From London to Sydney

Award-winning chef and restaurateur Clare Smyth has hit a number of career highs. Now, she’s bringing her modern fine-dining to Australia, writes KARLIE VERKERK.

- KARLIE VERKERK

Opening a new restaurant on the opposite side of the world during a global pandemic is no easy feat. But if there is one person fit for the task, it’s Clare Smyth.

The Northern Irish chef and owner of two-Michelin star restaurant Core, in London is currently putting the finishing touches on her second venue, which is due to open at Sydney’s newest waterfront development, Crown, in February. And although she has had to orchestrate it all from afar, Smyth remains unflappable.

“My plan was never to have lots of restaurants globally. It’s really about doing things well; things that I love doing, in locations that I enjoy being in,” says Smyth. “Sydney is one of the most iconic locations in the world.”

The Harbour City may be thousands of kilometres away from where Smyth calls home, but it’s a destination she feels very familiar with and cannot wait to return to once coronavirus travel restrictions are lifted.

“I spent a year in Australia when I was in my early 20s, working and travelling, so I have fond memories and a great connection with the city – it’s a home away from home for me,” she explains. “I was there for the Olympics, too, which was a brilliant year.

“I could never have imagined at the time, as a young commis chef just starting my career, that I’d eventually open a restaurant in Sydney. I think it’s quite amazing how life comes full circle.”