Dubai

Matt Pickop

British-born Matt Pickop began his culinary career at Teatro restaurant in London working under then Executive Chef Stuart Gillies [now at Boxwood Café, an exciting joint restaurant venture with the connoisseur of chefs, Gordon Ramsay]. He spent two years learning the ins and outs of cooking by working in every section of the kitchen.

In 2002, Matt joined Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's in London to broaden his expertise and work with one of the world’s best chefs. The experience was challenging, yet rewarding and was the beginning of a long-term relationship with Gordon.

Fast forward to 2005, when Matt was on holiday in the UAE and fell in love with the local culture and weather. He soon left London to become Senior Sous Chef at Hilton Dubai Creek’s Verre by Gordon Ramsay, Gordon’s first restaurant outside of the United Kingdom.

Matt brought with him his own light and fresh cooking style and introduced to Verre a whole new dimension of the Gordon Ramsay kitchen experience. He considers the move “the best decision I ever made”.

Towards the end of 2007, Matt gained a well-deserved promotion to his new role as Executive Chef at the Hilton Dubai Creek, where he now looks after all three of the hotel’s restaurants. He works with a dedicated kitchen team of 35 including Sous Chefs, Grant Parry and Andrew Burn. “You are only as good as the team around you,” says Matt.

“It’s not just about cooking,” concludes Matt. “It’s all about the learning curve and the satisfaction you get from making people’s evenings memorable.”

The multi-award winning Verre by Gordon Ramsay continuously wows critics for its fine Modern European cuisine, flawless service and unwavering attention to detail. Says Matt about the Verre by Gordon Ramsay menu: “It’s an evolution in process; we fine-tune it every season by introducing five or six new dishes, working with what’s new in the market while still retaining some of the classics.”

Matt also takes care of Glasshouse Mediterranean Brasserie and Issimo Bar & Lounge, which are both also overseen by Gordon Ramsay. Aptly named Glasshouse, the bright and airy eatery is a model of contemporary art deco elegance and offers diners the best selection of Mediterranean cuisine. Issimo Bar & Lounge, the hotel’s sports bar is kitted out with a sleek blue décor and sets a new standard for fine bar food.

In his free time, Matt chooses to escape both Dubai and the kitchen – quite literally – by heading out to sea on a wakeboard. His second passion in life is music.