Chef/First Mate: Cian Browne
Cian trained at Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland, graduating with first-class honours. The farm-to-fork ethos there gave him a deep respect for ingredients, seasonality, and the power of simple food cooked with care. During his time, he also worked service at Ballymaloe House, plating five-course dinners for over 80 covers a night—an experience that sharpened both his technical skills and his ability to thrive under pressure. He went on to do stages at Margaret’s and Quay in Sydney, both 2- and 3-hatted restaurants, where he gained invaluable insight into fine dining kitchens at the highest level.
Since then, Cian has cooked across a wide range of kitchens and settings. He has worked as a private chef, designing bespoke menus and catering events, and more recently spent a winter season in the French Alps, running chalets and preparing multi-course meals for new groups of guests each week. That role taught him how to adapt quickly, balance precision with warmth, and bring a restaurant-level standard to a homely setting.
Most recently, he joined The Yacht Week, cooking on board for groups of 8–10 guests in Croatia. Life at sea demanded flexibility, creativity, and the ability to design menus that suited diverse tastes and dietary needs—all in the tightest of kitchens. It was as much about creating an experience as it was about the food, which is exactly what he loves about this career.
Alongside his chef work, Cian also works as a freelance MC and event manager, a role that has honed his skills in performance, organization, and creating energy and connection for groups—qualities that naturally flow into his cooking and hospitality.
Originally from Ireland, he has lived and cooked in Australia, England, France, and back home again. His journey has always been about chasing great food and even better craic, and for him, cooking is about more than flavour—it’s about people, memories, and shared experiences.
