Executive Chef

The new executive chef at a leading Cheshire hotel has learned the tricks of the trade from celebrity chef Gary Rhodes. Eugene Farrelly worked at Rhodes and Co in Manchester – headed by one of Britain’s best TV chefs Gary Rhodes – before joining the Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf and Spa.

He is now in charge of 10 chefs at the Ranulf Restaurant at the hotel in Cobblers Cross Lane, Tarporley. The 30-year-old said: “Working with Gary Rhodes has taught me that simple, good cooking is the best – you can’t beat it. “Using fresh ingredients is always the way to go – much better than putting something in a microwave.” On top of cooking Eugene is also in charge of health and safety, cleanliness and creating reports for the kitchen. Eugene said: “It has been an extremely hectic first few weeks but that’s ok as I’m getting used to it all and can’t wait to get stuck in.”

Previously working at the Hilton Manchester Airport, Eugene decided to join the Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf and Spa to pursue fresh cooking. “This style of cooking was the main reason why I was attracted here,” he said. “This venue is much more food orientated and it’s about quality and not quantity. “I will be concentrating my efforts in not only maintaining the two AA rosettes earned in the restaurant but in ensuring the standard of cuisine served at banquets is always first-class.” Eugene has been cooking for 15 years and has worked his way to the top. He said: “I started as a pot washer, then got asked if I wanted a go at cooking, took that up and realised I loved it and haven’t looked back since.” The restaurant, which was named after the Sixth Earl of Chester, serves a range of fresh, organic food and is open from 8am to 6pm seven days a week.