The glitz and glamour of the BAFTAs makes it one of the most anticipated events in the entertainment industry’s calendar. Serving up memorable outfits and unforgettable moments, the ceremonies are always a fan favourite. Those tuning in to this year’s Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards can enjoy a taste of the evening as BAFTA Head Chef, Anton Manganaro, has curated a very special BAFTA-inspired menu for viewers to recreate at home.

As the Official Wine Partner to BAFTA, Villa Maria has collaborated with Head Chef, Anton, to create a bespoke three course dinner fit for an Awards ceremony. BAFTA’s Front of House Manager, Graham Lloyd-Bennett, has selected the perfect wine pairings to go with each delicious course from Villa Maria’s award-winning range.

For the first time, Graham and Anton share their bespoke BAFTA Piccadilly recipes for viewers to recreate and plate up at home, whilst enjoying the Virgin Media BAFTAs.

Starter

Grilled asparagus with a soft poached hen’s egg, St George mushrooms, spring pea puree and confit tomato oil. A perfect match with Villa Maria’s Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2020.

Main Course

Slow braised shoulder of spring lamb with charred grelot onions, broad beans, baby carrots, Jersey royal fondants and slow roasted rump of spring lamb. Pairs beautifully with Villa Maria’s Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2019.

Dessert

Goats curd vanilla panna cotta with textures of strawberries and verbena snow. Deliciously complemented by Villa Maria’s Reserve Noble Riesling Botrytis Selection 2018.

Commenting on his recipe creations, BAFTA Head Chef, Anton Manganaro, said: “I’ve been serving meals to nominees, winners and guests at BAFTA ceremonies for over 15 years now. As expected, this year’s Virgin Media BAFTAs will be a little different than usual and no meal will be served, but I hope these BAFTA Piccadilly recipes will bring inspiration for viewers to wine and dine themselves at home.”

BAFTA Front of House Manager, Graham Lloyd-Bennett added: “I love experimenting with flavours and selecting the best wines to compliment Anton’s marvellous creations is always a delight! Villa Maria’s range of award-winning wines are the perfect pairings for these dishes, and I do hope the viewers will get involved and create their very own BAFTA dining experience this Sunday.”

For the past 12 years, Villa Maria’s wines have been served and enjoyed at all BAFTA award ceremonies. Effortlessly balanced, elegant, and approachable, the wines are the perfect accompaniment to the Academy’s prestigious events.

Order your wine pairing bottles online from New Zealand House of Wine or pick up bottles of Villa Maria’s Cellar Selection in Majestic or Sainsbury’s stores nationwide. For more information, please visit: https://www.villamaria.co.nz/.

Tune into the Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards ceremony this Sunday 6th June on BBC One.