Cornishman Matthew Thompson has taken the helm at Jamie Oliver’s restaurant Fifteen Cornwall.

His appointment as chief executive, which comes after Dave Meneer stepped down last year, sees Matthew return to his home county after 26 years. With a wealth of experience within the industry, he has been asked not only to head up the thriving restaurant at Watergate Bay, but also to take the reins of the Cornwall Foundation Of Promise – a charity that helps disadvantaged young people become chefs.

Since it was opened six years ago, the restaurant has generated enough funds to change the lives of over 120 people, all of whom have been taken on as apprentices over the years. It has also generated £12.5 million for the Cornish economy and served a staggering 400,000 diners.

Speaking of his new job, Matthew said he “couldn’t have found a better way home”, adding: “I am delighted to join Fifteen Cornwall’s exciting team and to have the chance to take the Cornwall Foundation of Promise forward as one of the county’s leading charities. Together they form what has become a tremendously successful social enterprise focused on developing talent and opportunity within Cornwall.

“It is truly an honour to take up the chief executive role and I look forward to working with Fifteen Cornwall’s supporters, who have contributed so much to our success.”