Des McDonald Restaurant Group is delighted to announce the appointment of the extremely talented Matthew Hayes, who is bringing over 20 years of experience in the industry to his new position as Executive Pastry Chef.
Hayes, previously Executive Pastry Chef for Corbin & King and Soho House Group, will be overseeing the pastry section of Il Tetto – Selfridges’ new rooftop restaurant and assisting Des McDonald on his consultancy projects.
One of Hayes’ first initiatives has been to create a stunning new Italian Afternoon Tea for Il Tetto. Savoury items include Focaccia bruschetta, Prosciutto sardo, fig (Grilled focaccia, Sardinian ham, black fig) and Ciabatta croustade, Baccalà mantecato (Ciabatta toast, whipped salt cod). Sweet highlights feature Fichi e mascarpone cannoli (Cannoli filled with fig jam and mascarpone) and Torta all’arancio (Orange and polenta sponge).
Hayes began his career over 20 years ago, working at the Sheraton Park Lane before moving to the Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park, in the Foliage restaurant which gained a Michelin star in 2001. His next step was to Fifteen Restaurant as Head Pastry Chef to work alongside Jamie Oliver’s kitchen team. In 2007 Hayes moved to Corbin & King and The Wolseley as Senior Pastry Sous Chef, creating breads, Viennoiserie, pastries and desserts on a grand scale.
In 2009 Hayes joined Soho House Group and opened Dean Street Townhouse as Head Pastry Chef. After the opening, Hayes moved into an Executive Pastry Chef role, overseeing all seven Soho House operations within the UK. In 2012 he returned to Corbin & King as Executive Pastry Chef and oversaw the pastry operation during the expansion of the estate to six restaurants and a hotel where he managed a team of 70 pastry chefs. Hayes left Corbin & King in 2015 to work on some consultancy projects, and is delighted to be joining the Des McDonald Restaurant Group.
Matthew comments: “I’m thrilled to have been appointed Executive Pastry Chef for the Des McDonald Restaurant Group. I’m looking forward to leading the pastry team at Il Tetto and working on lots of other exciting projects as well.”
