Raymond Blanc's Royal Kitchen Gardens

In this ITV1 Anglia documentary episode the chef heads to the Castle of Mey in Caithness, where head gardener Chris reveals the walled garden’s history and the clever methods used to grow produce in a harsh climate. A concise programme highlight for UK viewers, this British TV entertainment slice offers a quick overview at a glance of a series that blends drama and gardening expertise.

Castle of Mey (Cutdown) is a one‑hour documentary episode that forms part of the wider series exploring Britain’s most remarkable historic estates. In this instalment the chef travels to the remote Castle of Mey in Caithness, where head gardener Chris shares the fascinating history of the walled garden and explains how the team cultivates fresh produce in one of the country’s most challenging climates. The episode blends culinary insight with horticultural heritage, offering UK television viewers a unique glimpse into the marriage of food and landscape on a royal property. Viewers will be taken on a step‑by‑step tour of the garden’s stone walls, raised beds and micro‑climate tricks that enable crops to thrive despite harsh winds and short growing seasons. The chef’s interactions with Chris provide an in‑depth review of traditional planting methods, modern sustainability practices and the seasonal produce that later appears in the kitchen. Alongside the garden narrative, the programme intersperses archival footage of the castle’s royal past, creating a layered documentary that feels both educational and entertaining. The episode’s strongest feature is its visual storytelling – sweeping aerial shots of the Caithness coastline contrast with intimate close‑ups of seedlings breaking through peat. Highlights include a demonstration of how cold‑frame techniques extend the harvest window, a tasting of freshly foraged seaweed paired with locally sourced lamb, and a brief history of the garden’s restoration after World War II. The programme also incorporates practical tips for home gardeners, making it a useful reference for anyone interested in replicating these methods in their own plot. Castle of Mey (Cutdown) taps into a growing British TV appetite for authentic, place‑based documentaries that celebrate regional identity and culinary heritage. UK viewers will recognise the familiar blend of history, nature and food that characterises successful ITV1 Anglia programming, while the remote northern setting offers a fresh perspective on the challenges of farming in Scotland. The episode’s balance of drama and documentary style ensures it feels both compelling and informative, satisfying audiences who seek entertainment that also enriches their knowledge of the British countryside. The episode sits comfortably alongside other Anglia‑produced series such as ‘The Great British Bake Off’ and ‘Countryfile’, reinforcing the region’s reputation for high‑quality, locally focused content. As part of the broader ITV1 schedule, Castle of Mey (Cutdown) contributes to the network’s commitment to delivering a comprehensive guide to British heritage, positioning the series as a must‑watch for anyone following the television guide for UK viewers interested in drama, documentary and culinary entertainment.