1 Michelin Star Chefs: Richard Picard-Edwards, Ballyfin

The Staff Canteen

Ballyfin Demesne, located in County Laois, Ireland, is a luxurious regency-era manor house that hosts a Michelin-starred restaurant.

The restaurant, Ballyfin, is known for its modern cuisine, with dishes that highlight the technical skill of the kitchen team through broths, purées, and sauces.

It earned a Michelin star at the Michelin Guide UK and Ireland 2025 awards for its dedication to its high-quality cooking.

The dining experience is complemented by charming and attentive service, making it a special place to dine.

The executive head chef, Richard Picard-Edwards, joined Ballyfin in April 2023. He has a rich background in Michelin-starred properties in the UK and works with produce from Ballyfin's 19th-century walled garden.

About Richard

Richard joined Ballyfin in April 2023, bringing with him a wealth of experience from Michelin-starred properties in the UK.

He received his first Michelin star and 3 AA rosettes in 2014 while working at Lords of the Manor in The Cotswolds.

Richard has also held prestigious positions at the Mandarin Oriental Bittescombe Lodge and Deer Park in Somerset, as well as Lartington Hall in Durham.

He said: “I am excited by Ballyfin’s impressive 19th century 8-acres

walled garden, which is any chef’s dream to draw from, and I look forward to working with the fabulous produce that Ireland is renowned for around the world.”

Signature dishes

Ballyfin's Michelin-starred restaurant offers a variety of signature dishes that highlight the best of local and seasonal produce. Some of their standout dishes include:

Roasted onion consommé: A rich and flavourful broth that showcases the technical skill of the kitchen team.

Seasonal vegetable dishes: Utilising produce from Ballyfin's 19th-century walled garden.

Locally sourced meats: Dishes featuring beef, pork, and lamb from nearby farms.

Fresh seafood: Delivered daily from Kilmore Quay and Dublin.

Michelin reputation

The Michelin Guide describes Ballyfin as a ‘spectacular, lovingly restored Regency-era manor house that screams luxury at every turn. The atmosphere continues into the dining room, where the chefs serve impressive dishes.

Broths, purées and sauces are a real highlight and underline the technical skill of the kitchen team, be it a rich, glossy reduction or a roasted onion consommé with bags of flavour. Charming and attentive service completes the rather special picture.

 

 

 

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The Staff Canteen

The Staff Canteen

Editor 8th April 2025

1 Michelin Star Chefs: Richard Picard-Edwards, Ballyfin