Hartlepool chef reveals forgotten facts about McDonald's, Reebok and Greggs in new book celebrating big brands
A Hartlepool chef hopes to have found a new recipe for success as an author.
Tom Farrell has just celebrated the publication of his first book with an eye-opening look at some of Britain’s biggest brands.
The Origins of Famous Brands uncovers little-known facts about the likes of McDonald’s, Marks & Spencer, and Reebok.
Tom, 36, a chef at Middleton Lodge Coach House, at Middleton Tyas, near Scotch Corner, says he transferred all the intensity and attention to detail from the kitchen to writing.
He said: “Brands are just a nerdy passion of mine. I have a blog and found I had enough stories to be able to make a book.
"I have expanded on my original blog posts. It is a lot more readable in book form than it is as an internet blog.
"It’s light-hearted and entertaining and also hopefully quite interesting.”
The book is divided into 26 chapters with each one focusing on a different brand.
Forgotten facts include how the first McDonald’s in the UK struggled to attract sceptical diners.
“They couldn’t event give the food away for free,” said Tom, of the Fens, Hartlepool, who is married to Samantha.
Tom says at its heart, it is a story about the individuals who defied the odds to succeed and introduce products that have stood the test of time.
The book covers brands from the 18th century and the foundation of Schweppes, Crosse & Blackwell and Gordon’s gin, up to present day names such as Greggs and Costa Coffee.
The Origins of Famous Brands is out now, and Tom hopes it will be the first of more books to come.