Ian Curley

CHEF / CONSULTANT

Ian Curley is a British-born and Australian-based chef with an enduring 30-year tenure in Melbourne that has seen him at the helm of some of the city’s most iconic restaurants, including nine years at The Point Albert Park and more than a decade with the European Group.

When he is not working, you’ll find Ian spending time with his partner Simone and their three daughters, or perhaps on the golf course.

Ian is co-owns and chef at French Saloon, Kirk’s Wine Bar & Kirk Cellar Dining Room and Director of the restaurant consultancy group Exec Chef Pty Ltd.

Ian’s food is much-loved for its accessible approach and simple philosophy – he cooks the food he loves to eat across all cuisines. However, his signature style is European fare of the highest quality, with classic French underpinnings – a legacy from the rigorous training he received early in his career in the kitchens of London.

Working as a consultant

Ian has enjoyed a successful partnership with The Melbourne Racing Club since 2013 as a consultant. His role included designing menus, training kitchen staff and taking the Executive Chef-in-residence role across the fine dining Black Caviar Restaurant and the Committee Room, servicing a vast number of guests on each of their race days throughout the year.

Ian’s skill lies in ensuring each guest receives restaurant-quality food, something he credits to a personalised, honest approach when designing his menus and meticulous planning.

Ian previously managed kitchens at Craig’s Royal & Melbourne Melbourne Racing Club. Currently, he is the director of the kitchen operations at Ovolo Hotels and the consultant chef at Hopetoun Tea Rooms.

TV appearances

Along with every other chef in Australia, you may recognise Ian from one of his regular TV appearances. He was the host of his own TV show, Channel 7’s Conviction Kitchen, and has had recurring guest spots on MasterChef Australia, Yes Chef and Postcards.

Ian is an ambassador for William Angliss Catering College, where he mentors young students to get ready for the industry.