Ian Matfin

Ian Matfin is executive chef at Michael Caines’ ABode Hotel in Manchester, which won Restaurant of the Year at the 2008 Manchester Food and Drink Awards.

Ian was born in Newcastle and learned basic cookery skills at an early age from his mum and gran. He started his cooking career at the city’s Country House Hotel and didn’t look back, going on to cook at the only Michelin-starred restaurant in the north-east at the time, Newcastle’s 21 Queen Street, where he worked under Terry Laybourne.
From there Ian worked at prestigious London restaurants including Claridge’s, Aubergine and Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons. He also worked for six years at Michael Caines’ Gidleigh Park, where he became head chef. Ian has worked with Michael Caines for many years and describes him as an inspiration.
Although Ian lives in Manchester, using local produce in his dishes such as Cheshire beef, Yorkshire apples and Cumbrian lamb, he still considers himself a true Geordie. In 2009 he appeared in the fourth series of BBC Two’s Great British Menu, representing his native region, the north-east.