Head Chef Matthew Mason
Born and brought up in Devon during the 1970's, Matthew's desire for culinary training began with the self sufficiency of his parent’s allotment. This provided a valuable lesson which is still evident today in his philosophy of cooking - making full use of Devon's fine larder and the best seasonal produce.
After serving his apprenticeship under the tutorage of Shaun Hill at Gidleigh Park, Matthew took over the kitchens of the Jack in 1995. A year later, the Jack became one of the first pubs to achieve 2 AA rosettes; an award that it has maintained ever since.
More recently the restaurant has retained its Michelin Bib Gourmand as well as continued inclusion in the 2011 Good Food Guide, Alastair Sawday's Recommended Pubs, Harden's and the latest Trencherman's Restaurant Guide. In October 2010 the Jack was ranked 52nd in the UK’s Top 100 Restaurants.
Matthew is also the proud father to Charlie and most recently Max. Charlie, now eight, is continually fascinated by what is growing in the family garden in Ottery St. Mary and has his own small vegetable patch next to dads. Matthew's driving ambition is that his passion for good food comes through in the dishes the kitchen prepares and serves every day.
In March 2007 Matthew won the Professional Class in the South West Chef of the Year and also 'Devon Chef of the Year' voted for by the readers of Devon Life. Amongst the many other accolades, in 2010 Matthew joined an illustrious few by being invited into the Master Chefs of Great Britain as well as continuing his work with West Hill Primary School.
