Wales


<p>Ever wondered what Welsh food firestarter Chris Roberts &#8211; better known as  <a href="https://www.instagram.com/flamebaster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flamebaster</a> &#8211; gets up to when he&#8217;s not manning the grill? The larger-than-life chef has been setting more than just flames alight lately. Social media went into meltdown when his high-energy cooking style first hit screens, quickly building a loyal following that snowballed into something much bigger. Before long, he was fronting his own hit show,&nbsp;<em><a href="https://www.s4c.cymru/en/factual/bwyd-epic-chris/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bwyd Epic Chris</a></em>,&nbsp;and he hasn’t looked back since.</p>



<p>Now, he’s turning up the heat once again with the second series of&nbsp;<em><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0026jwt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flaming Feasts</a></em> (his first English language show). Airing weekly on&nbsp;BBC One, the six-part series sees Chris embark on a fiery food pilgrimage across Wales. From Aberteifi (Cardigan) to Ynys Môn (Anglesey), with stops in Llanberis, Wrecsam, Arberth and Porthmadog, he’s celebrating the country’s top chefs, standout producers and must-visit foodie hotspots. Eager to find out more? Let&#8217;s get fired up.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tell-us-about-your-journey-so-far-from-where-you-started-to-the-people-and-moments-that-inspired-you">Tell us about your journey so far – from where you started, to the people and moments that inspired you</h2>



<p>I’m Chris Roberts, aka&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flamebaster.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flamebaster</a> –&nbsp;a fire-obsessed cook and dad of four from Caernarfon on the north coast of Wales. For me, cooking over fire is about far more than just technique; it’s a primal connection to identity, community, and the land and sea. Growing up with Eryri (Snowdonia) on my doorstep &#8211; all  mountains, woodlands, lakes, and coastline &#8211; ignited my passion for wild food, fire, and flavour from a young age. But it was watching Francis Mallmann on&nbsp;<em>Chef’s Table</em> that really lit the fuse. It took me straight back to childhood stories from my dad, who&#8217;d cooked with Patagonian gauchos &#8211; a memory that clearly stuck. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/04/Flamebaster-3.png" alt="Flamebaster fish" class="wp-image-6257" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/04/Flamebaster-3.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/04/Flamebaster-3-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/04/Flamebaster-3-1024x683.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/04/Flamebaster-3-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Before becoming a chef, I spent 17 years working as a support worker in North Wales with people with learning disabilities. Cooking became a powerful way to build confidence, joy, and connection &#8211; from visiting local butchers and fishmongers to preparing meals together.</p>



<p>My TV journey began when my good friend, director Aneurin Thomas, spotted some of my food photos on Facebook and suggested we film a recipe video. Armed with borrowed cameras, we headed out into the stunning landscapes of Wales &#8211; and what started as a bit of fun quickly gained traction. Those early clips snowballed into our first series for S4C and fast forward to 2026, we’ve now made 12 together.&nbsp;<em>Flaming Feasts</em>&nbsp;is our first English language series. I love working with Neus and our small, mighty team –&nbsp;we get things done with passion!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-does-the-name-flamebaster-come-from">Where does the name&nbsp;Flamebaster&nbsp;come from?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/04/Flamebaster-8.png" alt="Flamebaster" class="wp-image-6259" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/04/Flamebaster-8.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/04/Flamebaster-8-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/04/Flamebaster-8-1024x683.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/04/Flamebaster-8-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The name Flamebaster is inspired by the Flambedou &#8211; an ancient Scandinavian cooking tool that&#8217;s heated in coals before raining fire-basted flavours over the food in a dramatic, almost primal way. Safe to say, the name stuck.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-did-flaming-feasts-come-to-be">How did <em>Flaming Feasts</em> come to be?</h2>



<p><em>Flaming Feasts</em>&nbsp;is a six-part culinary pilgrimage through Wales, taking me right back to my roots. Along the way, we explore the country&#8217;s ingredients, culture, and producers while cooking in some seriously cool places. After years of cooking and feasting across the globe, this series feels like a chance to shine a light on Wales’ incredible food story. It’s about fire connecting everything  people, landscapes, and traditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-you-share-some-highlights-from-the-show">Can you share some highlights from the show?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/04/Flamebaster-5.png" alt="Flamebaster pancake flipping" class="wp-image-6252" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/04/Flamebaster-5.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/04/Flamebaster-5-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/04/Flamebaster-5-1024x683.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/04/Flamebaster-5-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Some standout moments include flipping a pancake on the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) &#8211; a childhood dream come true &#8211; learning the ancient art of coracle fishing for sewin (sea trout), and hosting an epic 30-hour whole cow cookout in Llanberis, recreating a historic feast that brought generations together.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-most-memorable-moment-at-work">Most memorable moment at work?</h2>



