Tom Kerridge, the acclaimed TV chef and restaurateur, has journeyed from his humble beginnings on a Gloucester council estate to running a culinary empire that includes six pubs and restaurants. His flagship establishment, The Hand & Flowers, holds the distinction of being the only pub worldwide to earn two Michelin stars.
At 53 years old, Tom has firmly established himself as one of the nation’s most recognisable cooks. His television debut came in 2010 when he was invited to compete on the BBC’s prestigious cooking series, The Great British Menu. This long-running programme, airing for over two decades, sees some of Britain’s top chefs competing to prepare one course for a four-course banquet.
Other celebrated chefs such as Marcus Wareing, Simon Rimmer, and the late Gary Rhodes have featured on the show. Tom’s participation came 16 years after he achieved acclaim with The Hand & Flowers, according to the Daily Mirror.
READ MORE: New Independent Brewery Set to Open in Cheltenham’s Brewery Quarter This September
READ MORE: Craig Revel Horwood Shows His Softer Side Through Cheltenham-Based Dance Fitness Venture
Despite his success, Tom was initially hesitant about accepting the offer from the BBC to take part in the competition. It was his wife, Beth Cullen-Kerridge, a sculptor, who gave him candid advice to help him focus and embrace the opportunity.
Speaking on the Full Disclosure podcast with James O’Brien, Tom recounted, “TV was an accident-a happy accident. Great British Menu asked us to compete, and I didn’t realise at first just how significant it was. I spoke to Beth about it and asked, ‘What do you think we should do?’ She replied simply, ‘Don’t be a d***.'”
Tom and Beth’s relationship began in 1997 at a birthday party in London. Remarkably, Beth proposed to Tom within six weeks of meeting, and the couple married in 2000. They have a 10-year-old son named Acey.
Tom’s upbringing was challenging; following his parents’ divorce when he was 11, he was raised by his mother on council estates alongside his younger brother. His mother worked multiple jobs, including as a secretary and washing dishes at a pub, to support the family. These experiences have made Tom a vocal supporter of initiatives like free school meals, emphasising the importance of good nutrition for educational success.
Reflecting on his TV career, Tom noted that his transition into television came soon after The Hand & Flowers earned its first Michelin star, which “kind of put you on the map a little bit as a pub.” While not elaborating on how closely he followed his wife’s advice, he described his approach to the competition: “I tried to work out what they wanted and just cooked well. I was quite lucky to win the main course, which was brilliant because it made the phone ring like bananas. The reaction and impact on the business was phenomenal.”
Viewers can watch Tom Kerridge on Celebrity MasterChef tonight, Friday 28 August, from 8pm to 9pm on BBC One.