Raised on a farm in County Antrim, Clare Smyth brought a reverence for ingredients and meticulous technique to London kitchens. She is the first British female Chef to earn three Michelin stars and a leading voice for sustainable, modern fine dining.
Clare's Formal Culinary Training
Clare Smyth left Northern Ireland at 16 to study catering at Highbury College in Portsmouth, building a technical foundation early. She completed an apprenticeship at Grayshott Hall and broadened her experience with roles at Terence Conran’s Michelin House and a spell working in Australia.
Back in the UK she refined her skills at The Waterside Inn, Gidleigh Park and the St Enodoc Hotel in Cornwall, where she rose from Sous Chef to Head Chef and earned recognition for her work with fish and seasonal produce.
Her training combined classical technique, exacting discipline and a lifelong respect for top quality ingredients sourced from her upbringing on a farm.
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Clare's Restaurants & Businesses
Clare Smyth made her biggest mark as a restaurateur with Core by Clare Smyth, which opened in Notting Hill in 2017. Core showcases her precise, ingredient led tasting menus and a calm, service focused dining experience.
- Restaurant Gordon Ramsay – Joining Gordon Ramsay’s team in 2002, Smyth rose to Head Chef in 2007 and later served as Chef Patron while the restaurant retained its three Michelin stars under her leadership.
- Core by Clare Smyth (2017) – Her flagship in Notting Hill earned two Michelin stars in the 2019 guide and a third Michelin star in 2021, making her the first British female Chef to hold that honor.
Core remains the central expression of Smyth’s culinary philosophy, emphasizing seasonal, sustainable sourcing and meticulous technique delivered with warmth and restraint.
Clare Smyth's Other Ventures
Smyth has expanded her influence beyond the dining room through collaborations, mentorship and advocacy for sustainability.
- Partnerships – In May 2025 she collaborated with Dom Pérignon on a campaign called "Creation is an Eternal Journey," reflecting her standing in the world of fine dining and design.
- Mentorship and Training – Known for developing talent, Smyth has supported apprentices and young Chefs, passing on exacting standards and a focus on ingredient provenance.
- Honors and Academic Recognition – She received an honorary doctorate from Queen's University Belfast in 2019 for her contributions to hospitality.
Clare Smyth Shows
Clare Smyth has appeared as a judge and mentor on television programs, sharing her expertise with a wide audience.
- MasterChef UK – Served as a judge and mentor, offering practical critique and encouragement to contestants.
- Top Chef USA – Appeared as a guest judge, bringing her technical eye to the competition.
- MasterChef Italy – Featured as a judge, helping to evaluate and guide international talent.
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Clare Smyth Awards and Accolades
Clare Smyth's work has been recognized with major industry honors and national recognition.
- Three Michelin Stars (2021) – Core by Clare Smyth earned its third Michelin star in 2021, making Smyth the first British female Chef to achieve that level.
- World's Best Female Chef (2018) – Awarded by the World's 50 Best Restaurants.
- Good Food Guide National Chef of the Year (2013) – Recognition for outstanding culinary leadership.
- MBE (2013) – Appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to the hospitality industry.
- Honorary Doctorate – Doctorate from Queen's University Belfast (2019) for services to hospitality and cuisine.
Clare Smyth Personal Life
Born on September 6, 1978, in County Antrim, Smyth grew up on her family farm where early exposure to fresh produce shaped her cooking values. Her parents, William and Doreen, influenced her respect for ingredient quality and service.
Smyth lives in Wandsworth, London, with her husband Grant, who works in finance. She is known for a quiet, disciplined leadership style and a strong commitment to sustainability, seasonal sourcing and ethical supply chains.
Clare Smyth Family and Friends
Clare often credits her upbringing and rural roots for her approach to food. Her move to England as a teenager set the path for a career in top kitchens and a focus on mentoring the next generation of Chefs.
Her partnership with Grant and close relationships with colleagues and trainees are part of a professional network that supports Core and Smyth's wider projects.
Clare Smyth Chef Profile: Conclusion
Clare Smyth’s journey from a County Antrim farm to the top tier of global gastronomy is defined by technical excellence, ingredient respect and calm leadership. Her achievement in earning three Michelin stars has reshaped expectations for British fine dining.
As a Chef, mentor and public advocate for sustainable, seasonal cooking, Smyth continues to influence kitchens and diners around the world while quietly raising standards across the industry.
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