RIOTUS

Whether it’s from Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares, Hell’s Kitchen, MasterChef, or simply his endlessly enjoyable TikToks, Gordon Ramsay is a name we all recognize. And with his latest TV stint, Being Gordon Ramsay, he takes an even more personal approach. The six-part documentary follows the world-renowned chef and his family in the lead-up to the launch of his new dining venture in the heart of London. 

22 Bishopsgate offers five culinary experiences, sitting high in the iconic London skyline and proving to be Ramsay’s biggest undertaking yet. Spanning six months, the documentary details the impressive scope of the project and its challenges, from the construction to the opening night planning—even the hurdle of the constant British rain. 

Introducing us to the team who’ll be running each experience, as well as taking us behind the scenes of curating the menu, Being Gordon Ramsay impresses upon us just how many moving parts a business at this scale has, while also showcasing the core of it: The love of food. Ramsay’s approach to finding new flavors and encouraging the very best from his staff may be colorful, but it inspires everyone around him.

The docuseries also takes us into the Ramsay family home to give us a glimpse of Gordon’s roles as a husband and father. And this is where Being Gordon Ramsay truly shines, adding a softer, more whimsical touch to complement the high-pressure shots of the restaurant biz. It’s entertaining to watch his wife, Tana, and their children humble him—and it’s lovely, too, to see how proud Gordon is of his family. Some of the most poignant and heartwarming moments are with his daughter Tilly, who’s following in his footsteps and training to become a chef. 

Being Gordon Ramsay blends the dynamic sizzle of a restaurant documentary with the playful connection of home life to make for an intriguing watch. Yes, at times it feels like one big ad for 22 Bishopsgate, but hey, there’s a lot riding on this investment, and the documentary works its magic to make you feel part of it.