Heston Blumenthal says moment he was sectioned was ‘like a nightmare'
The restaurateur has spoken widely of his mental health issues in recent months, and told the I'm ADHD! No You're Not podcast that 'talking is the most important thing'.
'Sharing stories helps us realise we are not alone,' he said.
'The more we share, the more we normalise.
'It's OK to not be OK.
'I had an awful lot of wonderful responses to the things that I've been saying and talking about.
'From either people that have bipolar, or neurodiverse people.
'Also from people who've lived with people with bipolar.'
Blumenthal, who presented Channel 4 shows Heston's Fantastical Food and Heston's Feasts, was sectioned following a manic episode and given a diagnosis of bipolar disorder in November 2023.
Appearing on the podcast, which is presented by comedian Paul Whitehouse and his wife Dr Mine Conkbayir, Blumenthal described how he was forcibly pinned down on his sofa and given an injection to sedate him so he could be sectioned.
'There were nine people there, and they said, 'We're going to give you an injection and take you to hospital'.
'I got pinned on the sofa, my arms crossed, two people on each arm.
'I was fighting, and I saw the doctor pull out this massive syringe and I thought it was like a nightmare I used to have as a kid.'
Blumenthal, known for his experimental dishes including snail porridge and bacon and egg ice cream, has been awarded seven Michelin stars over the course of his career.
An hour-long film, Heston: My Life With Bipolar, is due to air on BBC Two on Thursday.
You can listen to I'm ADHD! No You're Not wherever you get your podcasts.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
18 beautiful restaurants restaurants in Wales that are stunning settings for a meal
18 beautiful restaurants restaurants in Wales that are stunning settings for a meal From unique artwork to impeccable architecture, cosy atmosphere, rich history or modern decor, there are plenty of restaurants in Wales that offer good food in vibrant indoor settings Wales has its fair share of amazing restaurants, some of which have become popular with locals and visitors alike, others have received international recognition and received countless awards. And sometimes, we are lucky enough to enjoy their delicious food and impeccable surroundings. While some restaurants may focus very much on our amazing coastlines and countryside, others look closer to home to create a memorable culinary experience. From unique artwork to impeccable architecture, cosy atmosphere, rich history or modern decor, there are plenty of restaurants in Wales that offer good food in vibrant indoor settings. Here is a list of the best restaurants in Wales with the most beautiful interiors. Alternatively, you can read our guide to the restaurants with the most amazing views here. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here . 1. Rhosyn at Penally Abbey, Tenby Rhosyn restaurant at Penally Abbey Hotel (Image: Instagram / @penallyabbeyhotel ) Rhosyn means 'rose' in Welsh and while you'll find plenty of those in the garden, beauty can also be found within the walls of the restored country house of Penally Abbey in Pembrokeshire. Article continues below The small restaurant is bursting with character - from its beautiful wallpaper to its fireplace and arched window frames. The menu is just as memorable as its decor, having made it onto the Michelin guide, its review reads: "The gorgeous setting provides a calming atmosphere in which to dine, with a tasting menu or an à la carte to choose from. "The seasonally guided cooking is modern in execution but rooted in tried-and-tested flavours we all know and love. Pembrokeshire is well-represented on the menu, so look out for delicious local lamb and some superb new potatoes." 2. Roots Restaurant at Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol Roots Restaurant at Llanerch Vineyard in Hensol, the Vale of Glamorgan (Image: John Myers ) Llanerch Vineyard blends rural charm with modern elegance, with its Roots Restaurant offering a refined interior. The award winning restaurant in the Vale of Glamorgan has a beautiful tree display, a trendy bar and comfy seating. It's no wonder this venue is a popular destination for weddings, weekend getaways and wine lover alike who are seeking quiet luxury in the middle of the countryside. On a summer's day, there's no better place to enjoy a beautifully crafted meal with a glass of wine while overlooking the rows of neat vines that stretch across the landscape outside. 