ABOUT TOM

ABOUT TOM

“Scoff, nosh, grub, call it what it you like, food is my everything. I never dreamt that I would go from being a commis chef at Calcot Manor in Gloucestershire, to having my very own team of dedicated Pirates behind the stoves in restaurants across England.

Together we have made Michelin history at The Hand and Flowers of Marlow – the first pub to receive two Michelin stars. I couldn’t be prouder of every Pirate involved.

I’ve filled this website with everything we’ve worked on and achieved, from our restaurants and books, to the community and charity projects we run and of course some great recipes too.

Big thanks to everyone in the Pirate crew who helped make all this happen! Keep your eyes peeled for what’s next…

That’s all from me,

Happy browsing”

Tom Kerridge

THE EARLY DAYS

Tom Kerridge was born and raised in Gloucestershire and joined culinary school in Cheltenham at the age of 18 – where he first fell in love with the industry. His kitchen career kicked off in country houses and hotels across Gloucestershire where he worked as a junior chef. In his early twenties, Tom moved to London to work with the likes of Philip Britton, Gary Rhodes and Steven Bull from whom he learnt and grew his skillset.

He later became the head chef of Adlards, a Michelin starred fine dining restaurant that served modern British food. It wasn’t until 2005 that Tom’s restaurant journey began at The Hand and Flowers of Marlow, where Tom and his wife Beth turned the run-down pub into a Michelin starred gastropub in the very same year.

Tom at work in one of his kitchens

RESTAURANTS AND LOCATIONS

The Hand and Flowers soon became a blinding success as it achieved its second Michelin star in 2012, making it the first gastropub to receive two stars in Michelin history. The success of the team led to the opening of its sister pub – The Coach of Marlow which similarly serves refined British classics and too became renowned for its high quality of food and cosy atmosphere. The Coach followed suit as it grew in culinary acclaim, achieving its first Michelin star in 2018. Today, you can also find Tom and his crew of culinary Pirates behind the scenes of The Bull & Bear of Manchester, Kerridge’s Bar and Grill of London and even The Butcher’s Tap of Marlow – Tom’s traditional butchers shop that serves the highest quality meat prepared by expert butchers.

Tom’s love for food doesn’t stop at the kitchen, he’s all about the eating experience. Which led him to fuse his love for food, music, good beer and good company into his own food festival. Eat, drink and listen to live music with your friends and family at locations across the country with Pub In The Park.

 

BEST SELLERS

In 2015, Tom’s book Tom’s Table was published and quickly topped the best seller charts. In 2017, Tom Kerridge’s Dopamine Diet followed suit, soaring to the top of all hardback non-fiction books.
With his TV series proving popular, Tom produced accompanying books – many of which became best-sellers. The hardback copy of Lose Weight for Good firmly held the top spot for the most successful January hardback since publishing records began. His books have sold in droves and now sit on kitchen shelves across the country, filled with both healthy and hearty recipes that play on British family favourites.

THE HAND AND FLOWERS COOKBOOK (2020)

THE HAND AND FLOWERS COOKBOOK (2020)

Celebrating 15 years of The Hand and Flowers, this book contains 70 of the best dishes that have ever appeared on the menu.

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GETTING TO KNOW THE HAND AND FLOWERS

GETTING TO KNOW THE HAND AND FLOWERS

From the get-go they had a strong vision for the pub, they wanted it to be exactly the place where they’d love to spend their days off - with great food, drinks and company in an unpretentious atmosphere.

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