Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge, one of the UK's most renowned culinary figures, has candidly shared the "hardest decision he's had to make" in his career, revealing the profound struggles faced by his restaurant businesses in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite operating The Hand and Flowers, the nation's only pub with two Michelin stars, and The Coach, another Michelin-starred pub, Kerridge's journey has been far from smooth sailing.
The Painful Choice of Closure
Speaking on the Hungry podcast, Kerridge, 52, detailed how the pandemic forced him to make agonising choices. "Closing businesses post Covid was the hardest decision I've had to make," he confessed. The chef explained that shutting down operations and explaining to staff that it wasn't personal but a financial necessity was particularly devastating. "The businesses don't work, they don't make money, we can't do anything about it. We've shut businesses, we have to re-adapt, you have to let people go," he said, highlighting the emotional toll of transitioning from chef to businessperson.
Navigating Business Realities
Kerridge emphasised the need to adopt a detached, business-focused mindset akin to figures like Lord Sugar or Peter Jones. "You have to remind yourself why you're doing it. If it's your business, you have to try and disconnect with the personal attachment that you have," he advised. His company holds weekly management meetings every Wednesday to foster open conversations about the state of their operations, ensuring transparency during challenging times.
Advocacy and Government Engagement
Beyond his kitchen duties, Kerridge has actively engaged with policymakers to address broader issues affecting the hospitality sector. He recently met with Labour MP Peter Kyle, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, to discuss concerns over business rates. This dialogue followed Kerridge's revelation that rates at his establishment, The Butcher's Tap in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, had skyrocketed from £50,000 to £125,000.
In response to such pressures, the Government announced last week that qualifying pubs and live music venues will receive a 15 per cent business rates relief in 2026-27, with bills frozen in real terms for two subsequent years. Kerridge expressed cautious optimism, stating, "I feel positive about the fact I now have a line of communication into Government," though he admitted being "perplexed" by the lack of understanding regarding operational expenses.
No Political Aspirations
Despite his advocacy, Kerridge stressed he has no plans to leave the culinary world for politics. "I have thought about it, but I'm not interested in the small stuff," he clarified, reaffirming his commitment to his craft. As a judge on The Great British Menu, which returns to BBC Two, he continues to influence the food industry while navigating the complexities of business ownership in a post-pandemic landscape.
