Four prominent UK chefs and restaurateurs, including Tom Kerridge, Yotam Ottolenghi, Ravneet Gill and Simon Rogan, have called on the government to reduce VAT for pubs, restaurants, cafés and other hospitality venues from 20% to 10%.

Speaking to BBC Newsnight, they argued that the sector is under severe financial strain and described current conditions as the most difficult they have ever experienced.

They highlighted multiple pressures, including rising employer costs, higher energy prices following the war in Ukraine, and reduced consumer spending due to the cost-of-living crisis.According to the chefs, these factors have left many businesses operating on extremely tight margins, with some struggling to break even.

They also pointed to the fact that several European countries apply significantly lower VAT rates to hospitality, such as Germany at 7%, Ireland at 9%, and France, Italy and Spain at around 10%, arguing that the UK’s 20% rate places businesses at a disadvantage.

The chefs said that while they support fair wages and employment standards, the current tax burden risks forcing closures and limiting investment in staff and training.Industry body UK Hospitality reported that closures are occurring at a rate of around three businesses per day in 2026.

Government minister Pat McFadden responded that tax decisions must balance competing public spending needs and that support is provided where possible, though fiscal constraints remain.The discussion also touched on youth employment, with the hospitality sector traditionally being a major employer of young people.Experts warned that rising costs could reduce entry-level opportunities, potentially impacting long-term employment prospects.

Despite differing views, the chefs insisted that a VAT reduction would help stabilise the industry and allow businesses to reinvest in jobs, skills and local communities.