Chef

Hi my name is Mateusz, and I come from Poland, I’ve been a chef here in The Old Quarter for 10 years. I came here without a word of English and worked my way up to Chef, I love the fast pace of working in the kitchen and while there is a lot of pressure, the people I work with have become friends so it make working here enjoyable.

What was the first meal you learned to cook?

Bigos stew, when I was a teenager I was always eating so my mother thought me to make this stew. It tastes great and very easy to cook.

Who or what inspired you to become a chef?

I remember ‘helping’ my mother from a young age, we were lucky to have a small seasonal garden and grew a lot of what we ate, much like our own Brooks Bridge Farm supplies The Old Quarter with season fruit, veg, salad supplies and micro herbs. Picking fresh vegetables and using them to make rosół broth (chicken and noodle soup) and Surówka (raw vegetable salad), these recipes I still use today.

What’s your go to breakfast?

This is a strange one… I love toast with the cheese and jam.

Your journey to becoming a chef?

I started as kitchen porter, washing dishes, but quickly moved on to preparation work. The other chefs here were very skilful and helpful and it wasn’t long before I had knife skills, over the years my knowledge of food and techniques grew along with my confidence. The Old Quarter have supported me by encouraging me to take courses that have lead to me a well rounded chef.