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The Robshaw family travel back in time to the turn of the 20th century, to discover how the food we ate and the way we ate it helped shape the modern family.

The Robshaw family are experienced time travellers, but this time they are going further back than they have ever been before - to the turn of the 20th century, to discover how the food we ate and the way we ate it helped shape the modern family. An ordinary house in south London is their time machine, transporting them through five decades and two world wars. Guided by presenters Giles Coren and social historian Polly Russell, they trace the incredible changes to Britain's diet and the extraordinary social transformation they reveal.

As they enter the 1900s, they discover an unrecognisable world of strict etiquette, corsets and conformity. But the biggest surprise is a new addition to the household. Debbie Raw - a part-time chef in the 21st century - is going back in time to be the family's maid of all work, responsible for all the cooking and cleaning. At the perfectly laid dining table, the Robshaws discover a decade of excess, ending up feeling as stuffed as the decor of their 1900s house. Their first meal is a mere five courses with a meaty pudding - but that is a simple amuse bouche to what follows. Servant Debbie must produce an eight-course dinner party in a Victorian kitchen with not so much as a hand blender to help her, the Robshaw ladies struggle with the formality of hosting formal afternoon tea and the family try out the Edwardian answer to a fondue set - brains and scrambled eggs, anyone?

Along the way there is haute cuisine with Monica Galetti, a meaty Olympic breakfast and a music hall tea and singalong with surprise guests Chas and Dave.

59 minutes

Last on

Mon 21 Feb 2022 16:15

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Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:16

    Gustav Holst

    The Planets: III. Mercury, The Winged Messenger

  • 00:54

    Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

    Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, K525, IV Rondo: Allegro

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Giles Coren
Presenter Polly Russell
Participant Monica Galetti
Participant Chas & Dave
Executive Producer Emily Shields
Executive Producer Emma Hindley
Series Producer Nancy Bornat
Producer Tim Hancock
Director Tim Hancock
Editor Hannah Briere-Edney
Production Company Wall to Wall Media

Broadcasts

Back in Time... watch clips from previous series

Back in Time... watch clips from previous series

Families travel back in time to experience how food, leisure and society has transformed.