A Taste of the Season: Chef Matt Cheal’s Refined Approach to Modern British Dining

In the heart of Knowle, Cheals has quietly established itself as one of the Midlands’ most accomplished dining destinations — a restaurant where precision meets warmth, and where every dish tells a story of local provenance and culinary craft. At the helm is Chef Matt Cheal, a chef whose philosophy remains unwavering: great cooking begins with great produce, treated with respect and imagination.

Rooted in the Region, Inspired by the Season

Autumn at Cheals brings with it a new six-course tasting menu, a carefully composed journey through the flavours of the British countryside. From the opening Four Acres Farm organic beetroot with Rosary goat’s cheese and orange balsamic — a dish that captures the season’s earthy vibrancy — to the indulgent Wynford Farm pure-blood Wagyu rump with courgette, sweet tomato and espelette sauce, each course reflects Cheal’s connection to the region’s finest suppliers.

Seafood from the Cornish coast finds its place too: line-caught sea bass and Cornish native lobster feature prominently, served with artful accompaniments such as parmesan risotto and sauce grenobloise. The result is a menu that balances indulgence with restraint, each dish polished yet grounded, contemporary yet unmistakably British.

Craft and Consideration for Every Diner

While Cheal’s classic tasting menu celebrates the interplay of land and sea, his vegetarian and vegan menus reveal an equally thoughtful hand. These are not simplified versions of the original, but fully realised experiences in their own right — testaments to how inventive plant-based fine dining can be when guided by a chef who understands balance and texture.

The Vegetarian Tasting Menu (£100) features standout moments like crispy Chadwick Farm duck yolk with celeriac and Italian autumn truffle, and a comforting cauliflower risotto with wild mushrooms and nasturtium. For vegan guests, the Vegan Tasting Menu (£90) offers beautifully composed plates — roasted courgette with pine nuts and sweet tomato, roasted celeriac with pearl barley and truffle, and a show-stopping Valrhona 72% chocolate with Amarena cherries.

Every element — from the canapés to the petit fours — speaks to the same philosophy: that dining should be inclusive, elegant, and memorable for all.

The Finishing Touches

To complete the experience, Cheals’ sommelier team offers two expertly curated wine flights. The Classic Flight (£75) provides harmonious pairings from across Europe, while the Select Flight (£165) introduces rare and refined vintages that elevate each course into a sensory journey.

For those seeking something truly special, this is dining as it should be — unhurried, immersive, and deeply personal.

A Celebration of Taste, Atmosphere and Occasion

Whether you’re gathering with family, celebrating an anniversary, or simply savouring the joy of the season, Cheals of Knowle offers a rare combination of comfort and sophistication. It’s a restaurant where the familiar is made exceptional — where the simple pleasure of a perfectly cooked ingredient becomes something to remember.

📍 Cheals of Knowle

🌐 www.cheals.co.uk

📞 01564 393 333

Exceptional food. Impeccable service. A true taste of modern British dining.