Jamie Oliver is ‘gutted’ his parents have sold the country pub where he first discovered his love of cooking
Jamie Oliver is said to be ‘gutted’ his parents have sold their gastro pub where he first discovered his love for cooking before making millions in the industry.
The celebrity chef, 45, spent his childhood at the Essex-based pub, where he previously recalled being ‘fascinated’ by what went on in the kitchen
Jamie’s parents Trevor and Sally have recently sold The Cricketers, which they have owned since 1976 to a chain, according to the Sun.
Heartbroken: Jamie Oliver is said to be ‘gutted’ his parents have sold their gastro pub where he first discovered his love for cooking before making millions in the industry
Trevor said: ‘We have had an amazing time running the inn, which has been our home for the last 44 years.
‘We brought up our children, trained and supported hundreds of staff in the hospitality sector and made many friends for life.’
Jamie previously said of the pub: ‘I remember being fascinated by what went on in the kitchen. It just seemed such a cool place, everyone working together to make this lovely stuff and having a laugh doing it.’
Childhood love: The celebrity chef, 45, spent his childhood at the Essex-based pub, where he previously recalled being ‘fascinated’ by what went on in the kitchen
A source told the publication that Jamie understood it was time to move on would was still ‘gutted’ by the decision to let go of the pub.
A source added: ‘He agrees it’s time for Trevor and Sally to move on, but that doesn’t make it any easier for him to stomach.
‘The Cricketers is where he discovered his love of cooking and the kitchen, and he has very fond memories of it.’
The pub’s website states: ‘A family business, children Jamie and Anna-Marie [Oliver’s sister] both worked at the pub when they were very young, with Jamie working in the kitchen and igniting his passion for food, and Anna-Marie in the restaurant.’
Time to move on! Jamie’s parents Trevor and Sally have recently sold The Cricketers, which they have owned since 1976 to a chain, according to the Sun
In 2007, the pub was targeted by five robbers armed with baseball hats and hammers, who stole up to £10,000, prompting Oliver to offer a £150,000 reward.
In 2017, his parents’ pub came under fire as hygiene regulators downgraded it from the best rating of five to just two for food safety and hygiene.
However, since the drop in ratings three years ago, it has shot back up to the top rating of five stars.
At the time, a spokesperson for The Cricketers said: ‘All the issues have been addressed and rectified.
‘You get a three-month period to improve and are awaiting an inspection again this month.
‘We are expecting we will definitely get back up to five stars.’
Jamie previously said of the pub: ‘I remember being fascinated by what went on in the kitchen. It just seemed such a cool place, everyone working together to make this lovely stuff and having a laugh doing it’