Celebrity chef filmed in Shambles (From York Press)

Heston Blumenthal films in Shambles, York, dressed as Father Christmas

9:16am Wednesday 19th September 2012 in News

CROWDS in York were surprised to see Father Christmas in Shambles as a celebrity chef filmed part of his new television show in the city.

Heston Blumenthal, who made his name by mixing science with food, creating dishes such as bacon and egg ice cream, parsnip cereal and meat fruit, was spotted in Shambles and Newgate Market, chatting with the public and shopkeepers while dressed as Santa Claus, for part of a new seven-part series to be broadcast later this year.

Pat and Norman Fox were visiting York from Derbyshire when the Michelin-starred chef stopped them in Shambles and asked about the foods they loved from their childhood Christmases.

Norman said: “I’ve been a chef all my life, and I wish I’d recognised him. I never cooked with dry ice or made snail porridge, though.”

Pat said: “He asked about our traditions and things we liked at Christmas.

“I said Christmas pudding, with sixpence in, like mum used to make. We only realised it was him afterwards.”

Heston also visited the Earl Grey Tea Rooms, and Shambles Butchers, as part of his first day filming in the city, before speaking to more members of the public in the market area – and even granting one woman’s wish to sit on his knee.

David Hind, of Shambles Butchers, said: “He came in our shop, and we had no idea who it was, we didn’t recognise him because he didn’t take the beard off.

“We told him we didn’t have any turkeys in yet though.”

The main details of the series, including the show’s title and transmission dates, is still under wraps, but as scores of passers by caught the TV chef on their cameras and phones, Heston’s visit to York could be one of Channel 4’s worst-kept secrets.