3. The Black Boy Inn, Caernarfon The Black Boy Inn in Caernarfon, Gwynedd (Image: WalesOnline ) This pub is centuries old but is still as popular as ever. Built in 1522, its the oldest pub in the Gwynedd town. While the pub has long been praised for its selection of pub classic dishes and drinks, the inn itself is steeped in history which is clearly etched in its interior. When you walk in, you feel like you've stepped back in time with its exposed beams, low cut doorways, feature fireplaces and low lighting which gives it a candle-lit feel. 4. Paternoster Farm, Hundleton Paternoster Farm in the village of Hundleton, Pembrokeshire (Image: Paternoster Farm ) Paternoster Farm in the village of Hundleton, Pembrokeshire has been hailed as serving some of the very best food in Wales and has received rave reviews by the likes of the Good Food Guide, The Times and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. Situated in a former cowshed, the restaurant has a rustic charm to it, quirky in its decor, but remains cosy and homely. 5. Portmeirion, Penrhyndeudraeth Portmeirion in Penrhyndeudraeth near Porthmadog, Gwynedd (Image: Sony Xperia 5 II / Lonely Planet ) While Portmeirion may look impressive from the outside, it is just as interesting from within. Its Town Hall Cafe has a retro 50s style diner, while the hotel near the estuary offers luxury and elegance with its lounges and dining room. The genius behind the creation of Portmeirion village was architect Clough Williams-Ellis, who acquired the land in 1925. Clough was a tireless campaigner for the environment and was also an advocate of rural preservation, amenity planning, industrial design and colourful architecture. His first job was to extend and convert the old house on the shore into a grand hotel. Portmeirion Hotel is recognised as a Grade II listed building. 6. Rhostio, Cardiff Rhostio in Cathays, Cardiff (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) This building on Crwys Road has been many things in its lifetime; a coal exchange building, an aquatics shop and a car dealership. But now it is one of the trendiest coffee shops in Cardiff, which has its own roastery and roof terrace. As you step inside, you'll be welcomed by the scent of freshly roasted coffee beans drifting through the modern, cool space. The downstairs area has retained its industrial charm, with exposed brickwork and high ceilings. But it's upstairs where the real treat is. Grab a coffee and a bite to eat, and head upstairs to see the sprawling views of the Welsh capital. 7. The Sorting Room at Parkgate Hotel, Cardiff The Sorting Room at the Parkgate Hotel in Cardiff This Michelin guide restaurant is situated in the former sorting room of the old Post Office, which was once filled with handwritten letters and brown paper packages. Today, the restaurant is adorned with glittering chandeliers, plush leather sofas and intimate lighting. 8. Henry Robertson at Pal Palé Hall Hotel in Llandderfel near Y Bala (Image: Pale Hall ) One of Wales' most opulent hotels, when visitors enter Palé Hall, they are greeted by original features such as wood panelling, ornate ceilings, and antique furnishings, all blending seamlessly with modern amenities to create a luxurious ambiance. The hotel includes the main hall, the Robertson dining room, the Seasons room with its ornate ceiling, a library and the Huntsman bar and bistro. 9. The Gunroom at Plas Dinas estate, Bontnewydd Plas Dinas country house in Bontnewydd near Caernarfon (Image: WalesOnline ) Plas Dinas was once the former home of the Armstrong-Jones family before it was converted to a hotel and restaurant. The hotel's acclaimed Gunroom Restaurant has made it onto the Michelin guide and two Rosettes for culinary excellence amongst other accolades over the years. Plas Dinas Country House was purchased by Daniel and Annie Perks in 2019 after they fell in love with the former Royal retreat. In the 1960s, this Gwynedd home served as a retreat for Lord Snowdon, formerly Anthony Armstrong-Jones, and Princess Margaret, providing a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of London life. A dining experience here is like no other, with guests able to take a tour of the country home before dining at The Gunroom. The house still retains many of the Armstrong-Jones' family portraits, memorabilia and original furniture. 10. Bacareto, Cardiff Bacareto on Church Street in Cardiff (Image: WalesOnline ) Bacareto, is a cafe bar inspired by traditional Venetian cafes - bàcari. It serves delicious, simple seasonal food and drink in a creative and social space. The cafe has a relaxed and casual feel to it, with interesting wall art and posters on the wall and vibrant splashes of blue, yellow and orange in different sections. 