FOUNDER & HEAD CHEF AT CORE
In this episode of ‘Life in Charms’, Annoushka welcomes Clare Smyth, the trailblazing chef who made history as the first female to hold three Michelin stars and three hats from the Good Food Guide simultaneously. As the conversation unfolds, Clare reflects on pivotal moments in her career - including the time a chef dismissed her potential purely because of her gender. Rather than discourage her, it sparked a fierce determination to prove herself.
Clare’s journey begins on a family farm in Northern Ireland, where her twin passions for cooking and horse riding first take root. Together, they delve into Clare’s early experiences growing up during the Troubles, and how her mother’s home cooking lays the foundation for her culinary path. Clare shares insight into her creative process in the kitchen, expressing her deep love for transforming humble ingredients into something extraordinary. Music, too, plays a key role in Clare’s world. She explains how carefully curated soundscapes at her restaurant, Core, enhance the overall dining experience.
Clare speaks passionately about the philosophy behind Core - her commitment to British ingredients and her support for local artisans. She offers a rare glimpse into the rigorous world of Michelin star evaluations and the relentless pursuit of perfection that defines fine dining at this level.
Looking to the future, Clare reveals exciting plans for her new restaurant, Cornucopia, which promises to celebrate traditional British cuisine with a bold, modern twist.
Along the way, they explore the that capture these personal and professional milestones. A yellow gold horse riding charm set with black diamonds reflects her love of the sport. A finely crafted knife charm in white gold, with a polished blade and textured handle set with black diamonds, symbolises her culinary career. The apple core charm, made from textured with brown pips and red rubies, pays tribute to her flagship restaurant, Core. And finally, a shimmering Michelin star charm in polished gold, engraved with her initials and adorned with red and pink rubies and , stands as a brilliant tribute to her achievements.
The conversation is as inspiring as it is insightful, celebrating Clare’s unwavering dedication to her craft, her innovative spirit, and her bold vision for the future of dining.
