Meet Matt Watkiss, our Head Chef
If you’ve eaten with us over the last few months, there’s a good chance Matt has had something to do with what’s arrived at your table.
Matt joined us as Head Chef just over three months ago, and since then he’s been getting to know the Waggon, our team and our customers, while quietly getting the kitchen exactly where he wants it.
Originally from Huddersfield, Matt brings around 15 years of experience to the Waggon, having worked in kitchens across Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Cumbria and Cambridge.
His career has taken him through some very different kitchens, from the Queens Hotel in Leeds and Rutland Hall Hotel to Wildes in North Derbyshire. He’s worked his way up through busy hotel kitchens, banqueting and senior chef roles, building plenty of experience along the way.
We feel very lucky to have him at the Waggon.
Over the last few months, Matt has also been working with the team on our brand-new autumn and winter menu. It’s given him the chance to bring some of his own ideas to the kitchen while keeping the kind of food that feels right at the Waggon.
And if you ask Matt which dish he most enjoys cooking from the new menu, it’s the beef bourguignon – a pretty good choice as the colder days start drawing in.
His own idea of comfort food is even closer to home, though. Give him a proper meat and potato pie, chips, gravy and mushy peas – ideally made by his mum – followed by parkin, and he’s happy.
With his first few months under his belt and a new season beginning, it feels like the right time to properly introduce Matt.
Welcome to the Waggon, Matt. We’re really pleased to have you here – and we’re looking forward to seeing what comes out of the kitchen next.