The People Behind Cheal’s: Passion, Experience and the Art of Hospitality

At Cheal’s, every detail matters — from the ingredients on the plate to the welcome at the door. What truly sets the restaurant apart, however, is the combined passion and experience of the people behind it. At the heart of Cheal’s are two individuals whose careers, values and shared commitment to excellence shape everything the restaurant stands for: Matt Cheal, Chef Director and founder, and Paweł Skrzypiński, General Manager.

A lifetime devoted to food – Matt Cheal

Matt Cheal’s journey in hospitality began early. From the age of 14, he was already working in professional kitchens, developing the discipline, resilience and curiosity that would define his career. Those formative years led to a remarkable 16-year tenure at the Michelin-starred Simpsons in Birmingham, where Matt progressed through the ranks to become Head Chef in 2013.

That experience shaped Matt’s culinary philosophy — a deep respect for classical technique, an instinctive understanding of flavour, and an uncompromising approach to quality. His cooking is rooted in modern British cuisine, guided by seasonality, craftsmanship and the belief that simplicity, when done properly, is powerful.

In 2016, Matt took the bold step of opening his own restaurant, originally Cheal’s of Henley, before relocating and re-establishing Cheal’s in Knowle. The restaurant is not about trends or theatrics; it is about honest, thoughtful food, cooked with skill and intention, and served in an environment that feels both refined and welcoming.

The art of service – Paweł Skrzypiński

Exceptional food deserves equally exceptional hospitality, and this is where Paweł Skrzypiński plays a vital role. With a career spent in some of the UK’s most respected dining rooms, Paweł brings a wealth of front-of-house experience and a calm, confident leadership style to Cheal’s.

His background includes senior roles in high-end restaurants, Michelin-recognised environments and hospitality consultancy, giving him a deep understanding of both the guest experience and the operational precision required to deliver it consistently. Paweł believes that great service is never forced or formulaic — it is intuitive, warm and quietly attentive.

As General Manager, he sets the tone for the dining room: professional yet relaxed, polished without being pretentious. His focus is on creating an atmosphere where guests feel genuinely looked after, where every visit feels personal, and where the experience flows seamlessly from arrival to the final farewell.

A shared vision

What makes Cheal’s truly special is the alignment between kitchen and front of house. Matt and Paweł share the same core values: respect for craft, attention to detail, and a belief that hospitality should feel human. There is a mutual trust between them — an understanding that excellence comes from collaboration, not ego.

This partnership ensures that the food on the plate and the service in the room speak the same language. It is why Cheal’s feels cohesive, confident and authentic. Every dish, every interaction, every detail is part of a bigger picture.

More than a restaurant

Cheal’s is not simply a place to eat; it is a reflection of the people behind it. It is a restaurant built on experience, shaped by passion and driven by a genuine love of hospitality. Whether guests join for a special celebration, an intimate dinner or a relaxed lunch, they are experiencing the result of decades of dedication to doing things properly.

That is what defines Cheal’s Restaurant Knowle — and why it continues to be a place people return to time and time again.