Interview: Kevin Thornton, chef

Chef Kevin Thornton has moved from running his Michelin-starred Thornton’s restaurant to, now, cheffing for private parties, giving masterclasses and mentoring the next culinary generation. He talks to Alex Meehan

Kevin Thornton: ‘I came back [from a year travelling round Asia] ready to work and to take advantage of my experience, but not to kill myself in a kitchen in the same way’. Picture: Bryan Meade

It might seem surprising that one of Ireland’s most experienced and lauded chefs believes that now is an exciting time to be in the restaurant business.

But for Kevin Thornton, the situation as we approach the end of 2021 – another year during which the pandemic wreaked havoc on the sector – is as ripe with possibility as it is terrible.

“We’re going through horrific times right now and none of us in the trade ...