Head chef at Michelin-starred pub The Coach in Marlow Sarah Hayward has lifted the lid on what it’s like to work for resident king of gastronomy Tom Kerridge.
Sarah, who despite only being in her early thirties, has led the team at The Coach since 2021 and was named Michelin Young Chef of the Year in 2023, began working with Kerridge at his twice-starred pub The Hand and Flowers on West Street over ten years ago.
She’s had a unique vantage point into the celebrity chef’s working style as a result and told The Staff Canteen what the 50-year-old is like to work for in an interview this week.
She said: “He really looks after us and takes care of us. It’s not just that, he gives you the room to grow.
“One of the best things about working with chef Tom as well is that he allows that creativity. He encourages the creativity.”
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Sarah also revealed that The Coach’s controversially pricey £19.50 jacket potato – loaded with melted cheese and port-enriched dressing – had been her idea and, supported by Kerridge, was now “one of our signature dishes”.
While her famous boss may be one fount of inspiration, Sarah told the Free Press last year that it was her chef dad who initially inspired her to pursue a career in the industry.
She said: “Still to this day, (my dad is) one of the most passionate people I know. I think I fell in love with how much he loves it and it created a spark in me.
“I couldn’t imagine doing anything else now. It’s a part of who I am.”
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