British ambassador to Spain defends UK chefs over alleged 'crimes' against the tortilla

The British ambassador in Madrid made a daring foray into the world of Spanish cuisine on Wednesday night with an appearance on a popular cooking show where he defended UK chefs over alleged "crimes" against beloved national dishes.

Simon Manley had a starring role in the 45-minute edition of El Comidista, debating the merits of British versus Spanish food and receiving a tutorial on the perfect tortilla from host and chef Mikel Lopez Iturriaga.

The pair engaged in some light-hearted sparring over alleged British crimes against Spanish cuisine, with Mr Manly offering a valiant defence of Jamie Oliver, whose takes on traditional dishes have more than once incurred the wrath of the country's foodies.

Wearing a Union Jack apron and declaring "Vive la Majestad!" (Long live her Majesty), the diplomat rustled up Oliver's much-mocked recipe with chorizo and - the host quipped - "raw onion". He proudly championed the "Hispano-British tortilla", though Iturriaga was not entirely convinced. 

It is not the ambassador's first appearance on El Comidista. Last year the humorous food show - then a popular video blog - "summoned" him for a consultation over Oliver’s intervention on the best recipe for paella. 

The British celebrity chef had suggested a version with chorizo - leading to cries of a sin against the Spanish national dish. But though Mr Manley had difficulty explaining such Anglo-Spanish mutations as the chorizo waffle, he won over Iturriaga and viewers with a recipe for roast chicken with mustard.

His latest turn was aimed at dispelling Spanish perceptions that Britain is a culinary wasteland; a recent survey for Visit Britain found that only 12 percent of Spaniards are attracted to UK holidays for the food and drink. Mr Manley acknowledged that in the past British food had been "horrible". But, he said: "I think the cuisine in our country has changed a lot in recent years."

The pair sampled a selection of British cheddars over a glass of "Proper Job" beer, Iturriaga conceding that the UK's past reputation for poor cuisine was no longer deserved. And, he allowed, Britain does have better bread.

Mr Manley has also been busy reassuring UK nationals in Spain who are fearful over their post-Brexit status. In an open letter on Wednesday, he reported substantial progress in talks in Brussels, saying the UK was hopeful of a reciprocal deal that would maintain current rights and crucially, access to healthcare.