Tom Kerridge, one of the UK’s most celebrated celebrity chefs and a passionate advocate for British pubs, recently offered a heartfelt glimpse into the dynamics of working alongside his wife, Beth Cullen-Kerridge. The couple, married for over twenty years, has not only built a thriving food empire but also learned to carefully balance their personal and professional lives.
During a candid conversation on the Hungry podcast with Dan Pope, Tom discussed the challenges and rewards of collaborating in both marriage and business. He revealed that he and Beth have worked hard to keep their home and work lives distinctly separate, a strategy that has been crucial to maintaining both their relationship and their enterprise.
Tom explained, “It’s really hard. Anyone who works with their spouse in a restaurant knows how challenging it can be—especially when you live above the business. Beth is the restaurant manager and I’m the head chef, so it’s a difficult starting point. But over time, we’ve learned that when either of us raises an issue, it’s never personal; it’s always business. The key is knowing when to separate the two.”
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Highlighting their differing working styles, Tom noted how Beth thrives in calm and quiet environments, while he excels amid chaos and rapid decision-making. Despite these contrasts, their complementary approaches have strengthened their partnership and their business. Beth remains deeply involved in managing aspects like cash flow and infrastructure, while continuing to flourish in her own career as a renowned sculptor.
Tom reflected on their unique dynamic: “We’re very different people, but we’ve built something meaningful together. Our worlds run parallel—they sometimes overlap, but mostly operate separately. This balance, and listening to each other’s viewpoints, has been essential.”
On fostering a positive experience for guests, he compared the process to marriage itself: “It takes understanding, communication, and finding the right balance. Now, with our home life separate from work, things run much more smoothly.”
Tom’s comments come shortly after the government announced new support measures for pubs, a cause he has passionately championed. He expressed appreciation for their responsiveness, crediting influential discussions that helped bring attention to the challenges faced by the hospitality sector.
With Great British Menu continuing to captivate audiences on BBC Two and iPlayer, Tom Kerridge remains not only a culinary icon but a testament to the power of partnership both in life and business.