Gordon Ramsay, the renowned British chef and restaurateur, recently opened up about why he never chooses to dine at his own restaurants.
Despite running 34 establishments across the UK and holding three Michelin stars at his flagship restaurant in Chelsea for over 22 years, Ramsay admits he doesn’t enjoy being a guest in his own eateries.
A Personal Insight: Dining Doesn’t Feel Right
In a candid conversation on The Savoy Originals podcast, Ramsay explained that the experience of dining in his own restaurants feels “too posh” for him, stating that it’s simply not his style.
He shared that, in 25 years, he’s only eaten at one of his restaurants twice—once for his daughter Megan’s 16th birthday and another time for a dinner with actor Bradley Cooper.
For him, the luxurious atmosphere doesn’t sit well with his personality.
“I can’t sit there,” he said, adding that it felt strange to build such a place and then be expected to relax in it.
He went on to explain how his daughter Megan had an emotional moment during her birthday dinner, realizing the hard work that went into Ramsay’s career and understanding why her father always emphasizes the importance of hard work.
Raising His Children: No Handouts
Ramsay has been open about his philosophy on raising his children. He’s stated that none of his wealth will be passed down to them, urging them to find their own path in life.
His children are even discouraged from sitting next to him in first class during flights, as he wants them to learn not to be spoiled.
His son Jack, for example, chose a job in the navy, with Ramsay revealing that a starting salary for a Royal Marine Commander is around £17,000.
Ramsay emphasizes the value of hard work and believes his children will appreciate success more if they work for it rather than inherit it.
A Humble Upbringing: Fuel for His Success
Looking back at his own childhood, Ramsay attributes much of his success to the hardships he endured.
Growing up in poverty, he moved around Scotland before settling in Stratford-Upon-Avon, living in 14 different council estates.
His mother juggled three jobs while raising four children, and the family often struggled to make ends meet.
Ramsay shared that, unlike other kids who would go on holidays to places like Spain or France, his family would visit places like Scarborough and Skegness—humble destinations that shaped his work ethic.
The Motivation Behind His Career
Ramsay recalls how he was often teased for queuing up for dinner tickets and lunch vouchers, which further motivated him to escape his situation.
He credits his mother’s resilience and his father’s approach to parenting as driving forces behind his determination.
Ramsay admits that he knew from a young age that he didn’t want to live the way his family did.
By the time he was 14 or 15, he was already focused on improving himself, even though food was scarce and choices were limited.
A Career Built on Passion
At 19, Ramsay moved to London, where he worked under the mentorship of chef Marco Pierre White.
Ramsay describes this period as one of the most important in his career, learning not just about cooking, but about the artistry of the profession.
He credits White with teaching him how to “put food on a plate like Picasso,” honing his skills and giving him the foundation for his later success.
Ramsay never entered the culinary world to get rich, but rather because of the passion and excitement it brought him.
By the time he was 40, Ramsay had earned three Michelin stars and established multiple restaurants, alongside a successful family life.
Never Slowing Down
Now, at 58, Ramsay shows no signs of slowing down.
When asked about retirement, he bluntly replied, “What in the f*** would I do retiring in the countryside?”
He admitted that he would be a “pain in the a***” if he retired and enjoys the control and freedom he has in his work.
For Ramsay, it’s about continuing to wake up with purpose, choosing the projects he loves, and maintaining a busy, fulfilling life.
Ramsay’s story, as shared in the latest episode of The Savoy Originals podcast, is a testament to his resilience, hard work, and the drive that’s shaped his remarkable career.