scotland.”
• Pomelo, opened by Jun Au in 2021 at age 23, specialises in modern Chinese cuisine using Scottish ingredients like hand-ripped noodles, pickled crab apples, and wild mint.
• Jun Au’s accolades include 2025 Acorn Award winner, Best Asian Chef in Scotland 2024 by Asian Catering Federation, and CODE 30 under 30 in 2025.
• The series finale banquet will be at St George’s Hall in Liverpool, a filming location for The Batman (2022).​
• Orry Shand is National Chef of the Year 2024 winner, opening Falls by OS in Aberdeenshire summer 2026.​

Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) March 2, 2026 – An Edinburgh chef is set to make his TV debut on the BBC’s primetime cooking programme, Great British Menu, as reported in multiple outlets including Deadline News and Bite Magazine. Jun Au, chef-owner of acclaimed modern Chinese restaurant Pomelo, will represent Scotland in the show’s 21st series, competing in heats airing this week on BBC Two.

The announcement has generated buzz in Scotland’s culinary scene, highlighting Au’s rapid rise from a young entrepreneur to national television contender. His participation underscores Edinburgh’s vibrant food landscape, where innovative talents blend global influences with local produce.

Who is Jun Au?

Jun Au, the chef-patron of Pomelo in Edinburgh, opened his 24-cover restaurant in 2021 at just 23 years old, drawing inspiration from his Chinese-Scottish heritage. As detailed by SLTN (Scottish Licensed Trade News), Au replicates Asian flavours with Scottish ingredients, such as pickling local crab apples in pao cai-inspired brine for grilled meats and incorporating wild Scottish mint to balance spice.

Pomelo quickly gained fame for hand-ripped noodle bowls, attracting long queues and praise from The Times and The Guardian as a must-visit spot. Au’s dishes include unique fusions like Chinese chicken soup with smoked chicken, sweetcorn, and Brie, likened to an ‘Asian spin on a Scottish Cullen skink’.

Before Pomelo, Au worked with notable figures like Clodagh McKenna and staged pop-ups, such as veganuary menus at Argile in Marchmont and Norah in Newhaven in January 2026. His accolades affirm his status: 2025 Acorn Award recipient, Best Asian Chef in Scotland 2024 by the Asian Catering Federation, and CODE 30 under 30 honoree.

As reported by The Caterer, this Acorn Award winner is now stepping onto the national stage with Great British Menu.​

What is Great British Menu?

Great British Menu is a flagship BBC cooking competition where top UK chefs from eight regions design four-course menus around an annual theme, scored by celebrity judges for a prestigious banquet. The 2026 series (21st season) features regional heats culminating in finals, with this year’s banquet at Liverpool’s St George’s Hall.

Hosted by Andi Oliver, the panel includes Michelin-starred Tom Kerridge (two-time banquet winner), comedian Phil Wang (series newcomer), and Scottish Michelin-starred Lorna McNee, a former champion of champions. Chefs face elimination across canapés, starters, fish, mains, and desserts.

Past series have spotlighted Edinburgh talents, like Roberta Hall and Stuart Smith in earlier Scotland heats, but Au marks a fresh entry with his modern Chinese angle.​

When and How Can Viewers Watch the Scotland Heat?

The Scotland heat featuring Jun Au airs at 7pm on BBC Two starting Tuesday 3rd March 2026, continuing Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th March. All episodes are available on BBC iPlayer from 3rd March, allowing on-demand viewing.

As noted by Bite Magazine’s coverage, this timing coincides with heightened anticipation for Scottish culinary showcases. Viewers can follow Au’s journey from audition to judging, with full episodes capturing the high-stakes kitchen drama.​

Who are Jun Au’s Competitors in the Scotland Heat?

Jun Au faces stiff competition from three fellow Scottish chefs in Heat 2. Orry Shand of upcoming Falls by OS in Aberdeenshire, National Chef of the Year 2024 winner, is gearing up for his restaurant launch this summer while competing, as covered by The Staff Canteen.

Rohan Wadke, chef at luxury Cameron House on Loch Lomond, brings hotel fine-dining expertise. Hannah Rose, a private superyacht chef, adds a unique nautical perspective to the lineup.

Chip Paper’s preview lists them alongside Au, emphasising the diverse talents vying for Scotland’s banquet spot.​

What is the Theme for Great British Menu 2026?

This year’s theme, ‘British movies or movie makers’, challenges chefs to draw inspiration from films, directors, or actors tied to their region. Great British Chefs explains that each creates dishes reflecting these cinematic connections, blending creativity with regional produce.​

For Scotland, this opens avenues for nods to Scottish cinema heritage, like Trainspotting or local filmmakers. The finale at St George’s Hall ties into its role in The Batman (2022).​

What Has Jun Au Said About His Experience?

Jun Au expressed immense excitement in statements quoted across media. As reported by Bite Magazine and DRAM Scotland, he stated:

“Taking part in Great British Menu this year has absolutely been one of the highlights of my career. I remember watching the show growing up, and it’s been a dream to have been asked to represent Scotland and compete against some of the country’s top chefs. I’m up against some seriously tough competition, and I’m looking forward to my loyal customers, friends and family following my journey on screen.”

He continued:

“This year’s theme was ‘British movies or movie makers’, which was a lot of fun to work with – giving me the chance to revisit some of my favourite cinematography with ties to my home and heritage. I can’t wait for people to see my interpretation of the theme through the dishes I’ve created, which highlight my Chinese roots while showcasing the outstanding produce available to us around Scotland.”

These quotes, attributed directly from Au, capture his personal stakes and cultural fusion approach.​

Why Does This Matter for Edinburgh’s Food Scene?

Jun Au’s primetime slot elevates Edinburgh’s profile in UK gastronomy, following predecessors like those in past Scotland heats. Deadline News highlights how Pomelo’s success—queues, critical acclaim—positions Au as a trailblazer for young, diverse chefs.​

His Acorn Award and pop-ups demonstrate a commitment to innovation, potentially inspiring local talents amid Scotland’s competitive hospitality landscape. As SLTN reports, Au’s guest menus at Argile and Norah showcase collaborative spirit.​

Fans can support by tuning in or visiting Pomelo, where his TV-inspired dishes may soon appear. This debut not only spotlights Chinese-Scottish fusion but reinforces Edinburgh as a culinary hub rivaling London.

What Do We Know About the Judges and Host?

Andi Oliver returns as host, guiding viewers through the heats with her signature energy. Tom Kerridge, Michelin-starred and two-time banquet victor, brings rigorous expertise; Phil Wang adds humorous critique as the new face; Lorna McNee offers Scottish insight as a past champion.

Their verdicts will decide Scotland’s representative, with no room for error in execution or theme adherence. BBC profiles emphasise their influence on emerging careers like Au’s.