IMDb

Castle Kitchen is a series of documentaries delving into the rich world of ancient Greek cuisine. Our journey begins in 800 BCE, tracing the evolution of Greek gastronomy through the ages and showcasing its lasting influence on today's Mediterranean diet.

Using ancient texts as our guide, we will recreate 2,000-year-old recipes and experiment with traditional cooking techniques. Inspired by Archestratus, the father of gastronomy, Athenaeus and his Banquet of the Learned, and Apicius, one of the earliest known cookery books, we aim to bring the flavours of antiquity back to life.

Through the writings of Hesiod, we will also explore daily life in ancient Greece, following his accounts of agriculture and food production, offering a glimpse into the foundations of one of history's most influential cuisines.

Ever wondered what the ancient Greeks really ate? 

Castle Kitchen is an exciting new documentary series that explores the origins of Greek cuisine, bringing to life the flavours, techniques, and traditions of the past.

Guided by documentary filmmaker Thomas Haas and actor Adrian Marvell, we embark on a culinary journey spanning centuries, revealing how ancient Greek gastronomy shaped the Mediterranean diet as we know it today.

Adrian & Thomas enjoying an ancient Greek breakfast

"What a strange machine man is! You fill him with bread, wine, fish and radishes, and out comes sighs, laughter and dreams." Nikos Kazantzakis

Why This Matters

Food tells a story. The recipes, ingredients, and cooking methods of ancient Greece offer a glimpse into their daily lives, beliefs, and culture. By recreating authentic meals from texts such as Archestratus's The Life of Luxury and Athenaeus's The Deipnosophists, we're not just cooking - we're reviving history.

Unlike other food documentaries, Castle Kitchen doesn't rely on speculation. We use historical research, expert insights, and archaeological evidence to recreate authentic dishes with traditional techniques, bridging the gap between past and present.

How Your Support Helps

We have created the trailer (see the video at the top of the page) and already filmed, edited and produced The Pilot, 'Episode 1: The Importance of Artos and an introduction to Castle Kitchen'. We are in pre-production mode for episodes 2 to 8.

We are looking to raise £8,000 to complete Season 1.

We have planned for 10 seasons x 8 episodes, approx 30 minutes per episode.

Producing this ambitious series requires resources, travel, and meticulous research. Your contributions will help us:

✔ Recreate Authentic Cooking Environments – Construct replicas of ancient kitchens and use traditional implements.
✔ Source Rare and Historical Ingredients – Identify heirloom grains, oils, and spices used in ancient times.
✔ Engage Experts and Historians – Collaborate with specialists in ancient food, culture, and archaeology.
✔ Film on Location in Greece – Capture breathtaking historical sites, adding depth and authenticity to the series.

With your help, Castle Kitchen can become the definitive exploration of ancient Greek cuisine.

Once Season 1 has been produced we will add the recipes to our website. The recipes will be searchable by history, mythology and poetry. We will also produce hardback recipe books for each season which will be available to order on our website.

Exclusive Rewards for Backers

To thank you for your support, we're offering:

• Digital or Hardback Recipe Book – A carefully curated collection of ancient Greek recipes adapted for the modern kitchen.
• Signed Photos - A signed photo of Thomas or Adrian taken on set during the filming of an episode.
• Castle Kitchen Apron – With embroidered logo.
• Season 1 Recipe Book – Digital or hardback format, the recipe book will contain a collection of exquisite recipes from the show, featuring authentic ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and historical insights to bring the flavours of the past to life.
• Personalised Thank-Yous – Your name in the credits.
• VIP Experience – Join us for a spectacular ancient feast at Castle Kitchen - an unforgettable culinary experience! (limited spots available!).

Stretch goals

What happens if we exceed our goal? That's when things get even more exciting! Every extra £ raised will go towards:

• Enhancing Production Quality – Upgrading equipment, cinematography, and post-production to make the series truly cinematic.
• Supporting Our Crew – Ensuring fair pay for our talented team, allowing for more workdays and better conditions.
• An Original Theme Song – Commissioning a beautifully composed score to bring ancient Greece to life.
• Special Guests & Surprise Cameos – If we're really lucky, we'll be able to bring in some exciting personalities to enrich the series!

