He said it is no longer enough to only call in for Sunday lunch at the end of a walk.
Kerridge warned that pubs are “up against it” financially and they need regular visits from customers throughout the week.
The Michelin-starred chef, 50, said people want pubs with a log fire and to eat sausage and mash with their pint on a Sunday.
He added: “But doing that once a week is not going to save the pub industry.
“You might think it’s OK because the pub around the corner is still there – but that pub is up against it. You have to use it for more than just a Sunday lunch – give it value. It’s somebody’s business – and part of a much bigger picture.”
Writing in Delicious magazine about the diverse menus most offer, he said: “Pubs have embraced cuisines from all over the world – it’s allowing chefs to be creative and owners to serve interesting drinks.
“It’s not just about local beer and beef, though they’re still important.
“Pubs are part of the fabric of society. They’ve always been social spaces. that’s why they’re vital.
“They’re places where people can evade loneliness or stay warm. In the pandemic they became community shops – they’re a hub.”
He added pubs are not just a place for drinking, saying: “Non-drinking and quality over quantity have become paramount.”
