News that Paul Welburn, one of Oxfordshire’s top chefs is leaving The Swan in Islip and Oxfordshire for good, has swept through the county like wildfire.
Since arriving in Oxfordshire he’s made quite a name for himself. Having won a Michelin star when he took over as head chef at Oxford Kitchen in Summertown (then 215), Oxford’s first in 30 years.
‘I’ve sacrificed so much for my career, it’s been my whole life, but the most important people now are my family’
The accolades have also come in thick and fast at The Cygnet Restaurant at The Swan, which opened in 2022 after a complete refurb, won BEST RESTAURANT in the OXINABOX FOOD AWARDS, three AA rosettes and was named in the top 100 restaurants outside of London.
Paul has helped change the face of Oxfordshire hospitality and become a good friend in the process. And yet the news that he is leaving comes as no great surprise, his daughter Coco born four months ago and changing his life for ever.
“I’ll leave at the end of February and will give the swan my all until then’
And with his partner Mish living in Cornwall, Paul is heading off for pastures new. “There is more to life than just cooking and work, and everyone knows it’s hard to balance cheffing with a family life. I’ve sacrificed so much for my career, it’s been my whole life, but the most important people now are my family.
“When you have a baby it changes everything – your whole perspective – so while it’s been a difficult decision I’m going for all the right reasons, because having children is something I’ve always wanted and I needed a clean break,” Paul accedes. “So come the new year I’ll be on a new journey. I need a new start.
‘it’s been a difficult decision but I’m going for all the right reason’
“So yes, it’s the right time for me to leave The Swan. I’ve given them four months notice, so I’ll leave at the end of February and will give them my all until then.
And after that? “I’m just going to go down to Cornwall to see what’s going on. I don’t have a job lined up but I’m intrigued to see what happens next. I’m just hoping the right thing comes along but I’m sure something will, and I’m so touched by the messages I’ve received since I announced I was leaving.
‘”Ive been really happy at The Swan and I’m very proud of what we have achieved there. I think we’ve exceeded everyone’s expectations”
As for what he’s accomplished Paul says: “I’ve been really happy at The Swan and I’m very proud of what we have achieved there. I think we’ve exceeded everyone’s expectations. We set out to do something really special there and I’ve really enjoyed the challenge of creating that there.
“My years in Oxfordshire have been the most incredible years of my life both personally and professionally. So I’m sad, but i’m leaving for the right reasons and I’m happy to be leaving on my own terms, even though the future is unknown.
‘My years in Oxfordshire have been the most incredible years of my life both personally and professionally’
And the food scene in Oxfordshire is amazing. But I’ve felt a real change since the pandemic; things have gone backwards and the food industry isn’t as vibrant. There are less independents opening and there just seems to be chains in Oxford now.
“The industry is struggling. People are not going out as much, so it’s a difficult time for everyone, but I’ve been thinking about leaving since Mish got pregnant and now is the right time. I have no regrets put it that way.”
To book a meal at The Swan in Islip go to https://swaninnislip.co.uk
