Paul began his culinary career at the age of 20. Today he is the highly acclaimed chef proprietor of 21212, based in Edinburgh. While his creations yield unexpected combinations, the deep thought given to the balance of each dish ensures flavours that complement each other. With focus on contemporary French cuisine, he keeps the menu fresh and exiting changing it weekly.
After completing three years of catering studies, Paul secured roles at various Michelin-starred restaurants including Canterbury’s 74 Restaurant and Gidleigh Park. He later moved to Nunsmere Hall Hotel in Cheshire as Head Chef where his partnership with Katie O’Brien began. Upon opening Juniper with wife Kate, the accolades began pouring in, becoming the North West’s only 4AA rosette restaurant and Greater Manchester’s only Michelin-starred restaurant as well as ranking in the top 20 restaurants in The Good Food Guide and England’s Restaurant of the Year in 2003.
Paul and Katie relocated to Edinburgh and opened 21212 in May 2009. The restaurant received numerous awards immediately after opening including winning the Best New Restaurant in the UK 2009 at the National Restaurant Awards. In January 2010, only eight months after opening, 21212 received a Michelin Star. At the Catering in Scotland Awards 21212 has scored a hat trick with Best Newcomer in 2010, Paul Kitching as Best Chef in 2011 and Best Restaurant in 2012. In 2013 it was the only restaurant in the UK to be awarded four AA rosettes.
Describe your culinary philosophy in 5 words
Glass of champagne, then hope.
What is your aim?
Two Michelin stars
What is your greatest inspiration?
Each and every new dish on my menu
What three things would you take to a desert island?
A helicopter, Sky Sports, sunglasses.
- Michelin Star – 21212
- Best New Restaurant in the UK, 2009
- Best Newcomer, Catering in Scotland, 2010
- Best Chef, Catering in Scotland, 2011
- Best Restaurant, Catering in Scotland, 2012
- Four AA Rosettes, 2013