Mayo and Sligo talents feature in London hospitality list
Killala-native Patrick Powell is among a number of leading lights from the West of Ireland making a name for themselves in London's hospitality scene.
The West of Ireland looms large in a list that recognises the contribution made by Irish people to the hospitality industry in London.
Published in association with Bord Bia, the annual Murphia List by dining website is a celebration of Irish talent in London's hospitality industry.
Killala man Patrick Powell has established himself as one of the brightest culinary talents in the UK capital. Powell is the head chef of Allegra and Midland Grand Dining Room. In 2019, and with the support of developer and hotelier Harry Handelsman, Patrick opened his first restaurant, the acclaimed Allegra in Stratford. The pair now have a second restaurant together, Midland Grand Dining Room at St Pancras Renaissance Hotel.
Enniscrone woman Olivia McGowan is a sought-after figure in the restaurant industry.
The daughter of one of the town’s two butchers, Olivia and her siblings were all roped in to help with the local golf club dos at the weekends. So it’s perhaps no surprise they all became involved in hospitality. Her first job in London was at the Anglesea Arms, and then she ended up at Portland before moving on to open Clipstone. After a stint at Scott’s as a Maitre D, she found she missed being on the restaurant floor and moved to become General Manager of Scully. Now she’s part of the launch team for The Creative Restaurant group’s new opening Niju.
Sligo-born Niall Harte is the General Manager of the Michelin-starred Lyle’s.
Niall has recently accepted a new position, which will take him to New York City this summer, to lead the team at Estela.
Mayo-born and Roscommon-raised Shane McHugh arrived in London in 2014 after years working in hotels in Ireland, the UK and USA. In 2019, he became Group Wine Buyer for Goodman's holding company, overseeing buying and wine operations for the three Goodman steakhouses as well as Beast.
Sligo native Oisin Rogers is the co-owner and landlord of London’s most talked about pub, The Devonshire. The Soho pub and restaurant has been an unqualified hit from day one of opening and has had everyone from Jamie Dornan and Lewis Capaldi to Nigella Lawson through its doors.
