By applying the peerless technical skill, acquired from a job as commis chef at Calcot Manor in Gloucestershire, and working with Gary Rhodes and Phillip Britten, he has elevated comfort food to new heights.
Within a year, The Hand & Flowers had won a Michelin star, 6/10 in the Good Food Guide and 3 AA rosettes.
The warm personality that made him a hit on Great British Menu extends to his unstuffy attitude to dining.
Kerridge told the Financial Times, 'If you want to come to the Hand & Flowers and sit out in the garden in flip flops that's fine. But you’re still going to eat Michelin-star food'.
Glazed omelette of smoked haddock and parmesan is Kerridge's take on a classic Omelette Arnold Bennett that improves on the original. Served in a copper pan, it’s both light in texture and hugely rich in flavour.
You'll find something as simple and delicious as moules marinière (mussels) with warm stout and brown bread on Kerridge's menu. But he's just as likely to push the boat out by poaching duck legs in duck fat with star anise and other spices, and serving with honey marinated duck breast.
Tom Kerridge appeared on Great British Menu 2012 as a judge and mentor to the South West competitors.