TV chef Tom Kerridge ‘feeling positive’ after ‘really hard year’ which saw him sell beloved Porsche

TV chef Tom Kerridge has said he is “feeling positive” again after a “really hard year”.

The popular star, 47, is once again looking forward to the future after the pandemic forced him to shut down everything he had ever worked for, take his beloved Porsche back to the car showroom and put his staff on furlough.

Speaking as he launched Pub in the Park this weekend in Bath, he told us: “It’s been a really hard year for everyone, especially in hospitality, but I hope the end is in sight.

“We’re all working hard to make our restaurants work at present.”

Tom, who was joined by James Martin and Simon Rimmer for the festival, added:  “I’m also feeling very positive after a brilliant opening night of my Pub in the Park festival in Bath. It was ace to see so many happy people eating lush food and enjoying good vibes.”

Talking about the future, he said: “I’m most looking forward to my restaurants being full, spending time with the family and enjoying eating out at my friends’ establishments.”

Tom also opened up about working with footballer Marcus Rashford recently as they launched the Healthy Start voucher cooking scheme. 

He told us: “He’s an absolute legend. Not got one bad word to say about him. He’s honestly a top top man, and he inspires the nation.”

The first night of Pub in the Park, which will be touring seven locations, saw James Martin take to the stage with his band and Candice Brown danced her socks off in VIP to an incredible Tom Walker, who was almost in tears whilst headlining the Friday night. 

Sophie Ellis Bextor, who is also performing at the festival, admitted it made a great change from singing and dancing in her kitchen, which she did throughout lockdown. 

She told us: “I loved my kitchen discos, but there’s real people here, actual crowds, my band and no children so pretty great!”