The Man Behind the Menu

Learn all about the man who is innovating the menus at Loveday, overseeing the kitchens and serving up a storm!
 
Name: ​Matthew Dodge 
Position: Group Executive Chef 
How long have you worked at Loveday: since we opened the first residence Chelsea Court Place back in 2016.
 
Where do you live: I live in a village in West Sussex with my wife, 2 children, 2 dogs and 2 cats. 

Hobbies & interests: I love to play golf, enjoy country walks and I’m also a novice gardener.

Favourite part of London: The King’s Road in Chelsea as that is where my father was born (and also the location of our first care home Chelsea Court Place).

Favourite restaurant (in London) For a fine dining meal I love the elegance and attention to detail of Gordon Ramsey’s Royal Hospital Road. For a relaxed and casual atmosphere, I love Smokestack Shoreditch.

Favourite holiday destination: It has to be the Maldives where my wife Megan and I went on our honeymoon.

Favourite movie: Being a big movie fan it’s hard to pick one, however, one of my recent favourites has to be The Gentleman, directed and produced by Guy Ritchie.

Career highlight: Having the honour of taking part in the making of the Channel 4 show The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes was an honour, privilege and an experience I will never forget.

Favourite meal to enjoy with Members: it has to be sitting down and enjoying an afternoon tea, complete with a cup of Earl Grey.

What music gets you dancing with Members: Watching a live performance of the Satin Dolls - I can help but shuffle my feet.

Favourite part of the job: interacting with our Members and seeing first-hand how great food and hospitality can change someone’s day.

Favourite activity to do with Members: Culinary masterclasses are always a highlight of my week and bread making is also a personal favourite of mine.

Favourite part of the day: It has to be lunchtime! Watching the hustle and bustle of service and seeing our Members enjoying the food we’ve created through our open kitchen is one of the most satisfying aspects of my job and such a joy to see! 
 
What gets you out of bed in the morning: Other than my 2-year-old son waking up at 4am, it would have to be the staff and Members of Loveday, it’s like being a part of a big extended family!

If you could take Members on a journey anywhere in the world, where would you go?: I would love to go into the Italian countryside, find a small off the beaten track cafe and enjoy simply flavourful food with great coffee and gorgeous weather.

What does good care mean to you: Putting a smile on our Members' faces as well as giving peace of mind to their loved ones.