Paddy Maher X Dúchas

Meet the final boss 🔥

Paddy Maher (yes, the actual Patrick) is the young Irish chef currently causing a quiet stir as head chef at Pearly Queen in Shoreditch and Island in King’s Cross. Born and raised in Dunshaughlin, County Meath, he started washing pots on his 16th birthday and never looked back. Dublin kitchens, a stint running the show at The Peligoni Club in Greece at the ripe old age of 21, then London.

His style? Bold, clear flavours that don’t mess about. Seasonal, sustainable, heavy on the seafood and coastal Irish influences, with just enough modern swagger to keep things interesting. Think proper produce, no unnecessary faff, and dishes that taste like they know exactly who they are. Perfect match for Homeboy’s Guinness-and-good-times energy.

The Food That Stole the (Final) Show

We started the only way that makes sense when an Irishman is in charge of the oysters: the Pickleback Oyster. Briny oyster, a slick of pickle juice and dill oil, then a straight chaser of Jameson or your favourite Irish whiskey. It’s the culinary equivalent of a mate handing you a shot and saying “trust me.” We trusted. 🦪 + 🥃 = 🤩

Next up, the Chilli Crab Hash Browns arrived looking far too innocent. If the image of a hash brown makes you think of breakfast at McDonald's then you're in for a shock. These golden, crispy little numbers are loaded with sweet chilli crab, mayonnaise, spring onions and a whisper of nori. They’re the kind of thing that make you forget your manners and reach across the table. 🦀

Then came the Bloody Mary Tuna Crudo. Silky tuna, all the bright, spicy, tomatoey energy of a classic Bloody Mary, but refined enough that you still feel vaguely sophisticated while demolishing it. Perfect palate reset before the main event. 🍅

And what a main event. Beef Shortrib with Guinness peppercorn gravy. Proper, fall-apart short rib swimming in a rich, glossy Guinness peppercorn gravy that somehow manages to be both comforting and a little bit fancy. Paired with a pint of Guinness, this is the dish you want on a cold night, a celebration night, or any night you remember you have taste buds. We both went very quiet for a bit. That’s how you know it’s good. 🍻

Dessert refused to let the Irish theme go quietly. Sticky Toffee Madeleines with Irish whiskey caramel and a generous dollop of clotted cream. Warm, squidgy, sticky, boozy, and dangerously moreish. If madeleines and sticky toffee pudding had a very glamorous Irish baby, this would be it. We fought over the last one. Civilisation barely survived.

The Drinks Situation 🥃

Mario went for the Blackthorn No. 2: The Whistler Triple Oak Irish Whiskey, Port, Demerara, Angostura Bitters and a hit of anise. Deep, warming, slightly mysterious — like a late-night conversation that gets better the longer it goes on.

I claimed the Taoiseach: Redbreast Irish Whiskey (12 Year Pot Still), Triple Sec, Martini Rosso, pomegranate, Angostura Bitters and orange bitters. Named after the Irish Prime Minister and every bit as authoritative. Smooth, complex, and the sort of drink that makes you sit up a little straighter and pretend you understand politics.

Both were perfect companions to Paddy’s food — the bar team at Homeboy never miss.

The Vibe Check 🍀

Homeboy on a Dúchas night is still one of London’s best feelings. Lively without being shouty, full of people who look like they’re having a genuinely good time (including the occasional well-behaved dog), and that special Irish-bar magic where strangers start chatting over the Guinness. The final week energy was high — a mix of “we made it” and “please don’t let this be over.”

Paddy’s food fitted the room perfectly: generous, flavour-forward, rooted in Irish ingredients and attitude, but with the polish of someone who’s cooked in some serious kitchens.

Should You Go?

Well… the series has now officially finished, so if you didn’t make it for Paddy’s week you’ll just have to live with the regret (and keep an eye on whatever Homeboy do next, because they clearly know how to throw a kitchen takeover).

If you did get a seat — congratulations, you absolute legend. You experienced the perfect full stop to a brilliant summer of Irish talent in Islington.

Sláinte to Paddy, to Homeboy, (Charlie, Lizzy, Adam, Raf and Nev) and to every chef who made Dúchas such a joy. Same time next year? We’re already clearing the diaries.