Chef Matt Weedon, Lords of the Manor Restaurant, Upper Slaughter

Matt Weedon

Name: Matt Weedon

Restaurant: Lords of the Manor

Address: Upper Slaughter, Glos. GL54 2JD

Tel: 01451 820 243

What is your earliest memory of food?

"Grandma's Sunday Roast" - real tender beef with all the trimmings. I can still remember the great smell that came out of her kitchen.

Tell us about your menu.

My menus feature quality local ingredients - cooked with simplicity and a focus on clean flavours

How often do you change your menu?

Seasonally and when ingredients are at their best

Which dish on the menu would you recommend to a customer?

Hard to choose - I am proud of all of them

What initiated your interest in cooking?

I took a summer job as a KP and got to help the chefs with simple prep work. I showed an interest in cooking and got offered a job - the rest is history.

How would you describe your approach to food?

I don't over-complicate things - I choose my ingredients, decide on how the dish is put together and let the flavours do the talking.

What advice would you give to a novice?

Stick with it - it is hard work, but with the right amount of passion and skill, it will be rewarding.

Have you ever had any cooking disasters?

My biggest challenge is to remember to take things out of the oven

What has been your most memorable (or unusual) meal?

Dinner at the French Laundry, Napa Valley, CA. in the Summer 04 - we had the Tasting Menu. It was faultless from start to finish - just superb.

Which chef has been your greatest inspiration?

I really can't single out one particular chef - I have great respect for all of them, but in order to achieve, I had to find my own style.

What is your favourite local ingredient?

Lighthorne Lamb and Simon Weaver's Cotswold Brie

What's in your fridge at home?

Salad, Mackerel, Eggs, a lot of different juices and cheese

What is your favourite local restaurant?

5 North Street in Winchcombe

Why should people visit you?

To experience flavoursome, un-complicated food in comfortable surroundings and served with a smile

What would you recommend about the local area?

It's just idyllic around the Slaughters - unspoilt and beautiful, whatever the season - great for walking!

What would you choose for your last meal on earth?

Rib-eye steak with Chips and Sauce Bearnaise