Born in Wiltshire, Kerridge’s family moved to Gloucestershire and he attended Saintbridge School in Gloucester. His first role in a professional kitchen was in 1991 as a commis chef in Calcot Manor, near Tetbury. He is now the chef patron at the two Michelin-starred Hand & Flowers pub in Marlow, which he opened with his wife Beth in 2005. The Hand & Flowers is the first pub ever to hold two Michelin-stars.

He said: “I am delighted to receive this award, and it is wonderful to share this special occasion with the students graduating today. Having lived and been to school in Gloucester I am very pleased to be able to accept this award with them at Gloucester Cathedral.”

Kerridge has appeared on the BBC’s Great British Menu programme both as a contestant and then a judge. He also hosted his own BBC series Tom Kerridge’s Proper Pub Food, Spring Kitchen with Tom Kerridge and Best Ever Dishes. Tom also now runs The Coach in Marlow and his third book, Tom’s Table, was published earlier this year.

He received his award today from Baroness Rennie Fritchie DBE, chancellor of the University of Gloucestershire, she said: “Tom still maintains close ties with Gloucester and makes regular trips to see Gloucester Rugby play. His West Country roots form the core of his cooking style. His love of local produce and its farming heritage is at the core of his cooking style where he promotes solid understanding of ingredients and their seasonality.

Tom has made an outstanding contribution to his field and is both nationally and internationally renowned.  He has extremely strong links to Gloucestershire, including his training as a chef. It is for these reasons that we are delighted to honour him today.”