Meet the Chef: Airlie Beach Hotel’s Head Chef Ken Hooper

Ken cooking up a feast Photo supplied

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Ever wanted to get to know the head chef behind Airlie Beach Hotel’s most beloved dishes? Ken Hooper is one of the passionate faces behind the venue, bringing years of experience and a deep love for food to every plate. His journey began in childhood, when he would cookalongside his mum, first discovering the joy of creating meals and sharing them with others. By the time he reached school, those early moments had already shaped strong foundational skills and a lasting passion.

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For Hoops, cooking has always been about more than just food—it’s about community. The kitchen is a place where people from all walks of life come together, united by a shared goal. “Hospitality is a different breed of people,” Hoops says, highlighting the camaraderie and connection that make the industry so unique.

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Since joining Airlie Beach Hotel in June 2015, Hoops has thrived in an environment built on teamwork and pride. He values “the work ethic and cohesion that goes into everyday to make this the best pub in Australia,” and that sense of unity flows from the kitchen to the dining room.

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Hoops’ favourite dish to cook is kangaroo loin for its rich, distinctive flavour, though he also enjoys preparing smoked meats with all the trimmings, meals designed to be shared and savoured. His advice to aspiring chefs is simple: have passion, experiment boldly, and find joy in bringing people together through.

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