11. The Bell at Skenfrith, Skenfrith The Bell at Skenfrith in Monmouthshire (Image: Rob Besant ) Skenfrith is a picture-perfect retreat in the Welsh countryside, but for many, hotel and restaurant The Bell at Skenfrith is the highlight of their visit to this corner of Monmouthshire. In 2024, its beer garden was named as one of the best in the UK by Time Out magazine. But on the inside, this 17th century inn has a cosy feel to it, exposed beams, a big fireplace and comfortable seating area. 12. The Grove at Narberth, Narberth The Grove at Narberth in Pembrokeshire (Image: Grove of Narberth ) This award-winning restaurant and hotel had to make it onto the list. Its cosy yet stylish decor overlooks the fairytale grounds overlooking the vast Pembrokeshire countryside. For just the day, this place is perfect for an afternoon tea. Its Artisan Room is light and airy, making it the ideal place to enjoy a relaxing and comfortable experience. But if you want to stay, each bedroom at The Grove is individually designed, with a modern twist on a traditional Welsh country house. 13. Sandy Mount House, Rhosneigr Sandy Mount House in Rhosneigr, Anglesey (Image: Daily Post Wales ) It's modern, classy and elegant and the perfect place dishes that champion the very best of local produce in this corner of Ynys Mon. "A home from home to eat, gather & sleep," it reads. "Think cosy corners, log fires & stylish interiors." 14. Lan y Môr, Saundersfoot Lan y Mor, Coppet Hall Beach Saundersfoot (Image: Seren Collection ) On Copper Hall Beach in Saundersfoot, you'll find Lan y Môr restaurant - beautiful on the outside and on the inside. Its modern architecture invites the breathtaking natural surroundings of the area, with large windows overlooking the beach and sea, with faux trees scattered around the restaurant area complemented by sleek and modern tables and chairs for diners. 15. Ynyshir, Machynlleth Ynyshir near Machynlleth in Powys This restaurant is the only eatery in Wales to achieve two Michelin stars. Its modern and simplistic dining room area provides an impeccable backdrop to the dishes that are served from the open kitchen. 16. The Fanny Talbot, Barmouth The Fanny Talbot in Barmouth, Gwynedd (Image: Daily Post/Harri Evans ) The Fanny Talbot on Barmouth high street in Gwynedd was opened as a gastro pub on the site of the old Lion Hotel in July 2023. Since then, the establishment has been garnering praise far and wide, offering "informal fine dining" with MasterChef finalist Owen Vaughan at the helm. The bar area is an inviting spot, decorated with blue tiles, while the dining area showcases beautiful stained glass windows. 17. Dylan's, Llandudno Dylan's in Llandudno, Conwy (Image: Dylan's Restaurant ) On the front near Llandudno's promenade, Dylan's restaurant is situated in the old Washington Hotel. The former hotel has a distinctive dome above its corner entrance. During the 20th century, it became a nightclub but closed in 2012. Five years later, Dylan's decided to open their third branch in Llandudno. Inside the restaurant, you'll find a huge low-relief map, which nearly covers one wall upstairs. This was sculpted by Jane Evans and is based on the work of Thomas Condor in 1784 titled 'New and Correct Map of North Wales'. 18. Blas Restaurant at Twr y Felin Hotel, St David's Blas Restaurant at Twr y Felin Hotel, St David's in Pembrokeshire Twr y Felin Hotel in St David's is Wales' first art hotel. There are numerous commissioned paintings and sculptures, with some showcased at its AA three rosette restaurant, Blas. Impressively, there are over 150 original artworks here, with work by Remi Rough, Mr Jago, Phil Ashcroft and more. Article continues below
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE BBC staff are in 'open revolt' after Channel 4 said it would screen axed Gaza doctors documentary, insiders say - claiming Beeb bosses who refused to screen film are 'out of touch with reality'
BBC staff are in 'open revolt' about top bosses meddling with the channel's journalism 'for political reasons', MailOnline can reveal. Yesterday, it emerged that Channel 4 will show a documentary about Gaza commissioned and then scrapped by the BBC. Gaza: Doctors Under Attack, which was made by two Emmy award-winning filmmakers, was originally commissioned by the BBC more than a year ago. However, the corporation paused its production in April following the launch of an investigation into another documentary Gaza: How to Survive a War Zone, which starred the son of a leader of Hamas - a fact that film failed to mention. Now, Channel 4 has announced it will instead be broadcasting Gaza: Doctors Under Attack on Wednesday, July 2, at 10pm. But BBC staff are said to be in uproar over the decision not to show the programme on its channels, which is thought to have been made by director general Tim Davie. More than 300 people have allegedly