My Plate & Place with… Ryan Matheson

Notable positions include Head Chef at Le Meridien Piccadilly Hotel, The Royal Horseguards Hotel, and Park Plaza Waterloo Hotel. Ryan has honed his skills in menu development, kitchen management, and team leadership and has received accolades such as Future Leader of the Year and the Paul Davis Awards for Service Excellence, cementing his reputation as a respected leader and innovator in his field.

Most recently he held the role of Executive Chef at Sea Containers Hotel, before joining The Brush at art’otel London Hoxton in 2024.

Ryan has shared with us some of his favourite ways to enjoy London.

Describe your perfect day in London?

Coffee at Grind followed by a river walk and lunch at St. John. At 8pm I’d go for drinks at The Londoner before dinner at Akoko.

Favourite restaurant?

Chapter One in Orpington. It’s elegant with a nicely executed menu and it’s also one of my locals.

Best place for brunch?

I love what Franklin & Baines do – simply spot on.

What was the last museum or gallery you visited?

National History Museum.

Where are the best places to shop?

In and around Shoreditch is super cool. But with the kids I’d go to Bluewater.

Preferred bar or pub for a great night out?

I am a Doggett’s on the Southbank kinda guy.

Most relaxing place to unwind?

At home in Kent on my balcony.

If you had only one day in London, where would you visit?

Core by Clare Smyth in Notting Hill.

What is your top London tip?

So many wicked places to see and visit within close proximity to each other. Make sure you stop by The Brush Grand Café for a drink and a flatbread.

Tell us what you are currently up to?

Focusing on creating a dining space in Hoxton that Londoners would include in a question-and-answer page like this. Creating a talked-about flatbread menu and brunch offering as well… watch this space!

Make sure to check out The Brush Grand Café in Hoxton.