Tom Kerridge credits alcohol for the success of his restaurant empire because it helped relieve the overwhelming pressure of cooking.
The Michelin-starred chef previously said he would drink beer in the shower and up to 16 pints a day before adopting a radical lifestyle change and cutting out alcohol completely.
“My release from the pressure of being driven was through alcohol,” he said. The times.
“Alcohol was the escape from the pressure I put on myself to achieve it. So from chaos, from that chaotic mentality, achievement emerged.”
He Excellent British menus Judge weighed 30 kilos when he was approaching 40, but has since lost 12 kilos through exercise and a change in diet.
However, while he has praised the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, he believes he wouldn't be where he is today without drinking.
“It was more of an age thing. I think when you reach 40, it's a point of reflection. You think about where you are, what you have achieved and what you have done.
“Indeed, our achievements were amazing. because “I was drinking, I'm convinced of it.”
Kerridge denied that his change in lifestyle was the result of any health problems, saying: “It wasn't a case of any health problems, it was just a case of age and saying, 'You know what? Maybe I need to get a little balance in this and a little control.'”
The chef believes that his achievements are surprising thanks to the drink
(Christian Barnett/PA)
His marriage to his wife Beth was not affected as he said her party spirit matched his own.
“Beth also likes to party. Beth was at the party. It wasn't something I did on my own. She always found someone to drink with and many times it was with my wife.
“She didn't drink the same amount, but at that time, in our late thirties, we both really liked to party.”
The couple met at a comedy club in north London. “The first sentence she said to me was: 'Give me three pounds for the stripper.' “She had organized a stripper for our partner and that was the first sentence.”
The chef, who grew up on a housing estate before achieving success and fame, said he feels very “lucky” for his achievements and believes willpower is his special strength.
“I can do anything if I put my mind to it. I will achieve it. I am convinced of that. And that's part of going through that issue of losing weight and quitting alcohol, addiction issues and just saying, 'Okay, this is what we have to do.'”
