3 Michelin Star Chefs: Brett Graham, The Ledbury
1 Michelin Star Chefs: Robbie McCauley, Chef/Owner Homestead Cottage
Robbie McCauley is chef/owner of Homestead Cottage in Doolin, County Clare, Ireland
• Other one Michelin star chefs
Biography
Robbie McCauley, originally from Edinburgh, has worked in kitchens since the age of 16. At 17, he was accepted onto the Specialised Chef Scholarship with the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts at Bournemouth and Poole College, so he moved to London to complete the three-year apprenticeship with the RAC club [a private members club in Pall Mall]. There, he was part of a brigade of 65 chefs, learning everything from the bakery, pastry kitchen, and multiple restaurant kitchens.
During his time in London, Robbie also gained valuable experience in The Square, with Phil Howard and [the now] Three Michelin starred restaurant The Ledbury, as well as The Ritz, The Goring and Claridges. After 4 years in London, Robbie returned to Edinburgh to work at the Michelin-starred restaurant Number One at The Balmoral before moving to Ireland in 2013, where he spent over 10 years progressing up the ranks in the kitchens at Gregans Castle and Campagne in Kilkenny.
Homestead Cottage
A 200 year old cottage situated in County of Clare, Homestead Cottage offers a dining experience that captures the essence of Ireland's culinary heritage.
The restaurant opened in late June 2023 and provides a rustic yet elegant backdrop for Robbie's culinary creations. The atmosphere at Homestead Cottage is warm and welcoming, designed to make diners feel like they are part of an intimate culinary event.
The menu showcases the richness of local produce, with each dish crafted to highlight the ingredients' natural flavours. Robbie's approach involves a close partnership with local farmers and artisans, ensuring the menu reflects the freshest and finest products available.
Seasonality is a key driver when it comes to writing the menu, with dishes being both creative and comforting, providing a modern twist on traditional Irish recipes.
The Michelin Guide UK 2024 said of the restaurant, “It takes a brave soul to open a restaurant in a location as remote as this, but Robbie and Sophie McCauley have created a destination so charming, and with such brilliant cooking, that it was always destined to succeed.”
Culinary Philosophy and Dining Experience
Robbie’s philosophy centres around the purity of flavours and the sustainability of cooking methods. He believes in the importance of connecting with the land and its bounty, which is reflected in his use of locally sourced, organic ingredients.
This commitment to sustainability extends to all aspects of the restaurant, from the kitchen practices to the waste management systems. The restaurant's open kitchen allows diners to observe the art of cooking as it happens, adding a layer of engagement to the dining experience. The staff are knowledgeable and passionate, ready to share the stories behind the dishes and the ingredients used.
Other Michelin Star Chefs
In these challenging times…
The Staff Canteen team are taking a different approach to keeping our website independent and delivering content free from commercial influence. Our Editorial team have a critical role to play in informing and supporting our audience in a balanced way. We would never put up a paywall – The Staff Canteen is open to all and we want to keep bringing you the content you want; more from younger chefs, more on mental health, more tips and industry knowledge, more recipes and more videos. We need your support right now, more than ever, to keep The Staff Canteen active. Without your financial contributions this would not be possible.
Over the last 16 years, The Staff Canteen has built what has become the go-to platform for chefs and hospitality professionals. As members and visitors, your daily support has made The Staff Canteen what it is today. Our features and videos from the world’s biggest name chefs are something we are proud of. We have over 560,000 followers across Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and other social channels, each connecting with chefs across the world. Our editorial and social media team are creating and delivering engaging content every day, to support you and the whole sector - we want to do more for you.
A single coffee is more than £2, a beer is £4.50 and a large glass of wine can be £6 or more.
Support The Staff Canteen from as little as £1 today. Thank you.
Support Us
CONTRIBUTE
1 Michelin Star Chefs: Robbie McCauley, Chef/Owner Homestead Cottage
