Wade and Elaine Murphy, a husband and wife duo who strike a careful balance between traditional Irish cookery and modern creativity, are hitting the mark with fresh, comforting food.

Chef Wade Murphy has worked in some of the best kitchens in London, Chicago, Egypt, and, of course, Ireland, and was just named both best chef and best restaurant in Limerick with 1826 Adare. Wade was born in Wexford and has had a passion for cuisine since he was a child. There was never any doubt in his mind about what career path he would choose. Wade and his wife Elaine, formerly of Lisloughrey Lodge and The Lodge at Doonbeg, decided to take a risk in 2013 and open 1826 Adare in her home county of Limerick.

Elaine has extensive expertise in the hotel sector, having worked in Germany, the United States, and Australia. Wade met her while she was working for the Fitzpatrick Hotel Group as an Assistant General Manager. She returned to Ireland to work as General Manager of the House Hotel in Galway, and then as General Manager of HMSHost Shannon Airport.

The combination of their two backgrounds is ideal for the award-winning 1826 Adare institution that they have both worked so hard to construct. Wade was also the Commissioner General of Euro-Toques Ireland from 2013 to 2015, an organisation whose major goal is to conserve the good quality and flavours of food, and he travels extensively around Ireland and Europe to promote this.