Paul Butler

Paul Butler has led the culinary team at the National Press Club of Australia since 1999.

Paul commenced his career in Tamworth NSW where he completed his apprenticeship. Paul then made the move to Canberra and over the past 25 years has worked in some of Canberra’s top kitchens. Paul spent 7 years at Hyatt Hotel Canberra, in the days of the famed Oak Room prior to taking on the Executive Chef role at the National Press Club. Paul has spent time in some of Canberra’s most highly regarded restaurants including the Lobby, Hill Station and Le Rustique. Paul has worked at University House, the Canberra International Motor Inn and the Statesman Hotel.

Paul has always been an advocate of competitions and has won many gold and silver medals with the Salon Culinaires. Paul encourages his staff to enter competitions and hone their skills, particularly the younger Chefs in his employ. Accolades the National Press Club kitchen has obtained during Paul’s time include 3 Clubs ACT Best Restaurant Awards, The gold medal in the inaugural ACTTAB Chefs on Show, Two apprentice chef of the year and a runner up graduate cook award.

Paul’s dedication to his craft extends beyond his role in the National Press Club kitchen. For 16 years Paul has taught at Canberra Institute of Technology and he is the President of Chefs Network. Chefs Network is an ACT based organisation whose philosophy is “working together for the best interests of the culinary industry, supporting those that choose to follow in our footsteps. Chefs Network offers Free Membership for Chefs, Apprentices, Cooks & Pastry Chefs...Chefs Network is a network of Chefs of all culinary styles & Cultures”.

Paul has been involved in the creation of the Accelerated Chef Apprenticeship Scheme launched in 2006 at the Canberra Institute of Technology that combines intensive study and work experience enabling people to gain their Chef qualifications in two years rather than the usual four. In recognition of Paul’s commitment to the industry in 2009 he was named Industry Icon.

Paul is married to Denise and they have three children.