Meet the Team
We are knowledgeable, passionate, warm & friendly...
Phil Fanning
Executive Chef, Owner
"Chef Phil Fanning is one of the bright young things in the British food scene, he began cooking at an early age and even made an appearance on Junior Masterchef as a finalist in 1997.
His style is distinctly contemporary, without falling into the trap of being modern for the sake of being modern. He tempers his classical French roots with far-reaching ingredients and an eye for theatrical mischief. ” – Great British Chefs.
Claire Fanning
Financial Director, Owner
In her career Claire has worked for some of the country’s finest restaurants and industry figures, including Tom Kerridge’s two Michelin Starred Hand and Flowers and Heston Blumenthal’s Hind’s Head in Bray.
This experience, coupled with her love of fine food and wine and a passion for top quality service makes her an inspirational figurehead for the team at Paris House.
Thomas Seprey
Restaurant Manager
Thomas joined the team in 2018 and has brought with him lots of fun & laughter. He has gradually worked his way up through the ranks and we're delighted that he has now been made Restaurant Manager.
Thomas hails from Rouen, France and has worked in 4* & 5* French hotels until we enticed him to come and join us. He loves spending time with friends and family, laughing and talking.
Howie Sayers
Sommelier
Howie has been involved in wine for over 20 years, from buying to food matching, editorial to wine flights, with a share in a small vineyard in Italy. His knowledge and compelling stories of wine-growing regions make him a very welcome and much loved member of the team!
Jorge Reis
Sous Chef
Jorge joined us in 2022 as a Chef de Partie, bringing his international experience to the team. Cordon Bleu trained, Jorge has worked in top end restaurants from Berlin to Shanghai and of course his native Lisbon.
He loves to travel and spend time with his young family.
Jorge was promoted to Junior Sous in 2024 and to Sous in 2025.
James Whelan
Chef de Partie
James joined us fresh out of college in 2024, with a dream to work in fine dining and the tenacity and drive to succeed.
With a passion for food that very much grew throughout his college course and with the realisation of the possibilities and opportunities that come with this industry, James loves the social side of chef life and says that our team is like a second family.
Iona Collison
Demi Chef de Partie
Iona has always wanted to be a chef, inspired by the fact that her Mum can't cook!! After studying at MK College, she worked at Silverstone and then cut her teeth at The Artichoke in Amersham before joining us earlier this year.
Iona loves the endless possibilities of what you can do with food, loves the fact that she's always learning and that she's now in a team where 'everyone actually likes each other!'. Her infectious smile and bubbly personality mean she's become a much loved part of the team already.
Paula Felczak
Assistant Restaurant Manager
Originally from Katowice, Poland, Paula moved to the UK to study when she was 18 and bagged herself no less than 3 degrees, from Aberystwyth, Coventry & Hertfordshire Universities.
Despite all her studies, Paula decided that a desk job was not for her, and that she'd rather follow her foodie passion and work in hospitality.
Outside of work you'll find her either planning or enjoying a trip to another restaurant, travelling or with her nose in a good book.
Niamh Armitage
Chef de Partie
Affectionately known as Nim Nim, Niamh is an apprentice with the Worshipful Company of Cooks and in a couple of years gets the opportunity to seek the prestigious Freedom of the City.
She's also got a personal goal to bring more pink to the kitchen, and has smartened up lots of the team with her Lashes side hustle!
Jo Freeman
Head of Brand & Reservations
Jo spent 10 years working in creative agencies before spending another 12 in retail working in various roles from Brand and Commercial Marketing to Store Branding & Design.
She took the leap away from big corporate business 6 years ago and hasn’t looked back, now managing most things 'behind the scenes' at Paris House.
Your Name Here?
Junior Sous
We are currently on the look out for a passionate junior sous to join our front of house team.
Grace Thomas
Demi Chef de Partie
Your name here?
Chef de Partie
We are currently on the look out for a passionate customer service focussed individual to join our front of house team.
Damion Grant
Commis Chef
Affectionately known as Dave, Damion joined us a couple of years ago as a Kitchen Porter. His love for food is absolute though and he's now working his way up the ranks.
Also a tree surgeon and avid sneakerhead!