It all began for Paul at the age of 15 when he took his first position in the kitchen as potwash from which Paul worked his way into a Commis Chef position within just a few months. Paul held his first Head Chef position by the tender age of just 21.
Paul took over the reigns at the Terrace Restaurant at Citywest Hotel to then be promoted to Head Chef of the overall resort,
Having run his own business from 2004-2008, in 2011 Paul took on the kitchens at the Annebrook House Hotel in Mullingar until the opening of Peachtree East. The recognition of Paul's talent and passion in the culinary world all began with competitions entered starting in 2002,
Paul Phillips earned the title of 2006 Junior All Ireland Chef Of The Year and 2010 Senior All Ireland Chef Of The Year, heading up the National Culinary Team of Ireland as Captain, representing Ireland in the Culinary World Cup, Culinary Olympics, European Championships and Hotelolympia.
Paul is owner of a few awards.......26 All Ireland Awards infact, 11 International Awards along with Gold for the overall Hygiene Award, 2009 saw Paul take 1st In The World in Scotland for the Hot Kitchen category. Paul has been putting Ireland on the map in cooking in countries such as Germany, Luxembourg, Scotland & London....to conclude, Mr Phillips has been busy!
Meet Derek! Our Cheeky Peach.....
"It all started in the summer of 98, washing pots at Citywest Hotel when offered an apprenticeship by one the best chefs in the country at the time, Derek McLoughlin.
It was not long untill I realised this was my passion. My love for food, creation and design was evolving!
Mainly doing competition work at the time, I gained 30 medals for Ireland over 16 years in the business. Myself and Paul have been members of the Irish Culinary Team for the last 12 years. In this time we have taken over some of the best restaurants in Dublin. With my experience and desire for pleasing customers, I am now relishing the challenge and excitement of holding the position of Head Chef at Peachtree East, alongside Owner Chef Paul.
"The desire to reach the stars is ambitious, but the desire to reach hearts through food is wise" Derek