Dromoland Castle welcomes Xavier Perche as Director of Food & Beverage
With its grand Earl of Thomond fine dining restaurant, its extravagant afternoon tea, its golf clubhouse, and its Irish gastropub, Dromoland Castle offers guests the best of Irish cuisine created with fresh, local ingredients. Now, overseeing the entire food and beverage programme is Xavier Perche, who brings extensive hospitality experience to Clare’s famous five-star castle hotel.
Originally from Lyon, France, Xavier studied advertising and hotel management at Pace University in New York where he began his career before taking on the role of food and beverage manager at the Hotel Chalet Saint-Georges in Megève in the French Alps. Calling Ireland his home since 2006, Xavier is well versed in Irish gastronomy and hospitality, having held executive management roles at The K Club, Mount Juliet Estate and Northern Ireland’s Lough Erne Resort.
“Dromoland Castle is an extraordinary destination offering unparalleled guest experiences and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to provide leadership and support to some of the most skillful teams and individuals in the country,” says Xavier. “I’ve been so impressed with both the talent displayed throughout the hotel and the imaginative culinary offerings – from the freshly foraged botanicals and local ingredients used daily across the property to the bespoke whiskey and extensive cocktail lists. Dromoland Castle has ambitious, exciting plans for 2021 and beyond and I look forward to playing a part in bringing them to fruition.” Xavier’s role as Director of Food & Beverage extends to both Dromoland Castle and sister property, The Inn at Dromoland.
Mark Nolan, Managing Director of Dromoland Castle added “ I am delighted to welcome Xavier to our great team of professionals. His depth of knowledge across all sectors of food and beverage will be a great addition as we continue to develop new culinary experiences in both hotels.” Xavier’s appointment follows closely after the launch of Dromoland Castle’s new foraging programme, where local expert, Oonagh O’Dwyer, brings guests down forgotten country lanes and along quiet beaches to find the best wild ingredients.
