Meet Paul Obrien, executive Chef at The London Clinic
The Harley Street BID is made up of an array of fantastic businesses, organisations and practices.
Each month, we spend some time getting to know one of the people that call Harley Street home.
This month we’re meeting Paul Obrien, Executive Chef at The London Clinic.
Can you tell us a little bit about your work at The London Clinic?
My name is Paul Francis O’Brien I am the Executive Chef at the London Clinic joining the Team in October 2017 with the soul purpose to build on the already amazing Culinary aspect at the Hospital providing excellent & often personal care on a one-to -one basis.
Describe your average day.
My average day consists of daily team briefing, visiting Patients in rooms helping them with bespoke nutritional needs along with home comfort foods or building on additional care when Cancer Patients will undergo Chemo or Radiotherapy.
How did you get to where you are today?
2023 Healthcare Chef of the Year but my Culinary journey started a long time ago originally from Ireland working alongside the typical Kitchen hierarchy so fierce even the” herb pots stood to attention” in 1986 as an ambitious young Chef I sought refuge in London’s Culinary world in at the deep end at one of London’s leading 5* hotels in Knightsbridge & 3 AA rosettes later moving around London working with Michelin Chefs & developing a luxury Hotel brand the Doyle Collection including The Marylebone Hotel but also opening the famous Dalloway terrace.
Accolades are achieved differently at the London Clinic through Patient care nothing is more special than a simple & sincere thankyou from a Patient or their Family’s weather it’s a road to a bright future or one of fond memories.
How has Covid-19 impacted your organisation?
2020 will be remembered historically as the biggest Challenge to Humankind in the modern age world-wide & at the Clinic we rallied together & became that family to Patients when visitors were not allowed as a business we had to adapt when London went into Lockdown leading to some of our core business oversees being compromised but at the same time the NHS faced the biggest challenge ever & today still hasn’t gained recovery so we stood side by side & together used all means at our disposal to work as one including supporting NHS staff with meals during the Vaccine rollout..
What do you like most about being based on Harley Street?
Working in Harley Street for a Chef at the London Clinic is the Ritz of Private Health care, great ingredients supporting local business & communities Harley Street in its entirety is steeped in history including 142 and the practices of Lionel Logue reaching back as far as 1926.
What are your thoughts on the future of the Harley Street Area?
I can now see a post covid revival & business is slowly returning to all sectors especially in the medical sector & the surrounding community as restaurants begin to flourish & Marylebone Highstreet becomes that place to be seen.
How does the Harley Street BID support your business?
The London Clinic works close with the Harley street bid with an equal shared vision to give back to the local community including St Marylebone Parish our school’s support engagement programme our local charities including Feathers Association offering guidance & free health screening & Christmas appeal.
How could a visitor to the area spend their time here?
Simply walking the blue plaque routes visiting Regents Park & Madame Tussauds Daunte book shop & the charity stores where Channel & Christian Dior is the norm.
Any particular recommendations or hidden gems?
My recommendation would be to just go and see whatever is on at Wigmore Hall. I’ve been blown away by the talent.
If you could describe the Harley Street area in three words, what would they be?
Historic, value, memorable.
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