A spokesperson for the chef told The Morning Advertiser (The MA): “Tom resigned as a director earlier in the year. Pub in the Park was not heading in the same direction as Tom’s vision. We are sure Pub in the Park Marlow will be its usual great self. As for Tom moving forward, there are no certain plans as yet.”
‘A great ride’
Kerridge also addressed the change on social media, telling followers: “Just a quick note to say I am no longer involved. It has been a great ride and I am really grateful for all of your support. I wish the team all the best as they head into 2026.”
The announcement prompted tens of comments from fans, including “How can the king and creator of Pub in the Park no longer be involved. Gutted” and “What. The OG. You are Pub in the Park.”
Period of change
The update follows a period of change for the festival. In September organisers confirmed that Pub in the Park Marlow had been sold to Rewind Festival, part of the Live Nation portfolio.
At the time organisers said: “By combining the key management teams of Rewind and Pub in the Park we are confident the event will retain its unique feel and experience and will continue to benefit from a deep knowledge of the local area.”
Pub in the Park launched in 2017 and became closely tied to Kerridge’s name, growing into a well-known food and music festival, celebrating British gastropubs and attracting chefs such as Raymond Blanc, Yotam Ottolenghi, Ben Tish and Candice Brown.
The transition in ownership follows earlier challenges for the festival’s previous organiser.
The MA reported in 2023 that Brand Events TM collapsed after Covid related losses, leaving a significant debt to HMRC.
Kerridge’s departure from the festival comes as he prepares to open The Chalk Freehouse in Chelsea, a leased and tenanted Greene King site.