Chef Tom Kerridge opened up about his very different experiences on Great British Menu over the years, going from a contestant to a judge
Tom Kerridge has reflected on how differently he approached Great British Menu in the earlier stages of his television career. The 52-year-old joined the revamped judging panel in 2022 and has continued in that role on the BBC show since.
Before becoming a judge, the chef took part as a contestant in 2010 and 2011, winning the main course round on both occasions. The owner of The Hand & Flowers in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, Tom’s success on the show helped raise his profile and contributed to his status as one of television’s most recognised chefs.
Over the years he has also undergone a major lifestyle change, losing significant weight and giving up alcohol, which he has spoken openly about.
Looking back at his time on Great British Menu, the professional cook admitted that alcohol was part of his routine as he competed at a high level in the kitchen.
On the Hungry podcast, he admitted: “I was cooking as hard and as good as I could but when we weren’t filming and had wrapped for the day, I’d be on it, I’d be getting battered and then get back in that kitchen.”
Tom went on to say he was cooking in the show’s kitchen just like he did at The Hand & Flowers with “full-on energy [and] alcohol-fuelled chaos”.
In contrast to another contestant on the show, who the chef claimed brought along a pillow, he said he “took 24 cans of Stella in the boot” of his car.
Nevertheless, Tom’s talents shone through as he won with a slow-cooked Aylesbury duck dish, followed by a hog roast at the People’s Banquet the following year.
At the time, he said of the competition: “It was a fantastic experience to represent pubs. Although we have a Michelin star, we are still a pub. It’s great to prove that it’s not just the posh restaurants that can cook good food.
“It was an amazing experience, an emotional rollercoaster but the best three weeks of my life,” according to the Morning Advertiser.
In 2012, the chef returned to the show helping to mentor and guide the chefs through to the judges’ table.
According to Buckinghamshire Live, he said: “I’ve been involved with the show in some respect now for 12/13 years and I know how much it means, not just to the chefs that compete, but also the British food scene in general.
“It has been hugely influential, in terms of letting everybody know how great chefs and cooking is up and down the country, in all the nations and regions.”
Tonight, Tom and his fellow judges Lorna McNee, and Phil Wang are joined by screenwriter and author Frank Cottrell-Boyce, who helps decide the winner from the two remaining chefs. The champion will go through to represent north-east England and Yorkshire.
Great British Menu airs tonight on BBC Two at 6.30pm.
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