Tom Kerridge 

Tom Kerridge is the incredibly popular and loveable chef patron at the extraordinary two Michelin-starred Hand & Flowers pub in Marlow, which he opened with wife Beth in 2005. It was quite a moment for Michelin when the second star was awarded, and some say quite controversial. The world’s culinary press descended on Marlow following the announcement and discovered a special venue, team and chef there.

Tom is a great character with amazing presence, obvious warmth and an infectious laugh, so it wasn’t a surprise when Tom landed his own BBC TV show which was filmed in 2013. The brilliantly popular BBC2 series Proper Pub Food became a huge overnight success when it transmitted in September 2013 and his first book of the same title fast became a best seller. Prior to having his own show, Tom appeared on shows such as Market Kitchen, MasterChef, The Professionals, Saturday Kitchen and has competed and won the main course twice on BBC2’s Great British Menu, something no other chef has achieved.

In 2014, Tom featured on BBC2′s Great British Menu again but this time as a Veteran. He also hosted BBC1′s Spring Kitchen which was a sister show to Saturday Kitchen celebrating Spring recipes with Celebrity guests. Excitingly, Tom’s second TV series for BBC2 Best Ever Dishes is airing in Autumn 2014 alongside his second book of the same title published by Bloomsbury in August 2014.

Tom’s first catering job was a stint as commis chef at Calcot Manor in Gloucestershire. He also worked for Stephen Bull and Gary Rhodes before joining Odette’s in Primrose Hill. After a spell at Monsieur Max in Hampton he moved to Norwich to take over running the Michelin starred restaurant Adlards. He then decided it was time to find his own place taking over a run down pub in Marlow called The Hand & Flowers.