Food for thought as a hugely experienced chef takes up residence at a hotel and restaurant near Wigan
Andre Matter has been appointed the new executive chef of Wrightington Hotel, Health Club and Spa. We get to meet him
The kitchens at a popular hotel near Wigan have welcomed a new boss with decades of experience
For Andre Matter has been unveiled as the new executive chef at Wrightington Hotel, Health Club and Spa as well as Bennett’s Restaurant.
With an incredible 47 years in hospitality, Andre certainly knows his way around a kitchen (and he's cooked more dinners than his new employers think he would care to count).
Originally from Switzerland, Andre has enjoyed an impressive culinary career, including 17 years at Manchester's iconic Midland Hotel, reaching executive chef, and most recently at Standish's highly regarded restaurant, Dish.
Now bringing his wealth of experience to The Wrightington, Andre has exciting plans for Bennett's Restaurant, with new menus celebrating classic British and European cuisine, occasionally with an Asian twist.
So, what's Andre's food philosophy?
He said: "For me, it comes down to one word: pride.
“Pride in the fantastic local produce we have access to, and pride in making everything on our menus ourselves.
“In a world where so much is bought in, I believe there's something special about cooking from scratch."
Andre is equally passionate about nurturing the next generation of chefs and is already working closely with his talented kitchen brigade, to bring fresh ideas, creativity and exciting weekly specials to the table.
And there's one thing Andre is particularly keen to do: welcome more local diners to Bennett's.
"We're fortunate to have wonderful support from our hotel guests, but I'd love more local people to discover Bennett's too.
“Whether it's a relaxed dinner for two or a special family celebration, we're right on your doorstep, and we'd love to welcome you."