Heston Blumenthal says fewer female chefs reach top of industry because 'the body clock starts working'

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Michelin-starred chef Heston Blumenthal has claimed that female chefs aren’t reaching the same career heights in the industry as men because of “evolution”, their biological clocks and the difficulty of lifting “heavy pots and pans” after childbirth.

Blumenthal, who has five Michelin stars across two restaurants, explained his theory after being asked why there aren’t more women represented at the top level of the industry.

“I have always employed female chefs, but historically and ultimately, the body clock starts working,” the 53-year-old told the Economic Times. “It’s evolution, and it is one thing to have a 9-5 job and quite another to be a chef with kids.

“So, that makes it difficult. [The physical strain of lifting] heavy pots and pans.”

The molecular gastronomer also said men are “shocked” when women stand up for themselves in the kitchen, in addition to blaming other factors such as culture and healthcare.

“The women are also fighting sexism,” he said, adding: “Quite frankly, men [chefs] have asked for this; they’ve brought it on themselves. The shock of women standing up for themselves is strong and men get really insecure.”

In the past, Blumenthal said female chefs had to be “tough as old boots” to be successful in the male-dominated industry.

However, according to the London-born chef, the level of equality in the industry is “much better than it was 15 years ago”.

Despite recent strides towards equality, Elite Traveler points out that in the UK, women make up just under 20 per cent of chefs.

Blumenthal’s comments come as the Michelin guide released its 2020 list of restaurants, many of which are led by male chefs.