Paul Rankin

Paul Rankin is an award winning celebrity chef, Michelin star winner and TV personality.

In 1989, Paul Rankin opened Roscoff, a fine dining restaurant in Belfast. The restaurant quickly gained recognition for its innovative and contemporary approach to Irish cuisine. People travelled from across Ireland to experience what was considered to be the best cooking in Northern Ireland at the time.

Under Paul’s leadership, the restaurant was awarded a Michelin star in 1991, the first in Northern Ireland to receive the accolade. Ten years after opening Roscoff, Paul opened Cayenne, a second restaurant in Belfast which also won a Michelin star and was recognised for its exceptional culinary offerings

Paul became a household name in the UK through his numerous television appearances. He co-hosted the popular cooking show Ready Steady Cook, where chefs competed to create meals from a selection of ingredients. He also starred in his own cooking series, including Gourmet Ireland.

While stepping away from running restaurants, Paul has remained active in the culinary world through television appearances and culinary events. He has also overhauled the menus at a Belfast Care Home for the elderly. He won an Outstanding Contribution to the Hospitality Industry Award.

Contact Great British Speakers today to book Irish chef, Michelin star winner and TV personality Paul Rankin for your next event.

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More About Paul Rankin

Paul initially pursued a career in accounting but later discovered his passion for cooking. It was while travelling in Greece that he met his ex-wife Jeanne. He was working as a waiter and she in the restaurant business. It was Jeanne who sparked his passion in food and cooking. They continued to travel together, before returning to the UK to formally train as chefs.

They both worked together at La Gavroche, with Paul initially washing dishes before being elevated to the kitchen. Paul had written a begging letter to Albert Roux, pleading to be given a job. He then went on to train at the prestigious Dorchester Hotel.

Paul Rankin Celebrity chef Ready Steady Cook TV food hospitality book at agent great British Speakers

Paul Rankin | TV

Paul has appeared in many television programmes, becoming a popular household name and personality.

He was a regular chef and then presenter on the popular Ready Steady Cook game show, where two contestants, each paired with a chef, had to prepare a meal using a selection of provided ingredients within a limited time frame.

In this Gourmet Ireland, Paul explored the culinary delights of Ireland, showcasing local ingredients, recipes, and culinary traditions from various regions across the country.

Paul and Nick’s Big Food Trip saw Paul co-hosted with fellow chef Nick Nairn as they travelled around Ireland and Scotland, discovering local food producers, cooking with fresh ingredients, and sharing their culinary adventures.

Paul Rankin Nick Narin Celebrity chef Ready Steady Cook TV food hospitality book at agent great British Speakers

Paul has made many appearances on the popular weekend programme, Saturday Kitchen.

Paul appeared as both a contestant and a judge on Great British Menu, where top chefs from across the UK compete to create dishes worthy of being served at a prestigious banquet.

In 1996 Paul was the featured chef in BBC series Techno Food aimed at making older school children aware of good eating habits, which was awarded the Glenfiddich Award for Television Programme of the Year and the coveted Glenfiddich Trophy for 1996.

Paul also made an appearance on Celebrity X Factor where along with Aldo Zilli, Ross Burden and Jean-Christophe Novelli impressed with their songs in Italian, French and English. They proved very popular, making it through to the last stages of the competition.

Paul Rankin | Books

Paul has authored several cookbooks, sharing his modern interpretation of traditional Irish dishes, highlighting the richness of Irish ingredients and flavours.