signed an open letter directed at the corporation's bosses, which raises concerns about 'censorship' at the BBC when it comes to reporting about Israel. The letter also branded the decision not to show the documentary about medics in Gaza as 'political' and 'nothing to do with the journalism of the film'. An insider with knowledge of the situation told MailOnline: 'The people at commissioner level who are experienced journalists and take these decisions on an almost daily basis are being overruled by people who are pretending to be journalists. There's open revolt [at the BBC]. '[Bosses] approved the film multiple times and then delayed it at least five times but confirmed in emails that it would go out and that the delays were not due to the Johnstone report into Gaza: How to survive in a war zone. 'They said this [new documentary] was a vital film that exemplified ''public interest journalism'. 'After these multiple delays over six weeks they then apologised and said, ''Sorry, it is because of the Johnstone report''.' Gaza: Doctors Under Attack is a one off-documentary that examines allegations that Israeli forces have repeatedly targeted hospitals in breach of international law. The programme was made by two-time Emmy-winning journalist Ramita Navai, fellow two-time Emmy-winning director Karim Shah and ex-Channel 4 News Editor Ben De Pear, who is the executive producer of Basement Films, which was commissioned by the BBC to create the film. The source said more than 40 people from BBC Eye, who were involved in the documentary, had signed a letter of protest against the corporation's. They said the open letter had more than 300 signatures. The insider continued: 'We had to handle the duty of care for a dozen doctors and medics we had spoken to who couldn't understand why their interviews - in which they talked about the deaths of their children when their homes were bombed, or colleagues when their hospitals were attacked, had not gone out. 'We made this point repeatedly and at length to the BBC but they ignored these concerns.' Channel 4 said it had fact-checked the documentary, Gaza: Doctors Under Attack, to ensure that it meets its editorial standards and the Ofcom Broadcasting Code. The film reports that every one of Gaza's 36 main hospitals has now been attacked or destroyed by Israel, with people forced to evacuate and healthcare workers reportedly killed, imprisoned and tortured. Louisa Compton, Channel 4's head of news and current affairs and specialist factual and sport, said: 'We are showing this programme because we believe that, following thorough fact-checking and verification, we are presenting a duly impartial view of a subject that both divides opinion and frequently provokes dispute about what constitutes a fact. 'Channel 4 has a strong tradition of putting uncomfortable reporting in front of our audiences. 'In doing so, we know we will antagonise somebody somewhere sometime. But we do it because we believe it is our duty to tell important journalistic stories – especially those that aren't being told elsewhere.' Basement Films added: 'This is the third film we have made about the assault on Gaza since October 7th at Basement Films, and whilst none of them have been easy this became by far the most difficult. 'As ever we owe everything to our Palestinian colleagues on the ground; over 200 of whom have been killed by Israel, and the doctors and medics who trusted us with their stories. 'We want to apologise to the contributors and team for the long delay, and thank Channel 4 for enabling it to be seen.' The BBC announced that it would not be broadcasting Gaza: Doctors Under Attack on June 20. 'We wanted the doctors' voices to be heard,' the broadcaster said in a statement. 'Our aim was to find a way to air some of the material in our news programmes, in line with our impartiality standards, before the review was published. 'For some weeks, the BBC has been working with Basement Films to find a way to tell the stories of these doctors on our platforms.' But, the corporation added: 'Yesterday it became apparent that we have reached the end of the road with these discussions. 'We have come to the conclusion that broadcasting this material risked creating a perception of partiality that would not meet the high standards that the public rightly expect of the BBC. 'Impartiality is a core principle of BBC News. It is one of the reasons that we are the world's most trusted broadcaster. 