Paul Rankin
Paul is probably best known as one of the regular chefs on Ready Steady Cook. His wife Jeanne, who cooks alongside him, is also a familiar face. Paul and Jeanne met in 1980 while Paul was travelling the world. They continued travelling together, working in kitchens to earn cash. Upon their return to the UK, they worked alongside each other at Le Gavroche, the Roux brothers' restaurant in London.
When the couple returned to Belfast, they set up Roscoff, the restaurant that won Northern Ireland its first Michelin star, which it retained for eight consecutive years. More restaurants would follow when Roscoff closed. At its peak, the Rankin Group comprised nine restaurants in Northern Ireland. Paul has since had to close or sell most of the restaurants in his portfolio and devote his time to those remaining.
