What Netflix’s Gordon Ramsay Documentary Really Reveals

From the pressures of perfection to the cost of success, Being Gordon Ramsay offers a more introspective portrait of the chef than viewers may expect.

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Being Gordon Ramsay debuted on Netflix on February 18, providing an intimate glimpse inside the renowned chef's personal life and career. The series is directed by Dionne Bromfeld and executive produced by Amanda Westwood, Deborah Sargeant, and Lisa Edwards. All episodes of Being Gordon Ramsay are currently available for streaming on Netflix.

His Sentiments Regarding Culinary Critics and Influencers

Numerous chefs maintain complicated relationships with food critics; nonetheless, Ramsay expresses a distinct contempt for them in the inaugural episode of the series. He recounts the incident in which he expelled a critic, allegedly AA Gill, from his restaurant while he was dining with Joan Collins. Ramsay states, "One of the most prolific critics harboured a severe personal vendetta." “Upon entering with Joan Collins, he presumed I lacked the audacity to confront him due to his association with the illustrious and captivating Joan Collins.” He persists, stating, ‘I eagerly anticipated his arrival, the moment he would take a seat, peruse the menu, and after a span of 20 minutes, request his departure from the establishment, for regardless of whether one is in the company of Joan Collins or the queen, the outcome remains the same - one must not linger here.’

Ramsay believes that influencers are the primary audience cooks should aim to impress, which is why he organised a preview event at 22 Bishopsgate exclusively for social media food enthusiasts instead of food critics. He characterises influencers as 'very potent,' noting, 'when they publish, it becomes viral and disseminates globally within seconds.' They are the preeminent critics in the world today.

His tumultuous relationship with his father

Ramsay contemplates his relationship with his deceased father, Gordon James Sr., who struggled with alcoholism. “I had to remain there, particularly on weekends, and witness him nearly destroy his life due to alcohol,” states the chef. “It is challenging to connect with someone who is an alcoholic, as it induces a sense of apprehension.” The chef states that his father was never supportive of his culinary ambitions and passed away from a heart attack at the age of 53, one year prior to Ramsay inaugurating his first restaurant. “I would have appreciated his understanding, even if he did not support or comprehend my actions,” he reflects. You seek affirmation from your parents; but, I will return to the principles I uphold, emphasising that the most significant family is the one you create.

His Exercise Program

Despite being an exceptionally busy chef (a father of six, with 100 restaurants to his credit), Ramsay considers time for exercise to be vital. “Exercise is essential for me,” he states. I am not required to monitor my nutrition. I am not required to monitor my cholesterol levels. I am not obese. I am physically fit. Throughout the years, Ramsay has participated in various arduous endurance challenges, including marathons and triathlons, in addition to being a frequent gym attendee.

The Wedding of His Daughter

The nuptials of Ramsay's daughter Holly and Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty have garnered significant media attention, accompanied by tales of discord between the two families. However, in Being Gordon Ramsay, the discourse is entirely affirmative, and Ramsay expresses high regard for Peaty. The positive aspect for me as a father is that he is attentive and engaged. He is a gentleman, a true thoroughbred, and witnessing her walk down the aisle will be remarkable.

His Anticipated Endeavour in New York

The series emphasises the substantial effort invested in the construction of 22 Bishopsgate; nonetheless, Ramsay remains undeterred in his pace. In the concluding moments of the series, he reveals a startling announcement to his wife Tana: a forthcoming project in New York is underway. “There is an emerging development in New York,” he alludes. Do you have an affinity for New York? We adore New York. It was a significant location for us when we visited on New Year’s Eve. However, when Tana attempts to elicit further information from him, Ramsay responds with, 'TBC' before the titles commence.

What is the essence of being Gordon Ramsay?

Shot over a nine-month duration, Being Gordon Ramsay is a six-episode documentary documenting the preparations for the inauguration of Ramsay’s latest culinary establishment in London, which incurred an expenditure of £20 million from Ramsay’s personal wealth. Inaugurated in February 2025, it features an opulent new location of Ramsay’s Asian-themed restaurant Lucky Cat (currently London’s tallest dining establishment), a 14-seat chef’s table experience from Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, a new branch of Bread Street Bar & Kitchen and a culinary school. Situated 60 stories above ground, the new Lucky Cat has gained significant popularity since its inception, providing breathtaking views of the city skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows, complemented by a menu of Japanese-inspired cuisine and beverages.

Characterised as a 'humorously endearing exploration of Gordon Ramsay's frenetic lifestyle', Being Gordon Ramsay chronicles Ramsay's efforts to manage the launch alongside various professional obligations and his family life with Tana and their six children. The clip features Tana stating, "People believe they understand Gordon... he is an individual with grand aspirations, but to me, he is simply Gordon," and further remarks, "he drives me insane." Tilly, his daughter and an emerging chef, states on camera: 'In the kitchen, under stress, my father responds as he does in pursuit of perfection.'

Ramsay, hailing from Johnstone, Scotland, commenced his culinary career upon relocating to London, securing a position under Marco Pierre White at the restaurant Harvey's. He dedicated time to perfecting his skills in France, collaborating with renowned chefs Joël Robuchon and Guy Savoy, before returning to London to lead Aubergine, which subsequently earned two Michelin stars. He inaugurated his inaugural restaurant in 1998, marking the commencement of other establishments. Currently, he operates 58 restaurants globally, with 24 located exclusively in the UK. He has also featured in a continuous array of television programs over the years, ranging from classics such as Kitchen Nightmares and The F-Word to more recent offerings like Next Level Baker (his complete archive is accessible for streaming in the UK here).

Ramsay is poised for another hectic year, having announced the imminent introduction of his Hell’s Kitchen restaurant concept in the UK. Motivated by his successful television series, which is reported to be returning for a British version, the immersive restaurant is scheduled to launch this year at The Cumberland Hotel near Marble Arch. Similar to the US locations, the menu will feature items akin to those depicted on TV, like lobster risotto, beef Wellington and sticky toffee pudding.