'Therefore, we are transferring ownership of the film material to Basement Films.' Previously, critics were enraged by the BBC's failure to disclose that the narrator of Gaza: How to Survive a War Zone was the son of a senior member of the Hamas terrorist group. It was originally broadcast on February 17 on BBC Two with the aim of showing a 'vivid and unflinching view of life' in the strip. The documentary was made by two producers based in London who remotely directed two cameramen on the ground over nine months. However, independent investigative journalist David Collier claimed one of the child narrators, Abdullah, was the son of a Hamas government minister and grandson of one of Hamas's founding members. Using Facebook and publicly available data online, Mr Collier claimed the show's young star is the son of Gaza's deputy minister of agriculture Dr Ayman Al-Yazouri. This would mean his grandfather would be the Hamas founder Ibrahim al-Yazouri, who has previously been jailed by Egypt and Israel for involvement in proscribed groups. The BBC apologised for the inclusion of the documentary's young star, with a spokesperson for the corporation saying: 'Since the transmission of our documentary on Gaza, the BBC has become aware of the family connections of the film's narrator, a child called Abdullah. 'We've promised our audiences the highest standards of transparency, so it is only right that as a result of this new information, we add some more detail to the film before its retransmission. We apologise for the omission of that detail from the original film.' MailOnline has approached the BBC for comment. The open letter to the BBC in full An open letter to BBC Management, written by BBC Journalists and signed by media industry professionals We're writing to express our concerns over opaque editorial decisions and censorship at the BBC on the reporting of Israel/Palestine. We believe the refusal to broadcast the documentary 'Gaza: Medics Under Fire' is just one in a long line of agenda driven decisions. It demonstrates, once again, that the BBC is not reporting 'without fear or favour' when it comes to Israel. We understand that a decision not to broadcast the investigation has been taken by senior BBC management despite the film's content being signed off in accordance with BBC guidelines and editorial policy. This appears to be a political decision and is not reflective of the journalism in the film. A recent statement from the BBC said broadcasting the film 'risked creating the perception of partiality'. This illustrates precisely what many of us have experienced first hand: an organisation that is crippled by the fear of being perceived as critical of the Israeli government. We are not asking the BBC to take a side. We are asking to be allowed to do our jobs in delivering facts transparently and with due context. For many of us, our efforts have been frustrated by opaque decisions made at senior levels of the BBC without discussion or explanation. Our failures impact audiences. As an organisation we have not offered any significant analysis of the UK government's involvement in the war on Palestinians. We have failed to report on weapons sales or their legal implications. These stories have instead been broken by the BBC's competitors. This hasn't happened by accident, rather by design. Much of the BBC's coverage in this area is defined by anti-Palestinian racism. The inconsistent manner in which guidance is applied draws into focus the role of Sir Robbie Gibb, on the BBC Board and BBC's Editorial Standards Committee. We are concerned that an individual with close ties to the Jewish Chronicle, an outlet that has repeatedly published anti-Palestinian and often racist content, has a say in the BBC's editorial decisions in any capacity, including the decision not to broadcast 'Gaza: Medics Under Fire'. This conflict of interest highlights a double standard for BBC content makers who have themselves experienced censorship in the name of 'impartiality'. In some instances staff have been accused of having an agenda because they have posted news articles critical of the Israeli government on their social media. By comparison, Gibb remains in an influential post with little transparency regarding his decisions despite his ideological leanings being well known. We can no longer ask license fee payers to overlook Gibbs' ideological allegiances. Since October 2023 it has become increasingly clear to our audiences that the BBC's reporting on Israel / Palestine falls short of our own editorial standards. There is a gulf between the BBC's coverage of what is happening in Gaza and the West Bank and what our audiences can see is happening via multiple credible sources including human rights organisations, staff at the UN and journalists on the ground. Whilst there has been some exceptional content from some areas of the BBC (within documentary and from some individual correspondents for example), news in particular has failed to report the