Celebrated chef Tom Kerridge has openly discussed contemplating a significant career change after more than three decades in professional kitchens, prompted by recent high-level political discussions about the hospitality industry's challenges.
Government Engagement on Business Rates
The 52-year-old Gloucestershire-born chef, who operates four acclaimed gastropubs across England, recently held talks with Peter Kyle, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade. Their conversation centred on the severe pressures facing hospitality businesses, particularly regarding escalating operational costs.
Following this dialogue, the Government announced last week that qualifying pubs and live music venues will receive a 15 per cent business rates relief during the 2026-27 financial year. This measure supplements support previously revealed in Budget 2025, with bills then frozen in real terms for an additional two-year period.
Financial Realities of Modern Hospitality
Kerridge expressed cautious optimism about establishing "a line of communication into Government" but admitted being "perplexed" by what he perceives as a lack of governmental understanding about business expenses.
The chef provided a stark illustration of the financial challenges, revealing that numerous hospitality businesses are now operating at "110 per cent costs." This unsustainable model requires a 10 per cent return on revenue merely to break even, effectively pricing many establishments out of business.
He offered a concrete example from his own portfolio, explaining that business rates at The Butcher's Tap in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, have skyrocketed from £50,000 to £125,000, representing a dramatic increase that threatens viability.
Political Considerations and Creative Priorities
Despite using his platform to advocate for sector-wide change, the father-of-one firmly stated he has no intention of abandoning culinary arts for a conventional political career.
"I have thought about it, but I'm not interested in the small stuff," Kerridge revealed. "The more I've been involved with politics, I realise how thankless it is, so I have huge respect for politicians."
He emphasised the fundamental difference between political life and his culinary vocation: "There is no comparison with being a cook, where I can just follow my own creative passion."
Potential Advisory Role in Hospitality
While ruling out elected office, Kerridge conceded he might consider an advisory position should the Government establish a dedicated ministry focused specifically on the hospitality sector.
"For the time being, Tom juggles running his businesses, television commitments, cooking, activism and his family responsibilities," the chef explained regarding his current multifaceted career.
He reflected on his professional evolution: "In the early days, I thought about food all the time, but now I have so many hats - food is just one of them. If I had to choose, though, I would rather be in the kitchen at The Hand, talking about new dishes and what we could change."
From Screen to Kitchen: An Unconventional Journey
Before achieving culinary fame, Kerridge pursued an entirely different career path that remains relatively unknown to many of his current admirers.
Speaking previously on Grace Dent's Comfort Eating podcast, he discussed his acting background after his name appeared on IMDb. His screen debut came as a teenager during the 1990s in Agatha Christie's Miss Marple, followed by roles in The Tomorrow People, Chris Cross, After Henry, and ITV's drama London's Burning, where he was credited as 'Thug one.'
"I think I was typecast from an early age," Kerridge admitted with humour. "You'd get a borstal boy in Miss Marple, a bully - and 'Thug one' was my official title in London's Burning."
At eighteen, he made the decisive shift to culinary school, subsequently working in some of Britain's most prestigious hotels and restaurants before transitioning to the gastropub sector in 2005 with the launch of The Hand and Flowers in Marlow.
The establishment earned its first Michelin star in 2006 and secured a second in 2012, becoming the only pub in the United Kingdom to hold two Michelin stars - a remarkable achievement that cemented Kerridge's reputation as a transformative figure in British dining.
