His TV tirades have made him a household name, but Gordon Ramsay’s career has always been about much more than dropping the F-word on the small screen. Over three decades, he’s built a global empire that encompasses nearly 100 restaurants, including the brand-new 22 Bishopsgate complex in London. In an exclusive chat, he tells TEN about his plans for his next chapter, why he’s passionate about mentoring the next generation, and his dreams of taking on Lewis Hamilton.
Culinary vision and innovation
Within minutes of sitting down with Gordon Ramsay, the conversation turns to the art of creating a remarkable dining experience – a formula he’s honed in more than three decades. ‘The first essential ingredient in creating a standout restaurant is location,’ he explains. ‘When starting with a blank canvas, it’s about pairing an iconic address with something truly memorable.’ But he’s quick to add that the physical space is only the start: ‘Beyond location, atmosphere is everything,’ he remarks, describing how every detail – from lighting and music to service and seating orientation – must work together to strike the perfect vibe.
International ventures add another layer of complexity to Ramsay’s work, and he’s constantly wrestling with the challenges of adapting to different cultural tastes. ‘One of the biggest feats in opening restaurants around the world is understanding the local palate. You can’t just take a well-loved dish from the UK and drop it into the middle of Shanghai or Seoul and expect it to work.’
Adaptation, he insists, is key; it requires sourcing ingredients locally and aligning the balance of flavours with regional tastes. Today his approach is more methodical than ever – ensuring he respects local traditions while integrating his own culinary style to create something that’s innovative and authentic.
Sky-high ambition
One of the most ambitious projects in Ramsay’s career is the transformation of 22 Bishopsgate. Towering above London’s financial district – with views stretching to the horizon in all directions – the four-storey project opened in early 2025 and stands as a physical realisation of the chef’s vision and ambition.
Up on level 58, you’ll find the Gordon Ramsay Academy – a high-altitude cookery school. On the floor above, a new Bread Street Kitchen outpost is set to open later this year. On level 60, the fourth global iteration of Lucky Cat is joined by the exclusive 12-seat Restaurant Gordon Ramsay High – the second iteration of Restaurant Gordon Ramsay on Chelsea’s Royal Hospital Road.
London has become a food destination like no other
It’s been 27 years since his flagship opened, and 24 years since it was first awarded the three Michelin stars that it still holds today. It’s a much-loved institution, and very few people expected to see Ramsay reimagine it in such a modern setting. There are no starched tablecloths and hushed whispers here – it’s a much more casual affair, with guests encouraged to stand up between courses and watch the brigade of five chefs at the stove.
So how has he managed to pull it all off? Ramsay admits he could never have made 22 Bishopsgate happen without his hard-working team… or London itself. Ever since he started his career, he’s regarded the city as a partner in his endeavours and is thrilled to have played a small part in its culinary transformation, noting, ‘London has become a food destination like no other. Ten years ago, we were still trying to keep up with cities like Paris, New York, and Milan. But now? We stand right alongside them.’
Paying it forward
Two weeks after opening 22 Bishopsgate, Ramsay announced a new opening at the site which was once home to Le Gavroche, just a year after Michel Roux Jr welcomed our members to its final ever service.
It’s a significant moment for Ramsay, who worked at Le Gavroche early in his career, describing it as ‘coming full circle’. He’s handing the operations to Matt Abé – an incredible chef who’s worked with Ramsay for 16 years, most recently as the chef patron at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay.
‘When we earned three Michelin stars in 2001, it wasn’t a moment to step back – it was an opportunity to invest in my team and help them grow,’ comments Ramsay. ‘I’m hugely proud of Matt; watching him grow has been nothing short of amazing. He’s an absolute powerhouse in the kitchen and now is absolutely the right time for him to take this next step.’
This encapsulates Ramsay’s passion for mentoring the next generation, as he attests: ‘I’ve always welcomed the pressure of developing future stars. Whether it’s through my restaurants or initiatives such as the Gordon Ramsay Academy in Woking and 22 Bishopsgate, my goal has been to create opportunities for passionate chefs to thrive.’
Striking a balance
Balancing such a demanding career requires a personal regimen that’s both rigorous and restorative. Ramsay underscores the importance of travel in keeping him energised:
‘I’m lucky enough to travel the world, and I always see it as an incredible opportunity,’ he notes. ‘Every trip is an opportunity to gather knowledge and refine my skills, so I can bring that back to the team and push them to keep learning and developing. It’s all about staying sharp and staying ahead.’
When he’s not travelling, he finds solace in sports. ‘Triathlons are my release, a way to offload pressure and clear my mind. When I’m on my bike, that’s when I’m at my most clear and creative, able to process and make space for what’s important.’
And true to his ambitious spirit, he’s even got his eyes on Formula One: ‘My ultimate goal is to drive around Silverstone in a Formula One car,’ he says with a glint in his eye. ‘I’m not looking to go head-to-head with Lewis Hamilton, but I definitely want to follow in his tracks.’
For Ramsay, every project, every challenge, and every new experience is a chance to learn and refine his craft. And at 58, it seems he’s only getting started: ‘When I finally step away – in many, many years – I want to do so knowing I’ve explored every avenue, pushed every boundary, and left no stone unturned.’
Enjoy complimentary drinks on arrival! Thanks to our long-standing partnership with Gordon Ramsay, will enjoy perks UK-wide (excluding Restaurant Gordon Ramsay).
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