Three keen amateur cooking couples compete to lay on the best food for a party and win a big cash prize. The first host of this week in Birmingham is entrepreneur Nick who is celebrating his honorary degree. Determined husband and wife Jim and Muriel, presentation-obsessed Karren and Adrian, and devoted foodies Chris and Alice need to serve first class Thai cuisine. But early confidence dissolves when they realise catering for a party full of connoisseurs is different to home cooking.