Watch Lords and Ladles

Lords and Ladles is a popular Irish cooking show that aired on RTÉ One. The show brings together three of Ireland's top chefs and a group of historians as they travel across the country to explore the history of Ireland's great houses and the food that was served within them. The show is presented by celebrity chef Derry Clarke, historian and author Helen Collins, and Michelin-starred chef Catherine Fulvio.

The premise of the show is simple. Each episode features the trio visiting a historic Irish mansion or castle and preparing a meal using only the ingredients that would have been available during the mansion's heyday. They are not allowed to use any modern convenience, including gas or electric ovens, or even a food processor. Instead, they have to cook with the same kind of tools and equipment that would have been available to the mansion's original chefs.

The show is a fascinating exploration of Ireland's culinary history, as each episode gives viewers an insight into the country's rich and colourful past. The three hosts delve into the archives of each mansion, uncovering long-forgotten recipes and the stories behind the food that was served. They then set about re-creating these recipes, using techniques that are centuries old.

Lords and Ladles is not just a cooking show, it's also a history lesson. Each episode is packed with fascinating information about the mansion's past, from the stories of the families who lived there to the political and social events that shaped their lives. The hosts bring these stories to life, painting a vivid picture of Ireland's history that will captivate viewers of all ages.

Once the hosts have gathered their ingredients, they set about preparing the meal. This is where the show really comes into its own. Watching the hosts cook using traditional methods is a joy to watch, as they skillfully use open-fire cooking techniques, wood-fired ovens, and even spit roasting to prepare their dishes. It's a reminder of how much we have lost in the modern age and how much skill was needed to prepare meals in the past.

As the dishes are prepared, the hosts are joined by a group of guests to enjoy the fruits of their labours. These guests are usually members of the aristocracy who have a connection to the mansion being visited, and they are dressed in historic costume to make the experience feel more authentic. As they tuck into a sumptuous feast, the hosts regale them with stories of the mansion's past, making for a truly unique dining experience.

Lords and Ladles has been praised for its educational and entertaining format. The show has been lauded for its ability to make history come alive, as well as for its focus on traditional cooking techniques. It's a fascinating insight into a bygone age, and a reminder of how much we have lost in the modern era.

In conclusion, Lords and Ladles is a must-watch show for anyone interested in Irish history or culinary traditions. The hosts are entertaining and knowledgeable, and the food they prepare is simply delicious. It's a show that will transport viewers back in time and leave them with a new appreciation for the skills and techniques of our ancestors.

Lords and Ladles is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between May 24, 2015 and on RT