Matt has had a passion for food and to be in the hospitality trade ever since he could walk. After leaving school, Matt learned his craft at Carlisle College completing his Hospiatlity and Catering Qualifications in Front and Back of House. Whilst studying he was a member of the winning team of the prestigious Nestle Toque D'or Competiton in 2008. The competition opened many doors with estages at L'ortolan with Alan Murchison and learning from the great Anton Mossiman. In 2017 Matt met James Hill who was opening a new fine dining restaurant Bijou, in Carlisle's Historic Quarter. Matt worked Front of House and in the Pastry Section and finally became Front of House Director managing Bijou and later The Quarter Lounge. In 2016 Matt Purchased No 34 (Previously Bijou) from James to create The Old Bank what it is known today. Matt wanted to create somewhere that reminded him of home and spending his childhood memories with his parents and grandparents. The food is cumbrian, pub classics with Matts quirky twists. In 2017 the restaurant awarded Highly commended at the Carlisle Living Awards in the Best Restaurant Catergory. The Old Bank continues to thrive regulary featuring in the Top 200 Places To Eat in Cumbria (2017-2022), featuring as a finalist in the Carlisle Living Awards (2017 and 2019) and scooping a Good Food Award for Gastropubs (2020,2021) in the whole of the UK, a Good Food Award Gold Seal for Gatropubs (2022,2023) and Finalist in The Casual Dining Venue of The Year Award in the Cumbria Food and Drink Awards (2022). When not at work, Matt loves his family time with his Husband Matthew, his new Baby Son Eddison and his Cockerpoo Chester and  Murphy the Sprocker .