The chef/proprietor of Greene King tenancy the Hand & Flowers in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, was awarded two stars in October.
“More pubs will absolutely follow in our footsteps,” he says. “I don’t think Michelin would have awarded us two if they didn’t think others could do it as well. Someone had to be the first.
“There are lots of amazing pubs and amazing chefs in this country and now we have broken he mould. I’m glad Michelin allowed us to do that and now they can’t say no to other pubs of the same standard.”
Kerridge cited three pubs that he believes will be next to join the realms of two-stardom. He credited Dominic Chapman of the Royal Oak in Paley Street, Berkshire, for being “very talented” and working with ingredients to the same ethos as Kerridge with “care, simplicity, love and respect”. The Royal Oak is adding a restaurant extension and eight rooms this year.
Stephen Harris of Shepherd Neame pub the Sportsman in Seasalter, Kent, is another chef praised by Kerridge, who called both “outstanding chefs”. “I’m sure they are both pretty close to a second star,” he said.
The Hinds Head in Bray, Berkshire, is another pub that he believes is close to its first star. “Head chef Kevin Love is doing a fantastic job for Heston (Blumenthal),” he said. “He has only been there for a year but every meal I have had there has been phenomenal and so consistent.
“Thirteen pubs now have stars and we have two. I don’t think the British pub scene has ever looked so good and I can only see it getting stronger.”
Kerridge added: “If you chase stars and do it for the accolades you are doing it for the wrong reason. The best thing is being reconised for what we are doing.”
