Tom Kerridge is a leading British Chef who transformed pub food into Michelin starred cuisine. Known for hearty modern British dishes and a warm teaching style, he blends technique with comforting flavors and a clear focus on seasonality and wellbeing.
Tom Kerridge's Formal Culinary Training
Born in Salisbury in 1973 and raised in Gloucestershire, Tom Kerridge discovered cooking young, often preparing meals for his family. After a brief interest in acting he chose a culinary path, training at a catering college in Cheltenham and starting as a commis at Calcot Manor in 1991.
He refined his skills working under leading chefs, including positions at the Capital Hotel in Knightsbridge and as Sous Chef at Rhodes in the Square. Kerridge went on to lead kitchens such as Adlards in Norwich, gaining experience in fine dining before opening his own venues.
| Born | 27 July 1973, Salisbury, England |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Modern British |
| Notable Restaurants | The Hand & Flowers; The Coach; Kerridge's Bar & Grill; The Bull & Bear; The Butcher's Tap |
| Signature | Elevated pub food, seasonal British ingredients |
Tom Kerridge Restaurants & Businesses
Tom Kerridge built a reputation by reimagining the gastropub and focusing on outstanding produce and precise technique.
- The Hand & Flowers (2005) – The flagship in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. It earned a Michelin star in 2006 and a second in 2012, becoming the first pub to hold two Michelin stars.
- The Coach (2014) – Also in Marlow, this pub continued Kerridge's focus on elevated comfort food and earned a Michelin star.
- The Butcher's Tap (2017) – A traditional butcher and deli concept in Marlow showcasing high quality meat and in house butchery.
- Kerridge’s Bar & Grill (2018) – Located in the Corinthia Hotel London, combining relaxed service with refined British cooking.
- The Bull & Bear (2019) – Situated in Manchester's Stock Exchange Hotel, bringing Kerridge's style to a vibrant urban audience.
Tom Kerridge's Other Ventures
Kerridge expanded beyond restaurants into television, publishing, cookery events and wellbeing projects.
- Cookbooks: Titles include Proper Pub Food, Tom Kerridge’s Best Ever Dishes, Tom’s Table, Tom Kerridge’s Dopamine Diet, Lose Weight for Good, and Tom Kerridge’s Fresh Start.
- Retail and Pop Ups: He has launched pop up concepts and shop collaborations, and curated seasonal menus that emphasize traceable British produce.
- Wellbeing Work: Through the Dopamine Diet and public discussions about health, Kerridge has advocated for sustainable, enjoyable weight loss and better relationship with food.
Tom Kerridge Shows
Kerridge is a familiar face on British television, combining practical instruction with warm presentation.
- Great British Menu – Regular contributor and judge, celebrating regional British cooking.
- MasterChef and Saturday Kitchen – Frequent guest and mentor, bringing restaurant techniques to home cooks.
- Bake Off: Crème de la Crème – Host of the pastry focused series.
- Food and Drink – Co presenter on BBC Two, exploring produce and producers across the UK.
Tom Kerridge Awards and Accolades
Kerridge's achievements are notable for both culinary excellence and broad public recognition.
- Michelin Stars
- The Hand & Flowers: One star (2006), Two stars (2012)
- The Coach: One star
- Industry Recognition
- Acclaimed for elevating pub food into fine dining and for mentorship within the British culinary scene.
Tom Kerridge Personal Life
Tom Kerridge is married to sculptor Beth Cullen Kerridge. The couple live near Marlow and have a child, Acey, born in 2015. Kerridge is a lifelong Manchester United fan and holds a season ticket for Marlow F.C.
Kerridge has been candid about his health journey, losing around 12 stone over several years through swimming, diet changes and the principles later formalized in his Dopamine Diet. He speaks openly about wellbeing and the role of joy in eating.
Tom Kerridge Family and Friends
Raised in Gloucestershire after his parents separated, Tom often cooked for his younger brother and mother. That early domestic cooking shaped his approachable style. His partnership with Beth has also influenced his public work and the design of several restaurant projects.
He is active in community events in Marlow and regularly supports charity dinners and local food initiatives.
Tom Kerridge Chef Profile: Conclusion
Tom Kerridge redefined what a pub can be by combining meticulous technique with a love of comforting British flavors. His restaurants, books and TV work have made fine dining more accessible while promoting better health and enjoyment around food.
From The Hand & Flowers to national television and bestselling cookbooks, Kerridge remains a leading voice in modern British cooking, championing quality ingredients, training and a humane approach to hospitality.







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