A TALENTED chef is hungry for success at one of the country’s most popular landmarks.

Matt Wallis is the new head chef at the 12,500-acre Rhug Estate, based near Corwen, Denbighshire.

Born in South Africa and raised in Liverpool, Matt has worked all over the UK and gained a strong reputation for continental and Middle Eastern cuisine, delivering unique dishes packed with flavour and cooked from the heart.

As he prepares to unveil a new summer menu for customers to the Estate’s bustling cafe, the self-taught supremo is thrilled to have joined the growing team at Rhug and keen to capitalise on the wide range of ingredients grown and foraged on site.

“I have worked at restaurants across the country, from London to Cambridge and further afield, but know this region well as my last position was nearby, in Ruthin,” he said.

“It’s a wonderful part of the world, I’m really enjoying the role and plan to put my own stamp on what’s already a fantastic reputation for the café and the food it serves.

“Everyone has been very welcoming, notably the many visitors we have here, and I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my career at Rhug.”

Matt is also keen to promote sustainability and responsible, healthy eating, key drivers for the Estate and its owner, Lord Newborough.

“We are pleased to announce the appointment of Matt, he brings a wealth of experience and a passion for global flavours to Rhug Estate, which will have an exciting influence on our cafe’s menu,” he said.

“We are delighted to have him on board, and he’s particularly drawn to our dedication to fresh, organic ingredients and commitment to zero-waste practices, values he wholeheartedly shares, so it’s the perfect fit.”

Lord Newborough added: “Matt aims to elevate Cafe Rhug’s reputation for delicious and creative cuisine and we are confident with his experience and attitude towards sustainability he be a valuable asset for many years to come.”