Tom Kerridge: I don’t know why anyone would open a pub or restaurant anymore
Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge has expressed disbelief that anyone would open a pub or restaurant amid soaring costs in the UK hospitality industry. He warned that rising business rates, food inflation, energy bills, and labor costs are threatening the survival of quality British cuisine. Despite partial government relief for some venues, many businesses, including Kerridge's own, are struggling to remain profitable.
- ▪Tom Kerridge runs five pubs and restaurants, including The Hand & Flowers in Marlow, Buckinghamshire.
- ▪Hospitality businesses face higher costs due to the end of pandemic-era business rate relief, increased energy and food prices, and higher National Insurance contributions.
- ▪The government introduced a 15% business rate discount for pubs and live music venues, but hotels and restaurants do not qualify for this support.
- ▪At least 305 pubs, restaurants, and cafes closed between January and March 2026.
- ▪Kerridge stated his businesses are barely making money under current economic conditions.
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NewsUKHome NewsTom Kerridge: I don’t know why anyone would open a pub or restaurant anymoreMany pubs, restaurants and hotel companies will see their costs increase significantly this month. Alex Ross spoke to celebrity chef Tom Kerridge and others in the business as fears grows over the future for the industry, and what it providesSaturday 02 May 2026 08:15 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":true,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2966547","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/tom-kerridge-pub-closures-labour-business-rates-b2966547.html","title":"Tom…
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