Clare Smyth

Clare Smyth is an internationally renowned chef and motivational speaker, celebrated for her groundbreaking achievements in the culinary world. As the first female chef in the UK to run a restaurant awarded three Michelin stars, she brings a powerful message of resilience, leadership, and excellence to audiences worldwide. Her journey is a compelling testament to what can be achieved through passion, discipline, and determination – qualities that make her an inspiring figure on any stage. Organisations invite Clare to speak not only for her culinary success, but for her ability to empower others, particularly women, to break barriers and lead with confidence.

Clare’s path to culinary stardom began at culinary college, where she gained hands-on experience through an apprenticeship at Grayshott Hall in Surrey. Eager to broaden her horizons, she worked at Terence Conran’s Michelin House and later in Australia with a catering company. Upon returning to the UK, Clare honed her craft in prestigious kitchens including The Waterside Inn and Gidleigh Park. Her early leadership at the St Enodoc Hotel in Cornwall earned her recognition as Young Cornish Fish Chef of the Year. Her breakthrough came in 2002 when Gordon Ramsay offered her a position in his flagship restaurant. By 2007, she had become the first female head chef of a three-Michelin-starred UK restaurant – an extraordinary feat in a male-dominated industry.

Clare’s list of accolades has only grown since then. She was named National Chef of the Year and awarded an MBE in 2013, followed by a perfect 10 from the “Good Food Guide” in 2015 and the Catey Chef Award in 2016. In 2017, she opened her own London restaurant, Core, which became a benchmark of excellence in fine dining. In 2021, Core earned three Michelin stars, making Clare the first woman in the UK to achieve this with her own restaurant. She expanded globally with Oncore in Sydney, which quickly earned Three Hats – securing her place as one of the most decorated chefs in the world.

Clare is hired as a speaker not only for her culinary expertise but for her remarkable leadership journey, which resonates across industries. She speaks candidly about overcoming adversity, building high-performance teams, and staying true to one’s vision – all with humility and grace. Her story inspires professionals to pursue excellence, challenge the status quo, and lead with purpose.