Yorkshire-born Sean Connolly is a creative, a businessman, and an affable geezer with uncompromising drive and a love of rock n roll, art and fashion.

His 40 + year career has seen him win multiple awards and accolades; release his own cookbook and line of Sean Connolly gourmet products; star in 4 TV series and create numerous restaurant concepts and dining destinations across Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East.

Currently, Sean heads an empire of restaurants in Australia and New Zealand: “Esther” at QT Hotel in Auckland, “Pavilion Bar & Kitchens” in Queenstown and, “Steak & Co by Sean Connolly” at West HQ, Sydney.

Sean works with Australian industry bodies such as Pork Star and Meat and Livestock Australia, Tourism Australia & the South Australian Tourism Commission promoting their interests locally and internationally. 

Regardless of the venue or the menu, Sean’s philosophy on food remains consistent - tradition over trend, provenance, and simplistic creativity. 

“My art is about minimalism. The ‘less is more’ approach is how I roll every day. It’s what I don't do to a dish rather than what I do. I don't overwork it. I let the ingredients speak for themselves. Beautiful produce, provenance and the thinking behind the dish is what makes me tick.

Simple food, done brilliantly: no foams, no bubbles, no smoke & definitely no f*cking flowers.