Pershore Patty meets head chef and co-owner Matthew Sanderson at Friar Street Kitchen, Worcester to ask a few personal questions and for a general nose.
Tell me a little bit about how you came to own or work in your business.
Whilst working in my previous job as a second chef, after a few years both Kate and I decided that the restaurant industry was for us, we decided to save some money and set up on our own building our dream.
What achievements, awards or accolades are you proud of?
As a restaurant we reached number 1 restaurant in Worcester on TripAdvisor within just 16 months of opening, we also were commended by the countryside alliance, both of which I am hugely proud of.
Any news announcements, or events that you’d like new and existing customers to be aware of?
We have just launched our autumnal afternoon tea which is proving a huge hit! I think I speak for most restaurants when I say that Christmas has started! We love Christmas and are already super booked up so we’re really looking forward to running our Christmas menu and getting into the festivities. We will have a Christmas themed afternoon tea by mid-November so keep your eyes peeled!
What makes your business unique?
We really like to think that we’re unique for many reasons, we like to offer a friendly and relaxed atmosphere with great food and substantial portions, we are a casual restaurant with a great ethos for local produce and supporting farmers so its nice to have such a country feel within the city centre.
The following questions are answered by Jack Creagh (Sous chef) and Matthew Sanderson (Co owner)…
Favourite restaurant to visit if you get a night off?
Matthew: Upstairs at the grill- Chester- The best steak I have ever had in my life- Ribeye on the bone
Jack: Hanbao- I love their burgers, sides and cocktails
Last thing you watched on TV?
Matthew: Celebrity Masterchef- I’m really rooting for Spencer Matthews to win!
Jack: Iron man- I’m a huge comic fan
Which person in your life do you most admire and why?
Matthew: Arnold Schwarzenegger- he is my idol, my hero! I love his strength, determination and attitude to everything
Jack: My Dad- My Dad is an amazing person, he sets an example and has made me the person I am today through decision making and learning.
What was the last gift you gave someone?
Matthew: I bought my Dad some boots for his birthday, parents always ask for practical things so that’s what he wanted
Jack: I recently moved into a student house so I made a load of cakes for my new housemates
What’s your favourite smell in the whole world?
Matthew: Tom Ford Black Orchid (It is the perfume Kate wears when we go out)
Jack: Has to be Garlic & Rosemary
What’s your favourite kind of sandwich?
Matthew: Anything as long as its balanced, sandwiches are so important! It must have some soft bread with real butter, crunchy salad, succulent meat..I’m hungry now!
Jack: Bacon, Brie & Cranberry every time
Who would you want to cook your last meal on earth, and why?
Matthew: Nathan Outlaw, my chef idol. He is so talented, and his dishes just look out of this world, my favourite chef! We are trying to organise some time to get to his restaurants
Jack: It would be ‘Binging with Babish’ – a YouTube channel I follow, love everything he does!
What is the most annoying habit that other people have?
Matthew: I find it really annoying when people exaggerate, a spade is a spade
Jack: Hypocrisy for me
If you could eat only 3 foods for the rest of your life, what would they be?
Matthew: Oh I love this question!! Chicken, Rice & Beef
Jack: Bread, Chicken, Fruit
What’s your claim to fame?
Matthew: I have met James Haskell- I love Rugby!
Jack: Working for Worcester’s number one restaurant!!!
Which food & drink business (other than your own) do you wish you had created?
Matthew: Nandos! I would be so, so Rich!
Jack: Alchemist- Their cocktails are crazy and delicious!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Matthew: “There is not one thing on this earth that everybody likes” (Kate)
Jack: “Always be respectful of other people’s opinions”
If you could be anywhere else right now, where would it be?
Matthew: Thailand, I had the best holiday with Kate there not long before we bought the business
Jack: Fiji- It was paradise
What’s the best thing that happened to you last week?
Matthew: Celebrating the success of our business with a party for all our friends and family (Just two missing!!!) : )
Jack: I purchased a new motorbike which will make it easier to get to see my girlfriend at her university.
Name a product or service you love so much that you’d happily be that company’s spokesperson.
Matthew: Mulberry- I just bought a new wallet and I love it, its Kate’s favourite too so the perks would make her happy!
Jack: Whitley Neil Gin- It is the best I have ever had so I would be very passionate about it plus enjoying the benefits!!
As a child, what did you wish to become when you grew up?
Matthew: A doctor – What happened??
Jack: Jedi – I was young!
What is the perfect combination of pizza toppings?
Matthew: A little ashamed to admit it..I love Dominos Texas bbq!!
Jack: Classic Farmhouse for me, good every time!
What was the worst job you ever held and why?
Matthew: Production line at a factory, I was young and needed money! It was so dull but character building I guess
Jack: My previous work (pub) treated me like a skivvy in the kitchen, that was pretty awful.
Favourite band?
Matthew: System of the down
Jack: Alt-J
What was the last thing you ate?
Matthew: Steak & Mushroom sandwich with a protein shake
Jack: Carrot cake and blondies- testing ready for benches later
Favourite cut of steak?
Matthew: Ribeye on the bone – Medium- Peppercorn sauce
Jack: Ribeye on the bone – Medium- Bearnaise
What website do you visit most often?
Matthew: YouTube- It has everything
Jack: YouTube: I can learn, laugh & get hungry!
What is the most impressive thing you know how to do?
Matthew: I recently went on an informative bread course so my bread making skills are really good!
Jack: I have conquered souffles!!
What do you hope never changes?
Matthew: I hope our restaurant will always make us happy and continue to thrive
Jack: Mental Health- It’s so important
Any finally a question from those who are married to you…When are you coming home?
What is home? We live here!!
Friar Street Kitchen in Worcester (aka FSK) was opened in April 2017 and has since gone from strength to strength.
The owners Kate and Matthew are from a farming and hospitality background and carefully selected local suppliers to provide the best produce.
There is something for everyone – check out their great steaks, try the fun ‘benches’ and if you like a cheeseburger the raclette is essential!
There are delicious options for vegetarians too and a great choice of drinks on offer.
As you may have guessed, FSK is on Friar Street!
The Foodie Card offer: Free hot or soft soft drink with any lunch item
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