Tom Kerridge has offered a revealing glimpse into the vastly different experiences he’s had on the Great British Menu over the years. The acclaimed chef, who joined the judging panel in 2022, first appeared on the BBC programme as a contestant in 2010 and 2011, winning the main course category both times.
As proprietor of The Hand & Flowers in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, Kerridge’s successes on the show played a pivotal role in boosting his public profile, cementing his status as one of the UK’s most recognizable TV chefs.
Beyond his culinary achievements, Kerridge has also undergone significant personal transformation in recent years, notably shedding weight and quitting alcohol—subjects he has openly discussed before.
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Reflecting on his early days on Great British Menu during a recent episode of the Hungry podcast, Kerridge disclosed that alcohol was a prominent factor off-camera during filming. “I was cooking as hard and as good as I could… but when we weren’t filming and had wrapped for the day, I’d be on it, I’d be getting battered and then get back in that kitchen,” he admitted.
He described the kitchen atmosphere during filming as a “full-on energy [and] alcohol fuelled chaos.” Kerridge contrasted his approach with that of a fellow competitor who brought a pillow for rest, while he transported 24 cans of Stella Artois in the boot of his car.
Despite the off-screen indulgences, Kerridge’s culinary skill shone through. He earned victory with a slow-cooked Aylesbury duck dish and later delivered a winning hog roast at the People’s Banquet.
Speaking about representing pubs on the show, he highlighted the pride in proving “it was not just the posh restaurants that can cook good food,” underscoring the unique identity of his Michelin-starred pub.
Describing the competition, Kerridge called it “an emotional rollercoaster and the best three weeks of my life,” according to the Morning Advertiser.
In 2012, Kerridge returned to Great British Menu in a mentorship role, guiding hopeful contestants through the challenges leading up to the judges’ evaluation. Speaking to Buckinghamshire Live, he emphasized the show’s broad significance: “It has been hugely influential, in terms of letting everybody know how great chefs and cooking is up and down the country, in all the nations and regions.”
Tonight, Kerridge joins judges Lorna McNee and Phil Wang, alongside screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce, to decide which of the final competitors will triumph and represent north-east England and Yorkshire. Great British Menu airs on BBC Two at 6.30pm.