24/09/2026
Huge congratulations—- very well deserving of it.
Georgina Campbell Irish Food and Hospitality Award for Chef of the Year 2026 - Wade Murphy 1826 Adare Adare Co Limerick
A classically trained chef with experience of cooking at the highest level, Wade Murphy has long been known for his decision – which was very unusual at the time – to walk away from the formality of the fine dining experience in order to offer something more relaxed. And this is exactly what he has done at 1826 Adare, the charmingly atmospheric restaurant he opened with his wife Elaine in 2013, where his approach might best be described as fine dining without the fuss. Served by a warmly professional team in a comfortable setting. his technically assured, deeply flavourful cooking ensures that the ingredient – and the customer - always comes first. Their approach was a hit with diners from the start, and many would feel that any visit to the area without a meal at 1826 Adare is a missed opportunity. But, as well as demonstrating how fine dining can evolve into a more customer friendly experience - and encouraging the fortunate young chefs who work alongside him to think that way - Wade has served as Commissioner General of Euro-Toques Ireland, where a commitment to Irish food culture is central - provenance matters, suppliers are valued and named, and Ireland’s excellent meat, poultry, fish, seafood, vegetables and farmhouse produce are treated with respect – and he continues to play an important role in Ireland’s wider professional food community. And something that makes Wade’s cooking especially memorable is its generosity - there is refinement, certainly, but never at the expense of pleasure and he is a great example to others. Familiar ideas are elevated rather than deconstructed beyond recognition, and value remains part of the restaurant’s appeal. Consistency over many years is one of the hardest achievements in hospitality. Wade Murphy has combined it with leadership, integrity and an enduring enthusiasm for Irish ingredients, making him an exceptionally worthy Chef of the Year.
