food & drink
MEET THE CHEF
MATT MANNS, head chef at The Three Daggers in Edington, talks about mastering a cheese souffle, building chocolate rollercoasters and sharing a dram or two of whiskey with friends. What was your first job in catering? My first ever catering job was as a kitchen porter at a restaurant on Bournemouth pier when I was 16.
Matt Manns
Where have you worked previously? Most recently at the Museum Inn, a country pub in north Dorset, well known for its local game. What was the first dish you mastered? The first dish I properly perfected would have been a cheese souffle. I still use the same recipe today. Where do you source your produce and do you have any favourite local suppliers? We use Walter Rose & Sons for our meat and Lovejoys for our veg. Lovejoys is a fantastic wholesaler sourcing the best produce from local farms within as little as a 15 mile radius. What is your personal favourite dish from your menu? My favourite dish would be the pan fried cod with braised beans and chorizo. It's a simple dish that packs in so much flavour.
What is the most memorable event you have cooked for? I once did a cooking demonstration at Thorpe park, building chocolate rollercoasters for a corporate event.
Finally, if there was one piece of advice you could give to someone who wanted to start a career as a chef, what would it be? Be passionate, learn and absorb as much as you can and stick at it. There will be days where you When you cook for friends, what’s want to give up but keep pushing on the menu? and eventually you’ll have enough Something simple and flavourful knowledge to be running a kitchen that we can share like tapas or fajitas. of your own! What is your favourite tipple? To book a table at The Three Daggers I’m a big whiskey fan and love to call 01380 830940. share a glass or two with friends. My favourite is King Alexander III Dalmore. • threedaggers.co.uk Which local pubs and restaurants do you like visiting? The George & Dragon in Laverstock is great and Mother & Wild in Corsham do fantastic pizza!!
Matt's menu uses the best local produce
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Your favourite kitchen gadget? A thermomix - it’s great for making purees, gels and emulsions that can really elevate your dishes.
