Clare Smyth

Clare Smyth is an acclaimed Northern Irish chef and restaurateur, renowned for her exceptional culinary achievements. She is the co-founder and owner of Core, her flagship restaurant, which became a major success since its opening in 2017. Smyth made history as the first British female chef to run a restaurant awarded three Michelin stars, cementing her place in the highly competitive fine dining industry. Her rise to fame is marked by her dedication and ability to lead in kitchens traditionally dominated by men, gaining her immense respect from peers and diners alike.

Her culinary journey began with training in some of the finest kitchens worldwide. Clare honed her skills at prestigious establishments such as The Waterside Inn, Gidleigh Park, and Michelin House. A pivotal moment came in 2002 when she was offered a position at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, where she worked her way up from Sous Chef to Head Chef in 2007. She was the first woman in the UK to run a restaurant with three Michelin stars, an extraordinary achievement that highlighted her talent and determination. Smyth briefly departed to work at Alain Ducasse’s Le Louis XV before returning to Ramsay’s restaurant.

In 2017, Smyth launched her own restaurant, Core, which quickly garnered numerous awards, including three Michelin stars in 2021. This made her the first British woman to retain three Michelin stars at her own establishment. Throughout her career, she has received many prestigious accolades, such as the Chef Award at the Catey Awards in 2016, Michelin Female Chef 2017, and being named the World’s Best Female Chef in 2018 by the World’s Best 50 Restaurants. Clare has also been recognised by the Good Food Guide, earning a perfect 10 rating and the title of National Chef of the Year in 2013.

Beyond her success in the kitchen, Clare is a regular on television shows like MasterChef and Saturday Kitchen, offering valuable insight into the culinary arts. She frequently shares her experiences on leadership, teamwork, and overcoming challenges in the restaurant industry. Smyth’s contributions to British gastronomy were honoured when she was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2013 for her services to hospitality.