Every contribution helps us create something extraordinary - thank you for being part of the journey!

Meet the Team

Thomas Haas
Culinary Explorer
Producer, Director, Social Media Presenter
IMDb

Thomas in his OBV live streaming and hosting an interactive chat show

Castle Kitchen is the brainchild of Austrian-born documentary filmmaker and culinary explorer, Thomas Haas. With over 30 years of global travel experience, Thomas has immersed himself in diverse cultures, focusing on their culinary traditions and techniques. His passion for ancient Greek cuisine was ignited by his father, a third-generation executive chef trained in St. Moritz, Switzerland.

Thomas's professional journey spans decades in broadcasting and documentary filmmaking. As a freelance cameraman, he worked with BBC Sport, ITV, Sky TV, and Channel 4, capturing compelling stories through the lens. In 2009, he launched the UK's first commercial online TV station for the City of Portsmouth, later producing Road to London 2012, a BBC mini-documentary series leading up to the 2012 Olympic Games.

In 2014, Thomas founded Studio Kerkyra in Corfu, Greece, focusing on local documentaries and breaking new ground in Social Presenting with a mobile live stream van in 2017. His passion for history and cuisine led him to the historic Gardiki Castle, Corfu, where he established Castle Kitchen in 2020 - an immersive project dedicated to reviving and recreating the culinary traditions of ancient Greece.

Adrian Marvell
Actor, Social Media Presenter
L.A.M.D.A Gold Medal in Acting, L.A.M.D.A in Verse & Prose
IMDb

Adrian playing Richard III at Mon Repos Theatre, Corfu

Joining Thomas is London-born actor and voice artist, Adrian Marvell. Adrian's recent endeavors with Studio Kerkyra encompass a variety of projects, including live-streamed mini-documentaries, narrations, interviews, and co-hosting live events. Notably, in 2021, he undertook a 16-hour live-streamed reading of Homer's 'The Odyssey' (translated by E.V. Rieu) (Part 1, Part 2) with Studio Kerkyra. Adrian's theatrical repertoire spans performances in Southern England, portraying characters such as Shylock, Polonius, and Pandarus at venues like Fishbourne Roman Palace. He has also delivered public readings of Dickens's works at the Portsmouth Birthplace Museum and performance readings at Portsmouth Museum.

Together, Thomas and Adrian are dedicated to bringing the rich history of ancient Greek cuisine to life through Castle Kitchen, offering audiences an immersive experience into the flavours and traditions that have shaped the Mediterranean diet.

Claire Haas
Executive Producer & Web Tech

Claire on location with Thomas and Adrian at Paleokastritsa

Claire has been EP for all of Studio Kerkyra's documentaries and live stream productions since 2014. An internet developer & web host since 2004 (www.webmadness.co.uk), Claire plays a vital role in our online development. Her skills and knowledge as an internet business owner are applied behind the scenes.

Studio Kerkyra
Website
Facebook
YouTube

Join the Journey

By backing Castle Kitchen Season 1, you're not just supporting a documentary - you're helping to preserve and share the culinary heritage of one of history's most influential cultures.

Be part of this adventure. Let's rediscover the flavours of ancient Greece together!

A huge thank you for your support!

Visit www.castlekitchen.tv to learn more.

Other Ways You Can Help

We'd be truly grateful for anything you can do to help us introduce Castle Kitchen to the world! Here are a few ways you can get involved:

• Spread the Word – Share our campaign with friends, family, and fellow history and food enthusiasts on social media. Every post helps!
• Engage with Us – Follow our journey on Facebook and YouTube, share and comment on our posts, and join the conversation about ancient Greek cuisine.
• Collaborate – Know someone who would love to support our project? Connect us with potential sponsors, historians, or food experts.
• Host a Screening – Once the series is complete, organise a watch party and help us bring Castle Kitchen to an even wider audience!