Tom Kerridge steps away from Pub in the Park
Tom Kerridge has confirmed he is no longer involved with Pub in the Park, issuing a brief but heartfelt statement as the food and music festival gears up for its 2026 programme.
In a message shared on social media, Tom addressed followers directly.
Read more: Pub in the Park returns for 2025 with impressive lineup
He wrote: “Hey guys, I’ve seen Pub in the Park gearing up for next year, so just a quick note to say I’m no longer involved. It’s been a great ride and I’m really grateful for all of your support. I wish the team all the best as they head into 2026. Big love, Tom.”
The update marks a significant shift for a festival that has, until now, been closely intertwined with Tom’s name. While his statement did not expand on the reasons for his departure, the tone emphasised gratitude and acknowledgment of the support the festival has received across its run.
His sign-off made clear that the transition is forward-looking, wishing success to the team delivering the next chapter.
Pub in the Park's legacy
Pub in the Park has grown into one of the UK’s most recognisable food-led events, bringing together restaurants, chefs, live demos and music across multiple locations each year.
Over its run, the
festival has built a following among chefs, industry figures and food-loving audiences, with coverage on The Staff Canteen regularly highlighting the breadth of chef involvement and the platform it has offered for showcasing cooking talent.
Tom Kerridge’s rise to fame
Celebrity chef Tom also owns The Coach and The Hand & Flowers in Marlow, which hold three Michelin stars between them.
Tom attended catering college in Cheltenham before moving to London, where he honed his skills under Philip Britton, Steven Bull and Gary Rhodes.
He then moved to Norwich to work at Adlards, then a Michelin-starred modern European restaurant owned by David Adlard and headed by chef Roger Hickman.
In 2005, Tom and his wife Beth decided it was time to spread their own wings and purchased the Hand and Flowers pub in Marlow.
Their pub has a comfortable atmosphere combined with high quality food, for which it was awarded a Michelin star in 2006, followed by a second in 2011, making it the first pub (or gastropub) in the UK to do so. It has retained both stars ever since.
Tom also starred in two series of the BBC's Great British Menu and is now part of the judging panel.
The Staff Canteen has contacted Pub in the Park for comment.
written by abi kinsella
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Tom Kerridge steps away from Pub in the Park
