The five-star The Lodge at Doonbeg has today appointed Heiko Riebant executive head chef.

Riebant joins Doonbeg from The Sheen Falls Lodge Hotel in Kenmare, Co Kerry where he has been executive chef since 2009. He replaces former executive head chef, Wade Murphy who left The Lodge at Doonbeg in March.  Riebant will oversee the culinary offerings in all of the Lodge’s dining facilities including the award-winning Long Room restaurant, Darby’s Bar, the private member’s bar, and the catering menus.

Born in Germany, Heiko began his culinary career in 1992 with a chef apprenticeship in the five star Hotel Wald and Schlosshotel Friedrichsruhe in Germany.  His career next took him to a series of five-star hotels and Michelin star restaurants in a number of European countries.

In 2007 he moved to Ireland and took the position of executive sous chef in The Sheen Falls Lodge Hotel later becoming Executive Chef in 2009.  During his time with Sheen Falls the hotel has enhanced its reputation for culinary excellence and has been awarded two Rosettes from the AA for its distinctive style and creative menu.  

Speaking of the appointment, Joe Russell, general manager of Doonbeg, said: “We are delighted that Heiko has joined us. Heiko shares our passion for local ingredients and we are sure that our guests will be excited to see him put his own unique stamp on our menu. His experience will add a new dimension to our culinary offering at the Lodge and  take our already strong reputation for food to a new level.” 

Picture Doonbeg Lodge dining courtesy www.doonbeglodge.com