Clare Smyth - Three Michelin Star Chef: ‘Passion and Perseverance Will Take You A Long Way’

What factors contribute to her remarkable success?

Clare Smyth - Three Michelin Star Chef

The Notting Hill restaurant Core by Clare Smyth is deemed essential by many culinary enthusiasts, who see it as the premier dining establishment in the capital. The credit is attributed to the eponymous founder, Northern Irish chef Clare Smyth. Following her upbringing in County Antrim, Smyth collaborated with several culinary luminaries before to establishing her own restaurant in 2017. It rapidly ascended to prominence, attaining three Michelin stars, so establishing Smyth as the inaugural female chef to achieve this remarkable distinction. Subsequently, she inaugurated a second establishment in Sydney, Australia, which rapidly garnered three stars as well.

Did your childhood inspire your passion for both cuisine and the natural world?

Certainly. My upbringing in a natural rural environment instilled in me a profound reverence for food. I seen the dedication involved in animal husbandry and agriculture, which has profoundly impacted me. It instilled in me an appreciation for the value of ingredients. The connection to the earth and to authentic, seasonal cuisine has significantly influenced my inspiration as a chef.

What constitutes an exceptional chef?

An exceptional chef possesses genuine passion and reverence for ingredients, alongside discipline, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to self-improvement. It encompasses not only technical proficiency but also leadership, creativity, and a well-defined vision. It is essential to encourage your team, maintain humility, and always pursue knowledge. Ultimately, it is about evoking emotions in individuals through cuisine.

What is the significance of cultivating young chefs to you?

It holds significant importance to me. I owe my current position to the assistance and guidance of exceptional mentors, which instills in me a profound obligation to reciprocate. Recruiting new talent is essential for the future of our industry. The journey is challenging, yet with appropriate guidance, aspiring chefs can flourish. I aim to cultivate an environment where individuals feel inspired, esteemed, and enabled to develop—not solely as chefs, but as persons.

What recommendations would you offer to young individuals commencing their careers in a professional kitchen?

My counsel is to maintain curiosity, use diligence, and exercise patience. Developing genuine competence and confidence in the kitchen requires time; thus, do not expedite the process. Acquire comprehensive knowledge, inquire diligently, and embrace errors - this is the pathway to personal development. Primarily, remain authentic to your identity and principles. Enthusiasm and tenacity will significantly advance your journey.

Do the present issues in the British hospitality sector resemble those in Australia?

The UK and Australia face common issues, including workforce shortages, escalating prices, and the necessity to uphold high standards while remaining financially sustainable. Both sectors have had setbacks in recent years, and recuperation has proven challenging. However, I believe both nations possess a remarkable culinary culture and a multitude of dedicated individuals striving to advance it. It pertains to adaptation, mutual support, and discovering innovative methods to sustain the industry's prosperity.

What are your aspirations and ambitions for the future?

The experience has been remarkable, and I consider myself privileged to have collaborated with some of the world's premier chefs. I am eagerly anticipating future developments. We are inaugurating a new premium restaurant near Sloane Square—an environment that is more casual yet nonetheless anchored in quality and exquisite food. In 2026, I will inaugurate another great dining establishment at the new Waldorf Astoria at Admiralty Arch, a significant endeavor in a landmark London locale. I eagerly anticipate future endeavors and the opportunity to challenge limits while remaining faithful to my passions.

Discover additional information at corebyclaresmyth.com