Celebrating the tasteful career of a gentleman harmonising his culinary expertise with the arts, philanthropy and hospitality management. Some of London’s heritage and cultural dining spaces have been enlivened with Matthew’s involvement, tenderly nourishing us epicureans for over thirty-six years.

Inspired by a family of Restaurateurs, Matthew Harris has dedicatedly contributed to his field in hospitality, harmonising culinary expertise with the arts, philanthropy, training, development and management for over thirty-six years. Obtaining qualifications in Hospitality and Hotel Management from Brighton in 1984 and attending the Ecole LeNôtre in Paris the following year, acquiring specialist pâtisserie credentials, Matthew progressively achieved recognition for his services for some of Britain's esteemed establishments – Bibendum Restaurant and Oyster Bar, Bellanger Restaurant, The Royal Opera House and National Portrait Gallery's Restaurants and Café's in London, and additionally gathering experiences from France and Switzerland.  

Matthew celebrates an illustrious career working with Sir Terence Conran at Bibendum Restaurant and Oyster Bar for twenty-eight years, beginning his appointment in 1987. Performing several positions at Bibendum through the years, Matthew assumed the mantle of Head Chef and thereafter, in 2008, advanced into the prestigious position as the Director, acquiring the 'Most consistently excellent restaurant' award for the restaurant from Tatler the same year, successfully leading the establishment until 2015. 

Specialising but not limited to classical and modern French and British cuisine, Matthew passionately ensures seasonality and locality is considered in his cookery. In 2015, Matthew undertook an advisory position for the opening of Corbin & King's Bellanger Restaurant, sharing his gastronomical finesse developing their bill of fare and implementing supportive structures and management in all areas of the business, before taking on an expansive operation in 2016 as Executive Chef of the Portrait Restaurant and Café in the National Portrait Gallery and jointly for the Royal Opera House, additionally holding the aforementioned position. 

Matthew steadily received respected presence in hospitality, involved in charity events with Leuka, Chase/Shooting Stars Children's Hospice, and Help a London Child, teaching luxury cookery courses nationally and abroad in addition to his principal roles in prominent establishments. Featuring in editorials with renowned publications, performing demonstrations and guest appearances on broadcasting networks and industry exhibitions, Matthew's passion for his craft and contribution towards the culinary arts are well showcased and documented. 

Fulfilling several coveted roles throughout his career, Matthew continues to include industry experiences to his portfolio. In 2021, Matthew took on the Executive Chef position at The Cow Saloon Bar & Dining Rooms, working with restaurateurs Tom Conran and Thomas Flynn in leading, developing and managing the establishment's culinary pursuits. 

Words by H. Grace