My Weekend: 'Working in kitchens can be quite anti-social as weekends are rarely free'

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work:

I’m 27 and living in Cobh with my partner and our two-and-a-half-year-old son. I was born and raised here, though I spent much of my cooking career in West Cork, along with a brief period working abroad.

I first stepped into a kitchen at 17 while working part-time as a waiter in a local restaurant.

After chatting with the chef and expressing an interest in cooking, he encouraged me to give it a try and that’s where it all began. I’m incredibly passionate about food, the people I cook for, and the teams I have the privilege of working alongside.

Over the years, I’ve worked across a wide range of restaurants at different levels, always taking the opportunity to learn and grow from each experience. I was recently appointed as the Executive Head Chef at the Metropole Hotel.

The hotel’s team of chefs have seasonality and local produce at the core of what they do which is something I really admire. We work with some of the very best producers in Cork to ensure each meal served is of the highest quality.

What is your ideal way to spend a Friday night?

My ideal Friday night is a relaxed evening at home with my family, enjoying some home-cooked food.

Cooking and sharing meals have always been a big part of our home life, and given the nature of my work, those opportunities can be rare. So whenever I get the chance to spend a calm evening together around good food, it’s something I really value.

Lie-ins or up with the lark.. which is it for you?

More often than not, I’m up when my son wakes and he tends to be an early riser. Every now and then, there’s the chance for a lie-in, which is always very welcome.

Does work creep into your weekend at all?

I work most weekends, so it definitely does. Weekends are typically our busiest time, and during those intense services, it’s really important for me to be present with the team and support them in any way I can.

If money was no object where would you head to on a weekend city break? And who would you bring with you?

I would choose Tokyo. Japan has been on my wish list for several years. I am fascinated by the food culture, the history, and of course the craftsmanship behind Japanese knives. I’d bring my family with me to share the experience.

Closer to home, is there some place you like to head to recharge the batteries?

There’s a woodland area not far from my home that’s perfect for a walk - when the weather allows, which isn’t always guaranteed. It’s a really peaceful spot, with a beach at the end and calm water, so on a good day, it’s ideal for getting out into nature and properly switching off.

Do you like to catch up with family/friends at the weekend?

I make every effort to catch up with family and friends whenever I can. Working in kitchens can be quite anti-social, as weekends are rarely free, so if I get an opportunity even just for a morning or evening - I always try to make the most of it.

Do you get to indulge any hobbies? Even as a spectator?

One hobby that has stayed with me over the years is gaming. It’s my go-to way to unwind after a long day, and I try to make time for it whenever possible. It’s a really easy and enjoyable way to relax, and the flexibility of being able to dip in and out, depending on my schedule, makes it something I’ve been able to maintain.

Entertain or be entertained? If it’s the latter, do you have a signature dish?

Definitely entertain. I love cooking for friends and family at home. I truly believe food is one of the most natural and meaningful ways for people to connect, and putting time and care into preparing a meal for someone is a genuine act of love - especially when it’s for those closest to you.

We have so many places to eat out in Cork - where are your go-to spots for coffee/lunch/special meal?

I really enjoy Ferrit and Lee in Midleton. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, the service is enuinely personable and attentive, and the food is consistently excellent - all at a very reasonable price.

Sunday night comes around too fast... how do you normally spend it?

Sunday evenings are usually spent ironing whites, getting organised for the week ahead, going through plans with my partner, and taking whatever time I can to relax before the week begins.

What time does your alarm clock go off on Monday morning?

It depends entirely on the shift I’m working. For breakfast shifts, the alarm is usually set for 5.30am. Otherwise, my son tends to have me up between 7 and 8am.