Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster

Top stand-up, ‘Mock the Week’ regular and Ed’s unofficial little brother, Rhys James is this week’s guest diner. And he’s invented a dessert. Rhys James’s book ‘You’ll Like It When You Get There: A Life Lived Reluctantly’ is out now. Buy it here. Watch Rhys’s special, ‘Spilt Milk’ on YouTube here. Follow Rhys on on Instagram @rhysjamesy Watch the video version of this episode on the Off Menu YouTube on Fri 26 Sep. Off Menu is now on YouTube: @offmenupodcast Follow Off Menu on Instagram and TikTok: @offmenuofficial. And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show. Off Menu is a comedy podcast hosted by Ed Gamble and James Acaster. Produced, recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive. Video production by Megan McCarthy for Plosive. Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Award-winning comedian and ventriloquist Nina Conti is in the Dream Restaurant this week. And Ed and James do their usual monkeying around. Nina Conti is on tour now with ‘Whose Face Is It Anyway?’. For dates are tickets go to ninaontour.com Nina’s directorial debut film ‘Sunlight’ will have a UK theatrical release from 18th October 2025 (screening details here), or you can pre-order it on Apple TV here (UK) and here (Ireland) - available digitally from 28th November 2025. Follow Nina on Instagram and TikTok @theninaconti Watch the video version of this episode on the Off Menu YouTube on Fri 19 Sep. Off Menu is now on YouTube: @offmenupodcast Follow Off Menu on Instagram and TikTok: @offmenuofficial. And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show. Off Menu is a comedy podcast hosted by Ed Gamble and James Acaster. Produced, recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive. Video production by Megan McCarthy for Plosive. Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mawaan Rizwan – ‘Taskmaster’ runner-runner-up and Bafta-winning star and creator of BBC Three’s ‘Juice’ – is this week’s diner, and he has an easy-to-follow recipe for English food. Trigger warning: this episode contains talk about calories. Series 2 of ‘Juice’ is on BBC Three and iPlayer from 18 September. Watch it (and catch up with series 1) here. Follow Mawaan on Instagram @mawaanr and TikTok @mawaan Watch the video version of this episode on the Off Menu YouTube on Fri 5 Sep. Off Menu is now on YouTube: @offmenupodcast Follow Off Menu on Instagram and TikTok: @offmenuofficial. And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show. Off Menu is a comedy podcast hosted by Ed Gamble and James Acaster. Produced, recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive. Video production by Megan McCarthy for Plosive. Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Divine Comedy frontman Neil Hannon has a table booked at the Dream Restaurant this week. Something for the weekend. The Divine Comedy’s new album ‘Rainy Sunday Afternoon’ is released on Fri 19 Sep. Pre-order is here. Follow The Divine Comedy on Instagram @divinecomedyhq Donated to My Lovely Horse Rescue at www.mylovelyhorserescue.com Watch the video version of this episode on the Off Menu YouTube on Fri 5 Sep. Off Menu is now on YouTube: @offmenupodcast Follow Off Menu on Instagram and TikTok: @offmenuofficial. And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show. Off Menu is a comedy podcast hosted by Ed Gamble and James Acaster. Produced, recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive. Video production by Megan McCarthy for Plosive. Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Internationally bestselling Irish author Marian Keyes – co-host of Radio 4’s ‘Now You’re Asking’ – is this week’s dream diner. And she’s got some supportive words for Ed and James. Trigger warning: this episode contains talk about alcohol addiction, and mentions of grooming. Marian Keyes’s latest novel ‘My Favourite Mistake’ is out now, published by Penguin. But it here. Marina co-hosts ‘Now You’re Asking’ on BBC Radio 4. Listen to it on BBC Sounds. And look out for the BBC adaptation of Marian’s ‘The Walsh Sisters’ which is in the works. Follow Marian on Instagram @marian_keyes Watch the video version of this episode on the Off Menu YouTube on Fri 29 Aug. Off Menu is now on YouTube: @offmenupodcast Follow Off Menu on Instagram and TikTok: @offmenuofficial. And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show. Off Menu is a comedy podcast hosted by Ed Gamble and James Acaster. Produced, recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive. Video production by Megan McCarthy for Plosive. Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bafta-award winning actor and writer Will Sharpe – star of ‘The White Lotus’, ‘A Real Pain’ and Lena Dunham’s new show ‘Too Much’ – is our guest diner this week. But Ed’s annoyed Will didn’t give him a warning… Will Sharpe stars in ‘Too Much’ which is streaming on Netflix now. Watch it here. Off Menu is now on YouTube: @offmenupodcast Follow Off Menu on Instagram and TikTok: @offmenuofficial. And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show. Off Menu is a comedy podcast hosted by Ed Gamble and James Acaster. Produced, recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive. Video production by Megan McCarthy for Plosive. Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Superb stand-up and ‘Live at the Apollo’ star Jonny Pelham is this week’s guest diner. And, of course, we ask him about his gang-member past… Jonny Pelham is currently performing at the Edinburgh Fringe with his new show ‘Is It Me?’ at Monkey Barrel Comedy (The Hive), 21.00, until 25 August. For tickets go to edfringe.com Follow Jonny on Instagram @jonny_pelham Off Menu is now on YouTube: @offmenupodcast Follow Off Menu on Instagram and TikTok: @offmenuofficial. And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show. Off Menu is a comedy podcast hosted by Ed Gamble and James Acaster. Produced, recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive. Video production by Megan McCarthy for Plosive. Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘Taskmaster’ alumnus, Nobody Panic podcaster and multimedia stand-up Stevie Martin has a reservation this week. But can she pick a side dish? Stevie Martin is on tour with her show ‘Clout’. For dates and tickets go to steviemartin.com Listen to Stevie’s podcast ‘Nobody Panic’ where you listen to podcasts. Follow Stevie on Instagram @5tevieM and TikTok @Stevie-Martin Off Menu is now on YouTube: @offmenupodcast Follow Off Menu on Instagram and TikTok: @offmenuofficial. And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show. Off Menu is a comedy podcast hosted by Ed Gamble and James Acaster. Produced, recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive. Video production by Megan McCarthy for Plosive. Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fast-rising stand-up Sharon Wanjohi joins us in the Dream Restaurant this week. But, uh oh, she’s scraped her knee! Sharon Wanjohi is at the Edinburgh Fringe until the 24th August with her debut show ‘In The House’. For dates and tickets go to edfringe.com. Follow Sharon on Instagram @sharonwanjohi_ and TikTok @sharonsforehead Off Menu is now on YouTube: @offmenupodcast Follow Off Menu on Instagram and TikTok: @offmenuofficial. And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show. Off Menu is a comedy podcast hosted by Ed Gamble and James Acaster. Produced, recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive. Video production by Megan McCarthy for Plosive. Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Actor-comedian – start of ‘Parks and Rec’, ‘The Afterparty’ and voice of Sonic the Hedgehog – Ben Schwartz has a table booked this week. Plus we have a few guest callers. Ben Schwartz soon stars in ‘DNA’ and ‘Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice’. Ben’s improv show ‘Ben Schwartz and Friends’ is currently touring the US. For dates and tickets go to rejectedjokes.com Follow Ben on Instagram @rejectedjokes Off Menu is now on YouTube: @offmenupodcast Follow Off Menu on Instagram and TikTok: @offmenuofficial. And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show. Off Menu is a comedy podcast hosted by Ed Gamble and James Acaster. Produced, recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive. Video production by Megan McCarthy for Plosive. Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re 300! What a way to start the new series than with a special milestone episode where, once again, the (dining) tables are turned and Ed and James are the guests in the dream restaurant. Have their tastebuds changed over the last 100 episodes? And, this time, we’re thrilled to welcome back AJ Odudu as the special guest genie. A massive thanks to AJ for hosting our big birthday episode, and a huge thank you to all of you for listening to the podcast over the last 300 episodes. AJ Odudu hosts ‘Big Brother’ and ‘Dress the Nation’ later this year. Follow AJ on Instagram @ajodudu Off Menu is a comedy podcast hosted by Ed Gamble and James Acaster. Produced, recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive. Video production by Megan McCarthy for Plosive. Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design). Follow Off Menu on Instagram and TikTok: @offmenuofficial And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show. Watch Ed and James's YouTube series 'Just Puddings'. Watch here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Dream Restaurant re-opens for bookings on Wednesday 16th July. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s our final b-b-b-b-bonus live episode from the London Palladium, with special guest Katherine Parkinson – star of ‘Rivals’, ‘The IT Crowd’ and ‘Inside No 9’. Want to experience Off Menu: Live for yourself? There are a few tickets left for our live shows at the Royal Albert Hall next year. Visit royalalberthall.com for tickets. We’ll be back with series 14 of Off Menu very soon… Off Menu is a comedy podcast hosted by Ed Gamble and James Acaster. Produced and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive. Recorded by Matt Mountford-Lister for Storm Productions Group live at the London Palladium. Video production by Megan McCarthy for Plosive. Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design). Follow Off Menu on Instagram and TikTok: @offmenuofficial. And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show. Watch Ed and James's YouTube series 'Just Puddings'. Watch here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a special bonus episode in partnership with Dexcom, we welcome BAFTA-nominated actor, ‘Happy Valley’ star and Dexcom ambassador James Norton to the Dream Restaurant. And, no, he didn’t get type 1 diabetes from falling in the Thames. If you, or someone you know is living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and you like the sound of Dexcom, we highly recommend you take a look online at Dexcom.com and request a free Dexcom ONE Plus sample. Dexcom sensors are available on the NHS for some people living with diabetes and are also available to buy online. Always read the user manual for important product aspects and limitations. Talk to your doctor for diabetes management. Terms and conditions and terms of use apply This testimonial relates to an individual’s response to their use of Dexcom’s product(s) as part of their diabetes management plan. The testimonial does not provide any indication, guide, warranty or guarantee as to the response other persons may have in response to the use of Dexcom’s product(s). Individual responses to the use of our products may differ. It is important to consider individual circumstances and consult with your healthcare professional before considering any changes to your diabetes management. Follow James Norton on Instagram @jginorton Follow Dexcom on Instagram @dexcomuk Off Menu is a comedy podcast hosted by Ed Gamble and James Acaster. Produced, recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive. Video production by Megan McCarthy for Plosive. Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design). Follow Off Menu on Twitter and Instagram: @offmenuofficial. And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show. Watch Ed and James's YouTube series 'Just Puddings'. Watch here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our last episode of the series, stand-up, podcaster, Taskmaster star and self-proclaimed Pinotphile – Joanne McNally – joins us in the Dream Restaurant. Please listen responsibly. We’ll be back very soon with a new series of Off Menu. Joanne McNally is on tour now with ‘Pinotphile’. For dates and tickets go to joannemcnally.com Follow Joanne on Instagram @joannemcnally Off Menu is a comedy podcast hosted by Ed Gamble and James Acaster. Produced, recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive. Video production by Megan McCarthy for Plosive. Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design). Follow Off Menu on Twitter and Instagram: @offmenuofficial. And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show. Watch Ed and James's YouTube series 'Just Puddings'. Watch here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s b-b-b-b-bonus time, with a live episode from our London Palladium run, with very special guest, pop royalty Self Esteem – aka Rebecca Lucy Taylor. (Plus a cameo appearance from Corbarian, Kelly.) Self Esteem’s new album ‘A Complicated Woman’ is out now. Buy and listen to it here. Self Esteem is out tour from September. For dates and tickets visit selfesteem.love Follow Rebecca on Instagram @selfesteemselfesteem Off Menu is a comedy podcast hosted by Ed Gamble and James Acaster. Produced and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive. Recorded by Matt Mountford-Lister for Storm Productions Group live at the London Palladium. Video production by Megan McCarthy for Plosive. Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design). Follow Off Menu on Twitter and Instagram: @offmenuofficial. And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show. Watch Ed and James's YouTube series 'Just Puddings'. Watch here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian, chef and the Snack Hacker himself, George Egg, joins us in the Dream Restaurant this week. And James has an announcement. George Egg’s book, ‘The Snack Hacker: Rule-Breaking Recipes for Cooks and Non-Cooks’, is published on 5th June by Blink Publishing. Pre-order it here. Follow George on Instagram @georgeegg And watch The Snack Hacker videos on YouTube Off Menu is a comedy podcast hosted by Ed Gamble and James Acaster. Produced, recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive. Video production by Megan McCarthy for Plosive. Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design). Follow Off Menu on Twitter and Instagram: @offmenuofficial. And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show. Watch Ed and James's YouTube series 'Just Puddings'. Watch here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three-time Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan – star of Tim Key and Tom Basden’s ‘The Ballad of Wallis Island’ – is this week’s dream guest. But can James name those nominated roles? Carey Mulligan stars in ‘The Ballad of Wallis Island’ which is in cinemas from 30 May. Off Menu is a comedy podcast hosted by Ed Gamble and James Acaster. Produced, recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive. Video production by Megan McCarthy for Plosive. Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design). Follow Off Menu on Twitter and Instagram: @offmenuofficial. And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show. Watch Ed and James's YouTube series 'Just Puddings'. Watch here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Presenter, author and actor Stacey Dooley has a booking this week, and she’s expecting fuss, fuss, fuss. Stacey Dooley’s new book ‘Dear Minnie’ published by BBC Books. Buy it here. Stacey is also starring in the touring production of ‘2:22: A Ghost Story’. For dates and tickets go to 222aghoststory.com Follow Stacey on Instagram @sjdooley Off Menu is a comedy podcast hosted by Ed Gamble and James Acaster. Produced, recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive. Video production by Megan McCarthy for Plosive. Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design). Follow Off Menu on Twitter and Instagram: @offmenuofficial. And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show. Watch Ed and James's YouTube series 'Just Puddings'. Watch here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

World’s Greatest Hugger, Dermot O'Leary, joins us in the Dream Restaurant this week and reveals Nicole Scherzinger after-dinner tipple. Dermot O'Leary hosts ‘Silence is Golden’ which starts Monday 5th May on U&Dave and airs weekly. All episodes are available to stream free on U from Monday 5th May. Follow Dermot on Instagram @dermotoleary Off Menu is a comedy podcast hosted by Ed Gamble and James Acaster. Produced, recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive. Video production by Megan McCarthy for Plosive. Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design). Follow Off Menu on Twitter and Instagram: @offmenuofficial. And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show. Watch Ed and James's YouTube series 'Just Puddings'. Watch here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.