Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Certification
References
Hobbies and Interests
Culinary Expertise
Additional Experience
Timeline
Generic
Matthew Ward

Matthew Ward

London,UK

Summary

Accomplished culinary professional with extensive expertise in bespoke menu creation and dietary accommodation, specialising in fine dining and international cuisine, including Asian, Mediterranean, and Modern British. Proven track record in managing VIP and UHNW client relations, event catering from intimate dinners to large-scale functions, and leading teams with a focus on staff training. Demonstrates exceptional skills in budgeting, procurement, stock management, and maintaining discretion and confidentiality. Holds an SIA Close Protection Licence and is First Aid Certified, including Emergency Paediatric care. Fluent in English with conversational Cantonese and basic Spanish proficiency.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work history

Head Chef

Superyacht
, Global
01.2021 - 08.2025
  • Directed culinary operations for private and charter guests, consistently exceeding expectations of elite clientele
  • Designed bespoke menus tailored to guest preferences and cultural backgrounds
  • Managed galley operations and provisioning for 14 crew, ensuring compliance with maritime standards

Private Chef

Gatcombe Park, Royal Household
Gloucestershire
03.2020 - 05.2021
  • Personal chef to HRH Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence
  • Planned and executed menus for private dining, estate events, and large-scale shoots (up to 20 guests)
  • Oversaw kitchen operations, procurement, and accounts with utmost discretion

Chef

Mell’s Park Estate
Somerset & Scotland
05.2016 - 11.2018
  • Delivered fine dining services and event catering for up to 100 guests across dual estate locations
  • Managed seasonal sourcing, menu planning, and coordinated travel with the family for holidays and events

Superyacht Chef

Various Vessels
01.2009 - 01.2014
  • Crafted gourmet menus for up to 12 guests and 22 crew while navigating international waters
  • Managed galley compliance with MCA food safety regulations, budgeting, and provisioning logistics

Chalet Manager & Head Chef

Luxury Chalets
Méribel
01.2008 - 01.2009
  • Led operations across three luxury chalets, overseeing staff and catering for up to 30 guests
  • Organised private events, guest experiences, and concierge services

Assistant Manager

All Bar One
Bath
01.2006 - 01.2008

Barista & Sous Chef

Browns Brasserie
Bath
01.2004 - 01.2006

Education

Diploma - Interior Architecture

JJADDA Academy London
01.2010 - 1 2011

Foundation Diploma - Art & Design

Filton College
01.2000 - 1 2002

AGNVQ - Information Technology

Bridgewater College
01.1997 - 1 2000

GCSEs - undefined

Quantock School
01.1993 - 1 1997

Skills

  • Bespoke menu creation & dietary accommodation
  • Fine dining & international cuisine expertise (Asian, Mediterranean, Modern British)
  • VIP & UHNW client relations
  • Event catering (intimate dinners to large-scale functions)
  • Leadership & staff training
  • Budgeting, procurement & stock management
  • Discretion, confidentiality & high-level professionalism
  • SIA Close Protection Licence
  • First Aid Certified (incl Emergency Paediatric)
  • Languages: Fluent English, Conversational Cantonese, Basic Spanish

Certification

  • SIA Close Protection Licence (Level 3)
  • First Aid Certified (incl. Emergency Paediatric First Aid)
  • Food Hygiene & Safety Certified (Level 2)
  • Barista Training, Colonna and Small, Bath (2014)
  • STCW 95 – Maritime Safety Certification
  • PADI Open Water Diver

References

Available upon request

Hobbies and Interests

Food & Travel, Sailing, Diving, Snow Sports, Classic Motorcycles, Architecture, Vintage Furniture, Gardening, Music, Racket Sports

Culinary Expertise

  • Asian Cuisine (Chinese, Southeast Asian)
  • Mediterranean Cuisine
  • Modern British Fine Dining
  • Health-conscious & Plant-based Menus

Additional Experience

  • Chef roles in Asian/Chinese restaurants (Bristol & Exeter)
  • Kitchen Porter, Royal Air Force Benson
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office & Mac OS
  • Full UK Driving & Motorcycle Licence

Timeline

Head Chef

Superyacht
01.2021 - 08.2025

Private Chef

Gatcombe Park, Royal Household
03.2020 - 05.2021

Chef

Mell’s Park Estate
05.2016 - 11.2018

Diploma - Interior Architecture

JJADDA Academy London
01.2010 - 1 2011

Superyacht Chef

Various Vessels
01.2009 - 01.2014

Chalet Manager & Head Chef

Luxury Chalets
01.2008 - 01.2009

Assistant Manager

All Bar One
01.2006 - 01.2008

Barista & Sous Chef

Browns Brasserie
01.2004 - 01.2006

Foundation Diploma - Art & Design

Filton College
01.2000 - 1 2002

AGNVQ - Information Technology

Bridgewater College
01.1997 - 1 2000

GCSEs - undefined

Quantock School
01.1993 - 1 1997

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Matthew Ward