Wirral Chefs Shine 2009 contestant Matthew Dougherty from Sheldrakes planning a menu of hearty autumn food – with a modern twist

Sep 30 2009 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

Final Wirral Chefs Shine 2009 contestant Matthew Dougherty from Sheldrakes planning a menu of hearty autumn food – with a modern twist

MATTHEW Dougherty was at a crossroads in his life when he become a chef.

The 21-year-old wasn’t sure what to do after leaving Hilbre High School in West Kirby a few months into his sixth form studies.

But just days later, he saw the job advert for an apprentice position at Sheldrakes in Lower Heswall.

Deciding it was the job for him, Matthew applied – and he’s spent the last four-and-a-half years working his way up to sous chef.

He admits he’s “addicted” to his chosen career.

He said: “I started sixth form because it was the easy option but a couple of months into it I wasn’t enjoying myself.

“I decided to leave and that weekend I saw the advert for a job here. I’ve always loved cooking and it was always some-thing I thought about doing.”

Matthew, who is originally from Meols but now lives inWest Kirby, says innovation is the name of the game in the busy kitchen at Sheldrakes.

He said: “We’ve got a strong team – there are five chefs and a part-timer here and I like the buzz of the kitchen.

“It’s addictive! There are long hours and you might be tired, but then you go right back into it the next day and do your best.