Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge, known for running the only pub in Britain with two Michelin stars, The Hand & Flowers in Buckinghamshire, has opened up about the most challenging decision of his career: closing down some of his restaurant ventures in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic.
During a recent appearance on the Hungry podcast, Kerridge explained that shutting businesses wasn’t a personal choice but a necessary response to financial realities. “Closing businesses post-Covid was the hardest decision I’ve had to make,” he admitted. “We had to tell people that it wasn’t personal — the business simply couldn’t operate profitably.”
The 52-year-old chef, who also runs The Coach, another Michelin-starred pub, described the painful process of adjusting to a new business environment where financial viability must take precedence. “You have to detach yourself emotionally and think like a businessperson — in the style of Lord Sugar or Peter Jones,” he said. “It’s tough to disconnect from personal attachment, but it’s necessary when your business isn’t sustainable.”
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Tom revealed that his management team holds weekly meetings featuring open discussions about the financial state of their restaurants, underscoring the transparency and ongoing evaluation needed in such unpredictable times.
Moreover, Kerridge recently engaged with business leaders and government officials to address concerns about escalating costs, particularly business rates. In discussions with Peter Kyle, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Tom voiced frustrations over rising expenses. For example, his pub, The Butcher’s Tap in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, saw business rates soar from £50,000 to £125,000.
Despite considering a potential shift into politics to advocate more effectively for the industry, Kerridge confirmed he remains committed to his culinary career. “I’ve thought about it, but I’m not interested in the small stuff,” he said.
Meanwhile, fans can see Kerridge as a judge on The Great British Menu, which returns to BBC Two on Tuesday, February 24, at 7 pm.