TF Royal Hotel & Theatre welcomes award-winning Chef
Speaking about his appointment, Chamila said he is looking forward to bringing his experience and passion for food to the business.
Highly acclaimed chef Chamila Mananwatta joins the Castlebar venue, bringing international experience, award-winning culinary expertise and a renewed focus on local Irish produce.
TF Royal Hotel & Theatre in Castlebar is making a significant commitment to elevating its food offering with the appointment of highly acclaimed chef Chamila Mananwatta as Executive Head Chef.
A major addition to the TF Royal Hotel & Theatre team, Chamila brings extensive international experience, an impressive record of culinary achievements and a passion for showcasing the very best of local and Irish produce.
His appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the venue, with a renewed focus on quality, consistency and creativity across all food outlets, including the Yew Tree Café, Green Room Restaurant, daily carvery, conferences, celebrations and private dining.
Having joined the team six weeks ago, Chamila has already begun introducing changes to menus across the business, combining familiar favourites with fresh ideas and the attention to detail developed throughout his distinguished culinary career.
TF Royal Hotel & Theatre General Manager Michael Yates said the appointment represents an important investment in the future of the business and its commitment to delivering an outstanding experience for every customer.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Chamila to the TF Royal Hotel & Theatre team. Securing a chef of his calibre is a real coup for us, and we are excited about what his experience, creativity and passion for food will bring to the business.
"Food is such an important part of the overall customer experience, whether someone is calling in for a coffee and lunch at the Yew Tree Café, enjoying our daily carvery in the Green Room, staying overnight, attending a conference or celebrating a special occasion with us.
"We want to continue raising standards across every area of the business, and bringing someone with Chamila’s background and achievements on board demonstrates just how serious we are about that ambition. We want people to think of the TF Royal Hotel & Theatre not just as a fantastic entertainment venue, but also as a destination for great food.”
Originally from Sri Lanka, Chamila is already well known throughout Mayo for his work at Mulranny Park Hotel, where he served as Executive Head Chef and established the acclaimed Gourmet Greenway dining experience. Its signature 10-course banquets celebrated the very best of the region's food, incorporating ingredients from 16 local suppliers along the route from Westport to Achill.
His achievements include being named Best Chef in Mayo at the Restaurant Association of Ireland Awards and becoming one of five national finalists in the Executive Chef category at the Irish Hospitality Industry Awards.
He has also achieved two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence, with his work attracting recognition from the John and Sally McKenna guides. Further accolades include a place among the Bridgestone Guide's Top 50 Restaurants in Ireland and Top 10 in Connaught, alongside a top-ten finalist placing in the hotel fine dining category at the Irish Gold Medal Awards. His food has also featured in Hot Press magazine.
Before establishing himself in Ireland, Chamila gained valuable experience working in five-star Hilton and Sheraton hotels in Dubai, including delivering a prestigious six-course Chaîne des Rôtisseurs dinner at the Hilton Jumeirah. His career has also included high-end dining in England and a Head Chef position at a golf resort in Wexford.
Now living in Mulranny, Chamila has returned to Mayo, where his family remained, and is leading a kitchen team of eight at TF Royal Hotel & Theatre.
Speaking about his appointment, Chamila said he is looking forward to bringing his experience and passion for food to the business.
“I have already made some significant changes to the menus, and one of my main priorities is working with local and Irish suppliers and making the most of local and seasonal Irish produce.
The TF Royal Hotel & Theatre is an extremely high-volume business, with conferences, major shows and events taking place throughout the year. We also cater for family gatherings, birthdays, private parties and everyday dining, so there is a great variety in what we do.
My aim is to bring quality and consistency across all of those areas, while creating food that people really enjoy. I am looking forward to developing the offering further and working with the team here.”
