Tom Kerridge, renowned British celebrity chef and passionate advocate for the pub industry, has candidly spoken about the complexities of working closely with his wife, Beth Cullen-Kerridge. Beth, a celebrated sculptor, has been Tom’s life partner for over 20 years, and together they have built a thriving food business.
During a conversation on the Hungry podcast with Dan Pope, Tom shared insights into how he and Beth manage to separate their professional and personal lives – a divide that has proven essential in sustaining both their marriage and business.
Tom, aged 52, acknowledged that creating space between the two spheres was a difficult and ongoing process. “If you live above the restaurant and work with your wife – she’s the restaurant manager and I’m the head chef – it’s a really challenging dynamic from the start,” he said. “You have to learn to separate criticism or decisions related to business from personal feelings.”
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He explained their different working preferences have been key to the business’s success. Beth thrives in calm and quiet environments, handling cash flow and operations, while Tom excels amid the chaos and fast decision-making of the kitchen. This balance has allowed their partnership to flourish alongside their distinct careers.
“We’re very different people, but our worlds run parallel and sometimes intersect,” Tom noted. “It’s a real privilege to have built something together over two decades. Listening to and respecting each other’s perspectives has been crucial.”
Tom likened their cooperation to a marriage within a marriage, emphasizing the importance of understanding and communication: “Like in any relationship, you have to listen, express yourself, and find a balance. It doesn’t always run perfectly, but keeping home life separate from work life has made a huge difference.”
These reflections come in the wake of new government support efforts for pubs, which Tom has championed alongside other industry figures. Speaking to LBC, he expressed gratitude for the government’s responsiveness, citing a pivotal conversation with Peter Kyle that highlighted the strain of business rates.
Great British Menu continues to air on BBC Two and iPlayer.