I'm A Celebrity bushtucker trials have made for memorable moments in TV history from Paul Burrell's hilarious facial expressions in Hell Holes to Dean Gaffney's shrieks in the Bush Spa trial. However, there's one trial that has become iconic – the dreaded jungle menu Ant and Dec serve up to the celebrities featuring everything from insects to quirky local delicacies.
This year, viewers have watched on aghast as Adam Thomas willingly downed a glass of blended fly and fly pupae during the show's 300th bushtucker trial last week. And Martin Roberts' retching during his high-speed ingestion of blended camel hoof had his fellow contestants (and us!) in stitches.
But if you watch the celebs' hilarious antics and always wonder how you'd get on in a bushtucker trial, then we've got a challenge for you! We've tracked down a host of restaurants in the UK which offer up fine dining with a twist, such as Cajun grasshoppers to desserts made from fresh wood ants. Give them a try if you dare…
What: Grasshoppers and buffalo worms
Where: Favelas
Inspired by local street food dishes from South America, Favelas will be serving up a special 'Bug Menu' for one week a month, giving their usual dishes a new flavour with the help of different critters! We're particularly loving the Cajun Grasshoppers which will be served up as a bar snack – or if you're after something a bit more filling, make sure to try their cod fishcake which comes with a side of salted buffalo worms!
For more information head to favelasnq.com
What: Fresh wood ants
Where: Flat Three in Holland Park
This Japanese and Nordic-inspired restaurant is offering up a sorbet with a twist! Inspired by a delicacy favoured in Asia, chef Pavel Kanja has created a delicious tofu sorbet with pomegranate, all topped off with a handful of fresh wood ants. At £700 per kilo these critters are a luxurious touch – but the dessert itself comes in at a very budget-friendly £6.
For more information head to flatthree.london
What: Lamb brain
Where: The Cinnamon Club
Indian fine dining at its best, The Cinnamon Club offers a wide range of different meats from red deer to pheasant breast. For those wanting to try something a bit more adventurous, try the Bheja Fry – a mixture of lamb mince and brain that makes for the perfect accompaniment to a main course.
For more information head to cinnamonclub.com
What: Smoked eel
Where: The Empire Rooms
Forget traditional boiled egg with toast 'soldiers' – Empire Rooms have created an indulgent alternative. Make sure to try one of their mouthwatering soft-boiled duck eggs, paired with crispy smoked eel soldiers and topped off with seaweed, at a bargain price of £8.50.
For more information head to theempireroom.co.uk
