Exploring the Passion and Philosophy of Urban Brewing’s Head Chef, Daniel Keane
For Daniel Keane, head chef at Urban Brewing in Dublin, the journey into the culinary world started early, fueled by a love for creativity and a fascination with the organized chaos of a professional kitchen. Today, he leads a unique venue that brings together great food and house-brewed beer in a historic setting. In this interview, Daniel shares his approach to cooking, the philosophy behind Urban Brewing, and the personal inspirations that shape his evolving culinary style.
A Love of Food From the Start
Daniel’s culinary journey began as a teenager. “I always loved the creativity of cooking and used to hang around in the kitchens of family members’ homes, watching what they were doing,” he recalls. A school friend helped him land his first kitchen job as a dishwasher, and Daniel found himself captivated by the buzz and intensity of the kitchen. “It’s safe to say I was hooked,” he laughs, recalling the excitement that drew him into the profession.
For Daniel, food has always been tied to memories of warmth and joy. He remembers “the smell of my Granny’s Madeira cake” and the thrill of licking the spoon after his mother’s baking. “As I got older, my passion evolved into a desire to spread that happiness and joy food can bring,” he explains.
A Simple Philosophy: Let Ingredients Shine
When it comes to his cooking philosophy, Daniel believes in simplicity and authenticity. “I like uncomplicated food made from the best produce we can source,” he says. This straightforward approach aligns with his belief in showcasing ingredients at their best, letting their natural qualities shine. “Our philosophies evolve with our experiences,” he adds, “but mine has always been to give those ingredients a platform to shine.”
Daniel’s dishes are grounded in Ireland’s culinary traditions and ingredients, from locally sourced beef to fresh salad greens. “Irish ingredients are front and center in our menu,” he explains. “We try to blend our traditions of hearty, wholesome food with modern influences, creating a style that hopefully complements both.”
Creating a Unique Dining Experience at Urban Brewing
The story behind Urban Brewing’s restaurant is one of collaboration and shared vision. “I came on board three months before we opened,” Daniel recounts. “From the beginning, we’ve had an open, democratic decision-making process that helps keep everyone happy and feeling valued.” The restaurant’s concept centers on bringing together great food and craft beer, appealing to people who appreciate both.
Urban Brewing’s distinctive setting, in a building originally constructed to store alcohol over 200 years ago, is something Daniel loves. “It’s like bringing the building back to its roots,” he says. The venue offers both a cozy space for intimate gatherings and a dynamic backdrop for large groups, making it a unique addition to Dublin’s food scene.
Drawing Inspiration from Memory and Place
Daniel’s inspiration often comes from memories and his roots in Ireland. Recently, he found himself experimenting with beer malt barley, boiling it in milk and cream—a process that reminded him of the sweet, leftover milk from his childhood cereal bowls. He’s working on turning this nostalgic flavor into a dessert, an idea he’s excited to develop.
Travel has also influenced Daniel’s outlook on food, showing him how different cultures use food to bring people together. “Deciding to travel opened up a whole new appreciation for flavors and how cultures come together over food,” he says, emphasizing how these experiences continue to shape his culinary style.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is a value Daniel is passionate about, and it’s reflected in the choices he makes at Urban Brewing. “Sustainability means knowing where your food comes from and using local when possible,” he says. Recently, they’ve focused on reducing plastic use in the kitchen and have embraced traditional methods like braising and confit to cut down on plastic-heavy sous-vide techniques.
Seasonality also plays a big role in Daniel’s approach to menu planning. “We change our menus regularly, always trying to use what’s in season,” he explains. Working closely with suppliers, they source Irish produce, such as salad greens from Wicklow and herbs from local farms, ensuring the freshest ingredients make it to their plates.
Embracing Creativity and Consistency
Balancing creativity and consistency is one of the biggest challenges in a fast-paced kitchen, but Daniel credits his team for their success. “I am definitely not a one-man show,” he says. “From my kitchen staff to the front-of-house team, we all work together to ensure every plate of food or drink is presented as envisioned for maximum customer enjoyment.”
For Daniel, working with local suppliers is crucial, even as a large restaurant. While they can’t always source directly from farmers, they liaise closely with suppliers to find the best local options. “In season, we get our leaves from Wicklow, our herbs from Irish farms, and source other ingredients from local Dublin suppliers,” he explains, highlighting their commitment to supporting Irish producers.
Looking to the Future
The restaurant industry has seen significant changes over the past 25 years, and Daniel has observed a shift toward more accessible dining. “There’s a trend of moving away from super fine dining to great food in a more casual setting, which I think is better for everyone,” he says.
The challenges of rising costs and changing customer expectations are very real, but Daniel remains committed to providing value for his guests. “The goal is simple: keep going, keep improving, and never get complacent,” he states.
For aspiring chefs, Daniel’s advice is grounded in hard work and openness. “This is a great industry full of great people,” he says. “Surround yourself with those you can learn from and improve with, and don’t shy away from the graft—it will teach you your most important lessons.”
A Place for Community and Conversation
At Urban Brewing, Daniel hopes guests walk away feeling happy and fulfilled. He loves the tapas-style dining experience, where “food becomes the conversation leader” and fosters a convivial atmosphere. Urban Brewing is, at its heart, a place where great food, locally brewed beer, and warm hospitality come together—an experience shaped by Daniel’s passion, dedication, and love for the craft of cooking.
