Ever wondered about the personal kitchen space of a culinary expert? A sprawling and grand area with a lengthy island feature? Clodagh McKenna, acclaimed chef and television host, would politely disagree. From her experience, McKenna states that massive kitchens can be labour-intensive, having worked for years in some of the most elegant culinary spaces for event catering. “The fatigue sets in from constantly darting from one end to the other throughout the night,” she recounts.
The native of Cork has dedicated several months into revamping her newly acquired London residence, with the compact kitchen design being her primary focus. As she prepares and tests recipes for her various platforms such as This Morning show on ITV, her Sunday Times column and her cookbooks, the kitchen will undoubtedly be the heart of her home. In addition, McKenna confesses, “Also critical is that this is our home where I cook every evening.”
The initial kitchen was minute, dimly lit and lacked windows, which led to the comprehensive renovation process. After completely dismantling the original kitchen, McKenna requested a week from the building team to arrange her thoughts. She experimented with cardboard boxes to replicate the island and deliberated over her kitchen layout while manipulating the space for seven days.
She also wanted to create a dining area that was distinct from the kitchen without feeling isolated while cooking, hence, a kitchen island that includes seating became imperative. “It’s essential that my husband, Harry Herbert, is comfortable and we’re able to enjoy light-hearted conversations over a drink as I prepare the meals.” As Herbert stands 6ft 6, she took his stature into account while tailoring the island configuration.
Conscious of optimising storage in the small kitchen, she decided against installing a radiator and instead attached it to the island with an outer rattan casing. To enhance spatial perception, she removed the kitchen door and crafted an archway, and integrated sizeable skylights which can extend in the summer to handle London’s clammy weather.
Convenience was key during the design process. She positioned the three bins in retractable compartments beneath the island’s chopping board. The positioning of her American-style refrigerator, her sinks and the cooker are all within her line of sight as she prepares her dishes within the space.
The most intriguing enquiry she frequently encountered pertains to her kitchen stove. Discovering the ideal one was a lengthy process but ultimately, she was enamoured with the Smeg Portofino*, a kitchen appliance that catered to all her culinary requirements. This multifaceted stove comes with a teppanyaki plate for grilling meat and fish, an induction top, gas burners and dual ovens, one of which boasts a steam function. A rotisserie feature is also included.
A standout aspect for her was the self-cleaning option. No need for detergents or cleaning agents, only water poured onto the base and initiated with a switch, a factor she argues is very crucial.
Overwhelmed with anticipation, she started utilising her new stove while painters were still present on-site. It was thrilling to steam plum pudding during the festive season. The stove’s functionality was indeed impressive.
Just like numerous chefs, she chose Italian marble for the kitchen island and countertops. It has an exceptional surface for handling pastries and doughs, and simultaneously introduces brightness.
On the open shelves, she displays trinkets from her trips and the produce she pickles at Broadspear, their farmstead based at the historical Highclere Castle in Hampshire, which also serves as Downton Abbey for the TV show. Plans to return to their farm during weekends remain unchanged. However, her early starts for This Morning show and her other work engagements in London led to the purchase of their downtown residence.
Her time spent in Italy inspired her to simulate a Tuscan country kitchen. She describes her wall tiles as if they are as irresistible as caramel sweets. Enlisting advice from a Farrow and Ball colour specialist aided her paint selection. The specialist provided her with a valuable tip for painting small rooms. Painting ceilings and trims in the same colour as the walls to subtly blend and extend the space. Little did she know an ordinary person could avail of a colour specialist’s services.
She initially favoured cherry wood for her kitchen cupboards, but was deterred by the cost. Instead, she adopted a more affordable wood, finished with a cherry wood varnish, a choice she is delighted with. She installed a brass rail beneath her shelves, making room for her cooking tools and drying herbs. She strongly advocates for brass rails, stating they can beautify a kitchen space. “Plus, the convenience of having your utensils just within reach is undeniable,” she adds. “No more rummaging for the zester.”
She enthusiastically talks about her wine shelf, which is simply an inclined shelf with attached strip lighting. It has become an aesthetic feature in her kitchen, housing a range of wine bottles. Despite the limited kitchen space, she managed to incorporate a treat for Harry – a wine cooler, designed to store over 200 wine bottles.
Reflecting on her kitchen’s overall design, she is thoroughly satisfied. “To my surprise, I don’t think I would change anything,” she admits. “I am absolutely delighted with how it turned out.”
When it comes to kitchen necessities, Clodagh McKenna doesn’t hesitate. Her Bosch CreationLine mixer tops her list. “It’s a joy to use. It’s incredibly functional and intelligently designed, with a whisk that reaches every corner of the bowl and a dough kneader equipped with a silicone spatula.”
She purchased her KitchenAid cordless mixer from Arnotts in Dublin over a decade ago, which is still functioning efficiently. “Remarkably, I haven’t needed to recharge it in a month.”
She praises her collection of three Microplane zesters and graters, ideal for lemon and cheese. She confesses, “I carry them with me wherever I go.”
On the recommendation of Darina Allen, acquired during her training at Ballymaloe House, she made a purchase of a Victorinox knife and has been using it consistently since, expressing her gratitude towards Darina. She highlights the knife’s distinguishing features – it is made of stainless steel, incredibly lightweight with a thin, flexible blade and brands them as excellent. Contrary to purchasing an expensive set of knives, she advocates for purchasing a singular Victorinox knife and maintaining its sharpness.
Additionally, she favours her cooking knives crafted by Fingal Ferguson in west Cork which are preserved at Broadspear for specific events. Thanks to a partnership, Clodagh McKenna had a Smeg oven provided to her.