Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge has revealed the one type of ingredient he would never serve to customers: exotic-style meats such as ostrich and crocodile. The 53-year-old, whose flagship restaurant The Hand and Flowers holds two Michelin stars, made the comments in a TikTok video responding to a fan's question.
Answer to a fan's question
Kerridge was asked by fan John McKay: "What is the one ingredient that will never enter your kitchen?" He replied: "Do you know what, there's quite a lot of exotic-style meats. You know, things like ostrich or crocodile. It's just nothing that would ever, ever, ever make an appearance on our menus."
The chef has built his reputation on traditional British pub grub, serving classics like roast dinners, sticky toffee pudding and hearty pies, elevated with top-quality ingredients.
A champion of British produce
Kerridge has been a vocal supporter of British farming throughout his career, backing the National Farmers' Union campaign to promote British food and farming as a priority. He has also advocated for consumers to buy British whenever possible, highlighting the importance of food provenance and high farming standards.
His cookbook and ITV series Tom Kerridge Cooks Britain saw him travel across the UK in a customised food truck to meet farmers, growers and producers, showcasing regional ingredients from Scottish strawberries to local meats.
From competitor to judge
Kerridge first appeared on Great British Menu as a competitor, cooking dishes such as his slow-cooked Aylesbury duck, before returning as a judge where he continues to mentor chefs and advocate for dishes celebrating regional British farming and culinary heritage.
His stance means ostrich and crocodile are unlikely to feature on his menus any time soon.
