Cotswold chef David Everitt-Matthias has won Chef of the Year at the Cotswold Life Food Awards 2017 just a month before he celebrates the 30th anniversary of his two Michelin star restaurant Le Champignon Sauvage.
David launched his restaurant in August 1987 along with his wife Helen, who runs front of house, and is famous for never having missed a service in 30 years. In 2000 he gained two Michelin stars and has retained them for 17 years as well as picking up numerous other accolades including 13th place in the Good Food Guide Top 50 UK restaurants 2017, Good Food Guide Chef of the Year 2014, Observer Food Monthly ‘Outstanding Contribution’ award 2013, Catey Chef of the Year 2007.
Commitment to the kitchen has prevented David from courting the spotlight and he remains one of the industry’s most understated chefs but he has appeared on Saturday Kitchen, Hairy Bikers and MasterChef Professionals amongst others.
He has also been highly praised by restaurant critics; Jay Rayner included Le Champignon Sauvage in the 2013 May issue of Observer Food Monthly’s Top 20 UK Restaurants and a review by critic Marina O’Loughlin in the Guardian Weekend (24th August 2013) gave Le Champignon Sauvage a rare 10 out of 10 for food and 9 out of 10 for value for money.
David is well known for being a valued mentor and exercising an unusual level of autonomy in his kitchen. His brigade is encouraged to explore creative flair resulting in a number of Le Champignon Sauvage alumni going onto the likes of Noma, The French Laundry and Per Se.
As one of the best value Michelin star restaurants where two and three courses for lunch and dinner, Tuesday to Friday costs £27 and £36 respectively, Le Champignon Sauvage is one of the most accessible high end dining experiences in the country.
