logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2021
28m 48s

Tom Kerridge: A Life Through Food

Bbc Radio 4
About this episode

Tom Kerridge is probably best known as the first chef in the UK to be awarded two prestigious Michelin stars for food served in a pub, not even a year after opening 'The Hand and Flowers' in Marlow in Buckinghamshire in 2005. Then he was in his early thirties; Known, in the business, for his hard work ethic and hard partying.

Today, he's given up the booze and the partying, but as Sheila Dillon finds, he's as driven as ever with a string of restaurants, a food festival company, a catering company, a TV production house, a shelf full of cook books and many BBC food TV series' to his name. Not to mention advocating on a national level for the hospitality industry and working with footballer Marcus Rashford to do his bit to end child food poverty.

In line with Tom's latest BBC TV series 'Saving Britain's Pubs with Tom Kerridge', Sheila finds that the democratic environment of the pub has shaped Tom's life and his career in hospitality. And hears why these important community spaces need investing in at all costs.

Presented by Sheila Dillon. Produced in Bristol by Clare Salisbury.

Up next
Today
In Search of Mustard in Norwich
Five years ago, after 160 years in Norwich, the Colman's factory shut its doors for the last time. John Osborne is a writer, a poet and a performer - he's called Norwich home for 25 years. But last year, while writing a show about his city, he began to learn more about the depth ... Show More
41m 9s
Oct 3
Wales's Secret Ingredient: Lessons from Cymru on the Future of Food
Sheila Dillon is joined by four guests who each have a deep connection with Welsh food and farming for a panel discussion recorded at the 2025 Abergavenny Food Festival. Beca Lyne-Pirkis is a food writer and broadcaster; Patrick Holden is an organic farmer and founder of the Sust ... Show More
42m 38s
Sep 26
The Rise of Matcha
As sales of matcha continue to boom, Leyla Kazim traces the story of the powdered green tea from centuries-old Japanese tradition to global health trend phenomenon. We look behind the social media videos and headlines to find out more about the reported matcha shortage, how the m ... Show More
41m 54s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2024
Tom Kerridge: How I broke all the rules to win two Michelin stars (E243)
Tom Kerridge, is a renowned chef with an impressive array of accolades, including two Michelin Stars, the UK's Best Restaurant of the Year, and the title of Best Pub of the Year. In this episode, Tom shares his journey of growing a successful business whilst dealing with alcohol ... Show More
1h 8m
May 2019
How did Jamie Oliver change food culture?
Jamie Oliver is one of the UK’s best-known chefs and restaurant owners. He’s had world wide success with his books, TV series, and campaigns, but this week it was announced that his restaurant company had gone into administration with the loss of 1,000 jobs. Since he came onto ou ... Show More
19m 47s
Nov 2023
“I try to remember often that this is the greatest experience of my life” Tom Arnel on the thrill of building purposeful spaces and managing stress in a high-level role
Hashem catches up with Tom Arnel, founder of EatX and the man behind some of the most successful dining concepts in Dubai, including The Sum of Us, Common Grounds, Harvest & Co, Byron Bather’s Club, HawkerBoi, and The Guild at DIFC. Known for constantly trying to push the envelop ... Show More
45m 46s
Jul 2019
Marcus Wareing, chef
Marcus Wareing is a prize-winning chef, restaurateur, TV presenter and cookery book writer, who gained his first Michelin star at the age of just 26. He grew up in Southport, and by the age of 11 was helping out in his family’s fruit and vegetable business, which dominated his fa ... Show More
37m 33s
Apr 2024
Food double-acts: TV chefs
What’s the secret behind the on-screen chemistry shared by some TV chef duos? The recent death of Dave Myers, one half of ‘The Hairy Bikers’ with Si King, has prompted this programme celebrating successful food friendships. Dave and Si made food shows and cookbooks that took thei ... Show More
29m 23s
Jan 2018
Gordon Ramsay: My life in five dishes
Chef Gordon Ramsay is world-famous but, he tells us, people no longer want to talk about his food. The celebrity has become known as much for his cookery programmes, his fiery temper and explosive outbursts, as for his culinary skills. This week, the focus is back on the food, as ... Show More
26m 44s
Jan 2019
Ep 8: Tom Kerridge
It's the magical restaurant's first chef guest! The Michelin-starred Tom Kerridge orders his dream meal. Will he stick to his healthy regime, or will it be an 'off day'? We also learn more about the genie waiter's backstory and James tries to embarrass Ed in some *bonus content* ... Show More
1h 2m
Nov 2023
Patrick Grant, designer and broadcaster
Patrick Grant is a designer, clothing entrepreneur and a judge on the BBC TV programme The Great British Sewing Bee. Patrick was born in Edinburgh in 1972. His interest in clothes and in making things was evident from a very early age, along with a love of sport: his father was a ... Show More
36m 1s