As well as appearing on a number of TV shows, Paul Rankin runs a successful restaurant business, the Rankin Group, in his native Belfast. His wife Jeanne is also a familiar face, cooking alongside him.
Paul left Belfast to travel around the world in 1980, and met Jeanne on the way. They travelled together, often working in kitchens to earn some cash.
In 1984, they ended up at Le Gavroche, the Roux Brothers' restaurant in London. There, they worked their way up the kitchen ladder, learning the tricks of the trade.
The couple then started travelling again, working in Canada before returning to Belfast and setting up Roscoff. The restaurant won Northern Ireland's first Michelin star which they kept for eight years running. They closed Roscoff in 1999, but refitted the premises and opened Cayenne, a restaurant with a more informal feel.
Over the years, the Rankin Group has extended its portfolio in Northern Ireland to include Cayenne, two Rain City Restaurants and six Cafe Paul Rankins. In addition to several new cafes and restaurants opening across Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland, Paul has revived Roscoff, opening Roscoff Brasserie in Belfast city centre in autumn 2004 after a five year break.
Paul and Jeanne have appeared together in three series of a television culinary journey called 'Gourmet Ireland'. Together, they have written five books, New Irish Cookery being their latest publication. Paul also hosted three series of The Rankin Challenge, for television, with numerous appearances on Masterchef, Who'll do the Pudding?, and The Good Food Show. He is also one of the long time favourites on Ready Steady Cook.
