Tom Kerridge Opens Up About His Addiction, Relapsing & His Michelin Star Pub

Added: Mar 3, 2024

High Performance in the Kitchen

Kerridge believes that high performance is a self-driven journey that requires hard work, commitment, and continuous self-improvement. He highlights the need to surround oneself with like-minded individuals who also strive for excellence. He emphasizes the importance of pushing oneself every day and constantly questioning and challenging oneself to reach new heights of success.

Leadership and Connection

As a leader in the kitchen, Kerridge values communication and connection with his team members. He believes in creating a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and part of a team. He emphasizes the importance of building genuine connections with individuals, showing interest in their well-being, and fostering a sense of camaraderie among team members.

Kerridge emphasizes the need for chefs to be encouraging and supportive of one another, creating a collaborative and uplifting environment in the kitchen. He also stresses the importance of learning from mistakes and using them as opportunities for growth and improvement.

Creating a Unique Culture

Kerridge describes the unique culture in his kitchen, likening it to a pirate ship where everyone is on a journey together. He recalls the early days of winning two Michelin stars at a British pub and the unconventional, yet successful, approach they took. He attributes their success to the team's dedication to excellence in food quality and service, despite the unconventional lifestyle and behavior outside of work.

Balancing Drive and Release

Kerridge acknowledges his own drive for perfection and success, which sometimes led to excessive behaviors, such as alcohol consumption. He reflects on his past struggles with addiction and the need for a release from the intense pressure and demands of the kitchen. He shares his personal experience of finding a balance between drive and self-care, highlighting the importance of recognizing when to seek help and make positive changes.

Turning Point and Decision to Quit Drinking

Approaching the age of 40, Kerridge had a moment of reflection where he realized that if he continued down the path of excessive drinking, he might not live to see 50. This realization prompted him to make a decision to quit drinking and make positive changes in his life. He emphasizes the importance of taking control of one's life and making the right decisions to achieve personal growth and well-being.

Challenges and New Habits

After quitting alcohol, Kerridge faced challenges in finding new social habits and activities to replace his drinking habits. He had to navigate social situations where alcohol was present and learn to resist the temptation to drink. He shares a moment of vulnerability when he succumbed to drinking non-alcoholic beer in a pub, which triggered his old behaviors and made him realize the importance of staying away from any form of alcohol.

Creating a Positive Culture in the Kitchen

As a chef and business owner, Kerridge discusses the importance of creating a positive culture in his kitchen and restaurant. He highlights the long-standing relationships he has with his staff, some of whom have been with him for over a decade. He values the commitment and dedication of his team members and emphasizes the need for mutual respect and understanding in building a successful business culture.

Recruiting and Nurturing Talent

When recruiting new employees, Kerridge looks for individuals with a strong personality and a genuine interest in the business rather than just prior experience in high-end restaurants. He believes that personality traits and a willingness to connect with guests are more important than technical skills, as the latter can be taught. He focuses on nurturing talent and providing opportunities for growth within his team, while also being willing to let go of individuals who do not align with the company's values.

Personality Traits of a Successful Chef

Kerridge emphasizes the importance of personality traits and kitchen skills in the success of a chef. He believes that chefs who are humble, passionate, and have a genuine love for cooking are more likely to excel in the culinary industry. He also values chefs who show a deep understanding and appreciation for ingredients, as well as a willingness to learn and grow in their craft. He believes that chefs who approach cooking with love and enthusiasm are more likely to create exceptional dishes that resonate with guests.

Addressing food poverty and inequality

Kerridge is passionate about addressing food poverty and inequality, particularly in relation to child food poverty. He advocates for free school meals for all children, regardless of their economic background, to ensure that every child has access to nutritious food. He believes that free school meals can help remove stigmas associated with food poverty and provide essential nutrition for children to thrive and learn. He also highlights the need for companies providing school meals to prioritize the well-being of children over profit, ensuring that all children receive quality and nutritious meals.

The importance of commitment and sacrifice

Kerridge emphasizes the importance of commitment and sacrifice in achieving success. He believes that individuals must be willing to take risks, make sacrifices, and fully commit to their goals in order to reach their full potential. He encourages individuals to back themselves and take control of their own destiny, recognizing that the benefits of hard work and dedication far outweigh the challenges and obstacles along the way.