Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge has revealed that his son has been diagnosed with ADHD, admitting that he wishes he'd discovered his own condition sooner after receiving the same diagnosis. The Great British Menu star said discovering that he has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has helped him better understand his past, including the difficulties that contributed to his alcohol addiction, and believes it will help him support his son, Acey.
Kerridge's Emotional Reaction to Son's Diagnosis
Discussing his son's diagnosis with The Times, Kerridge said: "The one thing I said to my wife is, I wish I'd known about myself earlier. It would then have been easier to understand what I went through as an adolescent. Why certain career paths just don't work for people like me. Sitting still in an office was never going to work and my son is exactly like me. I think I can now help him have a clearer path of where he's going."
From Housing Estate to Michelin Stars
Kerridge, who was raised on a Gloucester housing estate and lost his father to multiple sclerosis when he was 18, went on to become one of Britain's most recognised chefs. He trained under the late Gary Rhodes before transforming his Marlow pub, The Hand and Flowers, into the UK's first pub to achieve two Michelin stars. He also operates The Coach and The Butcher's Tap and Grill in Marlow, alongside Chalk Freehouse and Kerridge's Bar and Grill in London. The TV chef, 52, has previously spoken candidly about the sacrifices he made on his journey to the top, as well as his struggles with alcohol.
Struggles with Alcohol and Sobriety
Before quitting drinking at the age of 40, he revealed he could consume eight pints of lager, two cocktails and a bottle of gin in a single evening. Since becoming sober, he has lost 12 stone over five years. Reflecting on his recent ADHD diagnosis, Kerridge said it had provided answers about his behaviour rather than changing who he fundamentally is.
Neurodiversity in the Kitchen
He said: "Whether they realise it or not, I think a lot of successful chefs are neurodiverse, with some form of ADHD or autism. The ability to focus and find calm in the noise of a kitchen, that's all part of it. Getting a diagnosis hasn't changed anything; it's just that now I understand why coffee and holding my head at a certain angle in the shower are so important to me. All these things help regulate my feelings."
Finding Calm in Chaos
He also explained how what appears disordered to others actually helps him relax. "My brain picks out elements of the two tracks and I find that very calming," he said of listening to two high-intensity techno songs at the same time. "For me there's a serenity in that. I need chaos!" Elsewhere during the interview, Kerridge was questioned about whether ADHD was connected to his previous drinking habits.
Connection Between ADHD and Alcohol Addiction
Kerridge responded: "I loved the chaos of drinking but you're kind of right. Alcohol addiction comes from an incredibly selfish place. It's the one space where you escape into your own world. There isn't anything else that's happening. You're the only person who knows how you feel at that exact moment." The NHS describes ADHD as a condition in which the brain functions differently to most people, potentially affecting concentration, impulse control and activity levels. Common symptoms include being easily distracted, difficulty with organisation, restlessness and acting on impulse.
