The celebrity chef and TV personality talks to John Scally about his life and career and the enjoyment he gets from doing a job that he loves.

 

In May Ireland’s best restaurants were celebrated at the annual Irish Restaurant Awards 2025, which is the industry’s equivalent of the Academy Awards. The ceremony took place at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road with more than 1,000 of the best in hospitality gathering for the exciting evening.

Blacklion chef and national treasure Neven Maguire, who has been successful at the Irish Restaurant Awards many times in the competition’s 16 year history, was the big winner claiming the ultimate accolade – the

Outstanding Achievement Award for the contribution he has made to Irish food and hospitality. In addition he scooped the award yet again for Best Restaurant in Ulster, with his famous MacNean House & Restaurant. It was a fitting tribute to the huge contribution he has made to the Irish food and hospitality sectors down through the years.

Neven grew up in Blacklion on the site of the restaurant which was then run by his parents as the MacNean Bistro. It was also the family home. His early interest in food was greatly encouraged by his mother, Vera.

Neven studied catering at the nearby Fermanagh College in Enniskillen. He then trained in in some of the world’s top restaurants including famous establishments in Spain and, Luxemboug. He took over as Head Chef/Owner of MacNean House & Restaurant in 2001.

“I never thought about being born to be in this line of work, but with my family background it is not surprising that I was interested in food at a young age and in the ideal situation with my parents having this restaurant to develop that interest. Even with nine mouths to feed my mother always managed to make sure what we ate was varied and interesting – with simple wholesome food for growing children.

“There were delicious soups. She never forgot desserts. Stewed apple and custard was a favourite. There was always porridge. And a bacon sandwich for lunch at school was a fixture. Mum and Dad grew a lot of their own vegetables and we do that now for the restaurant.”

Neven began his television career on the weekly live cookery slot of RTÉ’s popular Open House afternoon show, presented by Mary Kennedy and Marty Whelan, both of whom have remained firm friends. Since then, he has presented numerous cookery shows on RTÉ featuring top chefs and restaurants from both Ireland and abroad. He is grateful that he got this level of fame early in his career.

Continue reading in this week’s Ireland’s Own