Celebrity Baker Richard Bertinet Denounces 47% Rent Hike on Bath Cookery School

Celebrity baker Richard Bertinet, known for his appearances on shows like Saturday Kitchen and James Martin’s Saturday Morning, has voiced his shock and frustration after receiving a 47% rent increase on his Bath cookery school premises.

Bertinet Kitchen, located on the historic Andrews Terrace in Bath, draws students from around the world who not only learn to cook but also contribute to the local economy. However, Bertinet says the rent hike imposed by Bath and North East Somerset Council is simply too steep to absorb or pass on to customers.

“I love my Bath city,” Bertinet commented. “But receiving a rent review notice showing a 46.6% increase is staggering. There’s only so much I can raise prices, but I won’t. The school supports tourism and local businesses alike — this kind of increase risks harming both small entrepreneurs and the wider community.”

Bertinet publicly tagged the Council, local MP Wera Hobhouse, Visit Bath, the Prime Minister, and party leaders in an effort to draw attention to the issue.

Supporters echoed his concerns on social media. One user said, “People like Richard Bertinet bring business and visitors to Bath, boosting the local economy. This increase is unacceptable.” Another warned, “Such a sharp rise favors large chains and squeezes out independent businesses.”

The campaign also gained solidarity from former Great British Bake Off contestant Maggie the Seaside Baker, who described the rent changes as “a sledgehammer” blow to small, brilliant businesses. She called the decision “unforgivable and short-sighted.”

Richard Bertinet, born in France, began his baking career at 14 and founded Bertinet Kitchen in 2005. He also lends his name to Bertinet Bakery on New Bond Street and has published several acclaimed recipe books.

Bath and North East Somerset Council have yet to issue a comment regarding the rent increase controversy.