Originally established in 2007, the Chef Academy has played a longstanding role in developing culinary talent across the business. Now based at Howth Castle, the Chef Academy offers an enriched training programme designed to inspire and develop the next generation of culinary talent.
With study tours, masterclasses and expanded partnerships with industry experts, the Chef Academy delivers enhanced learning experiences that reflect the evolving needs of the hospitality sector. Led by head of food Gar Byrne, the programme has been redesigned to provide chefs with a clear pathway for development.
The curriculum places emphasis on culinary techniques and responsible food practices through immersive learning. Training covers areas such as bread making, butchery, fish preparation, pastry, food preservation, sustainable nutrition and a wide range of cuisines from pastry to Vietnamese to West African cooking.
Byrne said: “Open to everyone from kitchen porters to senior chefs, the Chef Academy was created to develop the next generation of culinary leaders - chefs who think in taste, create without limits and live our five Cs: craft, creativity, community, carbon and cheer.
“The Chef Academy goes far beyond technical cookery. It tackles industry skills gaps, core culinary techniques and coaching-led leadership, and we’re delighted to have such a beautiful setting in Howth Castle to base ourselves and grow the Chef Academy.”
Over the next three to five years, BaxterStorey Ireland aims to continue developing the Academy as a central part of its approach to training, professional development and sustainable hospitality.