reality and the context of the war on Palestinians. All too often it has felt that the BBC has been performing PR for the Israeli government and military. This should be a cause of great shame and concern for everyone at the BBC. Despite these failings, there has been a major shift within public discourse in recent months. Increasingly the scale of Israel's crimes against the Palestinians are being understood by the public as well as many of our parliamentarians. The BBC's editorial decisions seem increasingly out of step with reality. We have been forced to conclude that decisions are made to fit a political agenda rather than serve the needs of audiences. As industry insiders and as BBC staff, we have experienced this first hand. The issue has become even more urgent with recent escalations in the region. Again, BBC coverage has appeared to downplay Israel's role, reinforcing an 'Israel first' framing that compromises our credibility. We, the undersigned BBC staff, freelancers and industry figures are extremely concerned that the BBC's reporting on Israel and Palestine continues to fall short of the standards our audiences expect. We believe the role of Robbie Gibb, both on the Board, and as part of the Editorial Standards Committee, is untenable. We call on the BBC to do better for our audiences and recommit to our values of impartiality, honesty and reporting without fear or favour.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Sunday Brunch host issues apology to Aisling Bea after 'boring' mum question
Sunday Brunch hosts Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer issued an apology to comedian Aisling Bea after they asked her a 'boring' question about motherhood Sunday Brunch hosts Simon Rimmer and Tim Lovejoy playfully said sorry to comedian Aisling Bea after they quizzed her on her personal life. The Irish comedian made an appearance on the Channel 4 morning show alongside guests like Big Zuu, with Kat Sadler and Lizzie Davidson from Such Brave Girls. Almost immediately into the show, Tim disclosed a backstage chat with Aisling, prompting a cheeky apology from him. He explained: "Aisling, this morning you came in and I said to you, 'How is it being a mum?' and then Simon said to you, 'Congratulations, I've not seen you since becoming a mum,' and you said, 'Simon, the boring thing and being a mum is that everyone keeps asking about it'." "So I apologise for that," he said with a chuckle: "But how is it being a mum?" reports the Manchester Evening News. Aisling responded with playful repartee: "Thank you for apologising, I'll work on forgiveness but I can't guarantee it." She continued: "I still identify as a child-free, single lady because of the vibe but I do have a baby and a boyfriend." With her signature wit, Aisling commented on "rival show" Saturday Kitchen, saying her little one "couldn't get her head around it" so she likely wasn't watching her mum today. Opening up about motherhood, she added: "I feel like I'm not a mum yet, at the start you're just like dealing with a new person in the house, I think it'll be a while before that feels like I'm a mother." Aisling revealed that she and her partner Jack Freeman became parents for the first time in August last year, after getting celebrities like Paul Rudd and Travis Kelce to announce her pregnancy news months earlier. She took to Instagram to share the birth of her baby, posting a series of photos showing her growing bump, ending with a final snap of her cradling her newborn daughter in hospital. In a playful post, she wrote: "Trip advisor review of Pregnancy One star," and listed a series of "negatives" such as it being "expensive" and leaving her feeling "very unrested". "Not as described online or in pictures. Reminded me of the Glasgow Willie Wonka experience. Towards the end of my stay I was repeatedly kicked in the nuts," she continued. She then went on to list: "UTIs, bleeding, depression, cramps, insomnia, nosebleeds, sinus blockage, migraines, vomiting, being randomly touched by people without asking, bones mushing, organs moving, skin stretching, being told that you'll forget all the pain/that it's a privilege / that it will all be "worth it" in the end, heightened awareness of climate change and worst of all- boredom- all described as « normal » and was repeatedly recommended « a nice bath » as a fix to all of the above." Aisling also shared the "positives", saying she enjoyed the bath at the end and appreciated the help with her bags, adding: "Before checking out, nearby kebab shop man provided free extra chips and quite a flirty wink, which I appreciated. Was given a little gift at check out which is, admittedly, quite cute. " Sunday Brunch airs from 10am on Channel 4.
