Meet Ian Clarke, Chef and Owner of PMQ Restaurant
Ian was born in the Private Married Quarters (PMQ) housing in Lahr, Germany, where his family was posted for five years as members of the Canadian Military. They moved to Manitoba, and then New Brunswick, before Ian and his mother made their way to Halifax when he was 12 years old.
Helping his mother in the kitchen was always something Ian enjoyed. His first job at Pete's Frootique & Fine Foods gave him experience in a commercial kitchen and fueled his passion for cooking. He went on to obtain a culinary management diploma at Nova Scotia Community College, working at the now-closed Chives Canadian Bistro under Chef Craig Flynn until he graduated.
Upon graduating, Ian moved to Europe and spent several years working in kitchens in England and Scotland before returning to Halifax in 2018. When he returned, Craig Flynn’s other restaurant at the time, 2 Doors Down, welcomed him aboard as their sous chef.
When the space at 1537 Barrington Street – the old Chives location – became available, Ian was quickly made aware of the opportunity and jumped at it. In December 2022, Ian opened a one-of-its-kind beer hall and restaurant, recreating his childhood comfort foods with German-inspired cuisine that his mother continued to cook throughout his life. PMQ Restaurant was born and Ian’s experience as a chef has come full circle.
Ian is focused on building the same sense of community he felt at both the PMQ in Germany and at Chives when it occupied that space. From spätzle and pretzels to schnitzel and bratwurst, you can find a little bit of everything, including vegan and vegetarian options on their brand-new menu.
Visit their website (pmqrestaurant.ca) to check out their full menu and follow them on socials (@pmqrestaurant) for inspiration! PMQ Restaurant is open for dinner, Tuesday to Saturday, 4 pm – 1 am, and for lunch, Thursday to Saturday, 11:30 am – 2 pm.