Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Odhrán Murray, I was born in Luton and Dunstable Hospital. Currently, I live with Sarah Jones-Bierton (Junior Sous Chef at CDD) in Knowle Village. We met in 2015, during my time at Lime Wood Hotel and have worked together ever since.
My culinary journey began when I went to a local college, where I did Level 1,2 and 3 NVQ. However, my career really began when I moved to London at the age of 19, to work at Chapters All Day Diner, and later advanced to Chapter One in Orpington, which had one Michelin Star.
However, it was my time at Lime Wood that truly shaped my skills and passion for cooking. Over the span of 3.5 years, I delved deep into various culinary techniques, mastering everything from fresh pasta making to managing kitchen sections efficiently (a skill that cannot be understated). Luke and the Lime Wood team played a significant role in my growth, putting invaluable time and effort into developing my skills- which I am so thankful for.
Following Lime Wood, Sarah and I decided to start a new chapter in London. I joined the esteemed team at Phil Howard’s Elystan Street, where I started as a Chef de Partie and eventually rose to the role of sous chef. Working closely with Phil Howard himself was an incredible experience, seeing the food he produces with skill, technique and most of all flavour and seasonality. I really honed my skills working there, becoming a better chef as well as a leader in the team.
After finishing at Elystan Street, Phil offered Sarah and I the chance to go to France to run his restaurant Union in the Alps, which was too good an offer to turn down. After the rush and fast-paced life of London, the clean air and easy living was just what we needed. Just the 2 of us in the kitchen, it was an amazing experience.
Outside of work, I enjoy playing golf, exercise, playing football and meeting up with friends and family. I enjoy going to live football matches (even making the journey up to Old Trafford!), live concerts and the cinema. I also love watching cooking shows on TV. From Masterchef to Saturday Kitchen live.
What is your role at our Cellar Door Dining Experience?
I am the sous chef at the Cellar Door Dining Experience. In my role, I help Nick with the running of the kitchen, writing menus and making sure everything is up to the high standards we set ourselves.
What made you want to become a chef?
In school, I once made a sandwich, though being honest, it wasn't the best in class—another student's sandwich caught my eye, and I distinctly recall thinking, "Oooh, that looks nice!". After this, I studied food technology at the GCSE level before eventually relocating to London, where, as the saying goes...
What is your signature dish?
I don’t have a signature dish, I love to cook all things outside of work, me and Sarah go all around the world for our inspiration for dinner. In work I love to cook British and Mediterranean cuisine: anything from pasta, fish soup, braised beef, pies, tarts, mousses, whole fish cookery, BBQ…
And finally, what inspires you?
Cook books, previous dishes from past restaurants merged together, watching TV shows- though sometimes, ideas just come into my head! Me and Sarah also cook all our meals at home, so I sometimes get inspiration from her where she has seen something on social media.
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