Chef Tommy Banks opens up on pressures at York Theatre

Michelin star chef Tommy Banks will be making a special appearance on stage at York Theatre Royal for one night only on Friday, July 17.

In his show, Tommy Banks Spinning Plates: LIVE!, the award-winning chef and TV star chef will be sharing his story – one of a lifetime of ambition, vulnerability, risk and pressure revealing the highs and lows of a life in hospitality.

Tommy Banks, who owns Roots in York, opens up on pressures at York Theatre (Image: Newsquest)

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It will be told across three intersecting timelines – the last 25 years, the defining 12 months, and the one day of opening night for his latest pub – with each moment teetering on a knife-edge.

Tommy will expose the harsh reality of operating in a turbulent industry where soaring business rates and crushing VAT force three pubs to close every week.

Tommy will also be talking about the incredible community of talent he has built in the once-sleepy village of Oldstead that is rooted in camaraderie, resilience, and true Yorkshire grit.

The show will use live storytelling and immersive cinema as the chef lifts the lid on hospitality service at its most intense, revealing the pressures of leadership and what it really takes to pursue excellence.

The 37-year-old who grew up in Oldstead owns Michelin-starred The Black Swan at Oldstead, Roots in Marygate, York, and The Abbey Inn at Byland as well as The General Tarleton at Ferrensby in a joint venture called Jeopardy Hospitality (JH), with business partner Matthew Lockwood, brother James Banks and businessman, Neil Armstrong.