Former student opens restaurant in Ramsbottom

Former Bury College catering student Matt Hall is showcasing his cooking talents as the proud co-owner of Street Eats, a vibrant, modern restaurant in the heart of Ramsbottom.

Matt developed his culinary skills at Bury College and has since turned his long-standing passion for food into a thriving business that’s already making its mark on the local dining scene.

A taste for cooking from a young age

Matt’s love of food began early in his life, inspired by time spent in the kitchen with his dad, who worked as a chef.

“I used to go into the restaurant when my dad was a chef, and he taught me everything up until college,” said Matt.

This early influence inspired him to pursue his passion for cooking, refining his skills at laying the foundations with his time spent at Bury College.

During his two years on the course, Matt gained valuable hands-on experience and developed a strong understanding of professional kitchen techniques.

“College taught me all of the basics – knife skills, how to make stocks, soups, sauces – all the tools you’d need in the kitchen,” Matt explained. “The tutors were very helpful and always really attentive.”

Matt credits the supportive teaching staff and facilities for giving him the confidence to progress his skills.

Experience in top kitchens

After leaving college, Matt secured a position at the Hilton Hotel in Deansgate, Manchester, where he worked for four years before moving on to a gastropub specialising in fine dining.

These experiences helped Matt develop his culinary style and deepen his knowledge of the industry, all of which played a key role in the creation of Street Eats.

The owners of Street Eats holding food they've made

Street Eats: A unique dining concept

Now co-owner of Street Eats, Matt has brought a fresh and flexible approach to local dining. The restaurant offers something for everyone, a relaxed space ideal for both casual lunches and evening meals.

“Street Eats is in the middle of a restaurant and a takeaway,” Matt explained. “So, you can come for date night, or you can just rock up at lunchtime. The versatility of the menu is there to appeal to everyone, both older generations and younger generations.”

The menu has been carefully crafted by Matt and his team to reflect the kind of food they enjoy themselves, bringing a personal touch to every dish.

With a warm and inviting vibe, Street Eats has quickly become a popular addition to Ramsbottom’s food scene.

“I think the vibe is quite different to a normal restaurant. It’s a bit more chilled out. We just want it to be a nice, refreshing vibe compared to other places out there,” said Matt.

He added that one of the most rewarding parts of the job is receiving positive feedback from customers.

“When you see people writing comments and telling you how much they’ve enjoyed the food, you know that you’re doing the right thing.”

Supporting the next generation

As a young entrepreneur, Matt is keen to offer advice to aspiring chefs and business owners.

“Take your time with it, don’t rush into it,” he said. “It’s better to make sure that you’ve covered all grounds before you actually do. Obviously, it’s not easy, but in the end, it is worth it if you put the effort in.”

He also encourages young people to follow their interests when thinking about their careers.

“Stick to what you enjoy. Usually, if you’re good at something and you enjoy doing it, it’s more of a hobby than a chore to do your job.”

Looking back, Matt is proud to have started his journey at Bury College and recommends it to others considering a career in catering or hospitality.

“I feel like Bury College is a good place to go because it’s quite large, there’s lots of good facilities there, and there’s a lot of courses they do well. Lots of students do well there, so I feel like, if you can make it to the college, I would make that your choice.”

Matt’s story is a fantastic example of how you can turn a passion into a successful business. His journey shows that the combination of learnt skills and an enjoyment for the thing you do can help place you on the path to success.