The London Clinic’s Executive Head Chef, Paul O’Brien, has been recognised for going above and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic with a special award.

The “Recognise the Culinary Heroes” awards were hosted last week in London by the Craft Guild of Chefs, in place of the guild’s usual awards, in order to acknowledge those who have performed outstanding work in their communities throughout the pandemic.

This year, in acknowledgement of a gruelling 18 months, the awards took on a special twist, specifically focusing on chefs who had been involved in feeding the public and essential workers, volunteering at charities and foodbanks, and supporting the wellness of colleagues.

Chef Paul was named among 44 “culinary heroes”, receiving a special badge of recognition and a three-year membership to the prestigious Craft Guild of Chefs.

Paul has been a pillar of strength throughout the pandemic, not only supporting patients and colleagues at our hospital but reaching out to our wider communities to ensure that they are cared for.

Within our hospital, he has spent time with patients when their families were unable to visit, serving their favourite foods; while ensuring colleagues are celebrated and recognised for their hard work and dedication.

Meanwhile, beyond The London Clinic, his work has included getting free lunches to NHS key workers, organising surprise visits to nearby NHS hospitals with cakes, and partnering with St Marylebone Parish Church to provide food hampers to those most in need.

Hundreds of families in the local Marylebone community have received food boxes and gifts over the course of the pandemic, including at Christmas and Easter, when people are often hit hardest financially.

A creative, culinary tour de force, we are tremendously proud of Paul and congratulate him on this wonderful achievement.