Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge is on a TV mission to save Britain’s boozers.
A quarter of the nation’s pubs – more than 13,000 – have closed since 2001.
There were just 38,815 left at the end of last year as cash-strapped drinkers buy in alcohol to drink at home. Self-confessed beer lover Kerridge, who used to sink up to 15 pints a night, will front a BBC2 series aiming to save at-risk locals.
He told The Mirror: “When a community loses its pub, it loses its soul. They are a vital part of our history and culture. While many local services and shops are closing there are opportunities for reinventing what a pub can be.
“I will work with communities to give them what they want. I need to prove 21st century pubs can thrive.”
In Tom’s Pub Rescue, he gets involved with bars in trouble.
He has the experience of lifting pub food to Michelin-star standard at two premises.
BBC2 boss Patrick Holland said: “With his extensive knowledge Tom has the foundations to restore each local.”
