Tom Lodge has worked under Gordon Ramsay
Tom Lodge
A popular Exeter chef is starring in a new TV show which aims to find the next rising star of the culinary world.
Tom Lodge, who works at Crave in the Devon city, is one of ten chefs taking part in the brand-new reality series The Heat, which began airing this week on ITV2 and ITVX.
Hosted by broadcaster Olivia Attwood, The Heat sees chefs from across the UK placed in an intense, high-pressure cooking environment as they compete for the chance to prove themselves at the highest level.
Throughout the series, contestants work under the guidance of multi Michelin Star award-winning chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, who is opening an exclusive summer restaurant at the glamorous Port Vell Marina and is on a mission to find the next rising star of the culinary world.
Tom Lodge and Sameer Shetty
Tom, who is the Creative Director at Crave in Exeter, is one of those hoping to be victorious. A proud South Wales native, Tom began cooking professionally at just 16.
He went on to gain experience at The Hardwick in Abergavenny, Lucknam Park in Wiltshire, and The Savoy in London, where he staged under Gordon Ramsay, working alongside some of the most respected names in the industry.
He is known as much for his personality as his cooking. Ambitious and confident beyond his years, he’s quick-witted, charismatic and never short of a sharp anecdote or well-timed one-liner.
Tom is currently Creative Director at Crave in Exeter, working closely with owner Sameer Shetty to develop and evolve the restaurant’s menus, while continuing to work hands-on in the kitchen.
Food at Crave in Exeter
Tom’s appearance reflects the depth of talent within Crave’s team, which has built a strong reputation locally and continues to grow. He will also play a key role in guiding Crave’s menu creativity as the business prepares to open its second restaurant in Bristol.
Sameer Shetty, owner of Crave, said: “We’re really proud of Tom and excited to see him taking part in The Heat. He has played a crucial role in Crave’s success, and our menu development has gone from strength to strength with Tom’s support.
“To see someone with that level of skill and drive, at his age, step onto a national stage is fantastic. The Heat is exactly the sort of high-pressure environment where Tom’s focus and creativity really come into their own.”
Tom added: “Being part of The Heat was a brilliant experience and a real challenge. I’m grateful for the support from the team at Crave and looking forward to people watching the series.”
The show is designed to test chefs’ technical skill, creativity and ability to perform under pressure, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of professional kitchens.
Crave, which has built a strong reputation locally for its menus and bold approach to cooking, says it is delighted to see one of its chefs showcasing his talent to a wider audience.