Kerridge also operates the Coach - celebrating its 10th anniversary this year – and the Butcher’s Tap, with all three pubs being based in Marlow, Buckinghamshire.
The Hand & Flowers is believed to be the only gastropub to hold two Michelin Stars.
Kerridge told The Morning Advertiser: “It’s been an incredible journey and long may it continue. It’s not like it’s 20 years and we’re done.
“It is something to celebrate. if you look back at the pubs or restaurants that have been around under the same ownership, there’s not that many.”
He said staff numbers have risen from an initial cohort of five to a whopping 75 now - with 15 tables and 15 bedrooms.
The offer has changed through the years but remains a pub at heart.
Challenges faced include the 2008 recession and Covid naturally. Kerridge said: “Cash flow-wise, we’ve still not recovered. And so many people haven’t recovered either.
More buoyant
“People came out after Covid and were enjoying going out - and businesses were feeling more buoyant. But since then there’s still a lot of debt being paid back.
“The Government at the time were relatively helpful. But now, it’s a very difficult position and now it’s a little bit more worrying than at any point before.
“So many businesses don’t know how they’re going to cope.”
On the upcoming Spring Statement, Kerridge says: “The employer national insurance contributions needs a rethink.
“It has a huge effect on small businesses and most hospitality businesses are small operators.
“Minimum wage [increases] are fair. I think the biggest thing is we need a reduction in VAT. At the end of Covid, the reduction allowed businesses to operate, repay loans, reinvest in staff and operate like a correct business.”
Kerridge fears many sites will close if they don’t get the help.
Release a pressure valve
He added: “A reduction in VAT would release a pressure valve and allow them to get through the next 12 to 18 months as opposed to thinking ‘can I get through the next 12 to 18 minutes?’”
He admitted the Government’s job is very tough and it is trying to help the workforce while the people to argue first against Westminster will be business leaders.
On the future for pubs, he says: “Pubs have to adaptive and they have to be fluid because the marketplace is very different where some people don’t drink [alcohol] or use pubs at lunchtime.
“It’s not the same as it used to be. You have to understand the modern world.
“Through dark and difficult [times] there are always ‘phoenix from the flames’ moments and opportunities for young entrepreneurial chefs or publicans to grow.
“In the long term, the number of pubs will decrease but there’s been a huge rise in non-alcohol beers, wines, cocktails and spirits.
“We will, of course, come through the other side.”
- In celebration of The Hand & Flowers' 20th Anniversary, readers of The Morning Advertiser can claim an industry perk while dining from the Classics Menu. To claim, quote ‘The Morning Advertiser’ upon booking and each guest dining from the Classics Menu will receive a complimentary glass of the Hand & Flowers birthday sparkling wine by Hattingley Valley Wines. The Classics Menu is available for reservations for lunch and dinner, Monday to Friday only. View the menu here.
T&Cs apply*.
T&Cs:
- The Classics menu showcases popular dishes from the past two decades and cannot be altered for any specific dietary requirements.
- This offer is valid for the Classics Menu only and not transferable to any other menus.
- This offer is for new bookings only and not transferable to existing bookings.
- This offer is valid for bookings at The Hand & Flowers up to and including 31 December 2025. This offer is not transferable to any date past 31 December 2025.
- The whole party must dine from the Classics Menu. The H&F sparkling wine will be chargeable for any members of the group not having the Classics Menu.
