Last week, nine couples lined up to take part in the ongoing challenge to open a restaurant good enough to impress Raymond Blanc. Just eight restaurants were prepared for launch night, and only seven actually opened. James and Alasdair’s dream was halted at the last moment by a gas leak. Mike and Harriet’s Blue Goose opened its doors to the public, but with such catastrophic results that Raymond has already warned them that they’re in real danger of being closed.

In tonight’s episode, Raymond sets the eight couples their first major test – letting their customers pay only what they think their meals are worth. All the restaurants must decide how to encourage the locals to give generously. In prosperous Marlow, chef James at The Gallery rests his hopes on haute cuisine, whereas Stephen and Helen cater for families who probably won’t pay so much per head, so the pressure is on for them to ensure a full house. But if a restaurant is too full and customers are made to wait, they are unlikely to pay.

The eight couples walk a tightrope between being too full and too empty, between buying in too little food and too much. In addition, eagle-eyed inspectors Sarah Willingham and David Moore are also snooping around making their own judgements. Helped by their insights, Raymond must decide which of the couples has fared worst and face his weekly challenge… and the risk of losing their restaurant.

You can tune into the show at 9pm tonight and tomorrow night.