<p>The Llanberis whole cow cook was unforgettable. Watching older locals reminisce as younger generations experience a communal feast for the first time was a truly powerful moment, where past and present came together in a beautiful, fire-lit celebration.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-surprised-you-most-while-filming">What surprised you most while filming?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/04/Flamebaster.png" alt="Flamebaster" class="wp-image-6254" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/04/Flamebaster.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/04/Flamebaster-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/04/Flamebaster-1024x683.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/04/Flamebaster-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The talent and passion right here in Wales is incredible! From producers and growers to chefs, there’s so much creativity that deserves a far bigger spotlight &#8211; and&nbsp;<em>Flaming Feasts</em>&nbsp;gave me the perfect platform to showcase that to a national audience.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biggest-mistake-you-ve-ever-made-at-work">Biggest mistake you’ve ever made at work?</h2>



<p>Fire cooking keeps you humble. I&#8217;ve burned things, over-smoked dishes, and learned the hard way that fire doesn’t care how good you think you are &#8211; it’ll always remind you who’s boss.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tell-us-5-things-you-can-t-live-without-in-your-kitchen">Tell us 5 things you can&#8217;t live without in your kitchen</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/04/Flamebaster-4.png" alt="Flamebaster" class="wp-image-6255" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/04/Flamebaster-4.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/04/Flamebaster-4-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/04/Flamebaster-4-1024x683.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/04/Flamebaster-4-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>I couldn’t live without a few essentials: butter (absolute flavour gold), a good selection of hardwoods — each one bringing its own unique smoke profile, which I treat as an ingredient rather than just fuel — and, of course, sharp knives (non-negotiable). A chimney starter is another must-have, saving time and effort every single cook. But more than anything, it’s time spent cooking on the barbecue with my fiancée Amy and our four kids that matters most — nothing beats that.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-all-time-favourite-cookbooks">All-time favourite cookbooks?</h2>



<p>Francis Mallmann’s&nbsp;<em><a href="https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Seven-Fires-by-Francis-Mallmann-Peter-Kaminsky/9781579653545" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seven Fires</a></em>, which is all about Patagonian asado and reconnecting to fire cooking. And of course, the&nbsp;<em><a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/black-axe-mangal/lee-tiernan/jason-lowe/9780714879314" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Black Axe Mangal</a></em>&nbsp;book, the&nbsp;<em><a href="https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/9781529103212" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Book of St. John</a></em>, and anything by Genevieve Taylor (she’s a fire-cooking legend).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-the-future-for-welsh-cooking">What’s the future for Welsh cooking?</h2>



<p>We’ve got world-class produce and an exciting new generation of chefs making waves. The future of Welsh cooking is about strengthening local connections and celebrating our ingredients and producers with the pride they deserve.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-should-people-start-when-wanting-to-try-out-more-welsh-food">Where should people start when wanting to try out more Welsh food?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/04/Flamebaster-6.png" alt="Flamebaster" class="wp-image-6256" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/04/Flamebaster-6.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/04/Flamebaster-6-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/04/Flamebaster-6-1024x683.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/04/Flamebaster-6-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Get out and explore Wales! Try our incredible seafood, beef, lamb &#8211; there&#8217;s so much to saviour. It’s about time we shone a proper spotlight on what we’ve got.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-tips-would-you-give-someone-looking-to-get-into-flame-cooking">What tips would you give someone looking to get into flame cooking?</h2>



<p>Respect the fire –&nbsp;it’s a powerful tool. Learn how to manage heat, use all your senses, and don&#8217;t forget to have fun! It’s about slowing down, stepping back from the noise of life, and creating something truly special.</p>



<p><em>The six-part series is rolling out weekly on BBC One until Fri 1 May. To binge the lot, the full series is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.</em></p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://wales.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/amazing-april-the-very-best-things-to-do-in-wales-this-month/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazing April! The very best things to do in Wales this month</a></li>



<li><a href="https://wales.muddystilettos.co.uk/life/people/muddy-meets-kimberley-nixon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Muddy meets: Kimberley Nixon</a></li>



<li><a href="https://wales.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/walks-near-me/the-best-bluebell-walks-in-wales/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bloomin’ gorgeous! The best bluebell walks in Wales</a></li>
</ul>


What’s Cooking? Muddy meets flame-cooking legend, Flamebaster

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