Dave Mathews, Head Chef
Dave was brought up in Whitby, which inspired his ongoing love for East Coast seafood, a lot of which is featured in our menus. Dave was classically trained in the Escoffier techniques, and spent time working in France, Italy and America before returning to the UK and perfecting his art. He went on to be head chef at The White Horse and Griffin in Whitby, and latterly headed up the brigade at The Bruce Arms in West Tanfield before moving to transform The Staveley Arms in collaboration with North Stainley Estate. His style of cuisine is British and French with a contemporary twist.
Jack Baldwin, Sous Chef
Jack is truly a talent with huge ambition. He joined Dave’s team at The Bruce Arms aged 15 and started washing up.
His potential and enthusiasm was soon discovered. He went to Harrogate College to study Level 2 Catering and achieved a 100% pass mark.
Aged 17 Jack entered the prestigious Toque D’Or competition and finished in the top 60 UK chefs.
Aged 18 Jack won Flavours of Herriot Young Chef of the Year.
The next year, Jack re-entered the Toque D’Or and finished in the top 6 of 2,500 entrants.
In 2020, along with being a driving force behind the move to The Staveley Arms, Jack became engaged to Rose Mathews.
Maggie Mathews, Front of House
Maggie, Dave’s wife, has been working front of house in prestigious eateries since the age of 14 including The Crab & Lobster in Topcliffe, North Yorkshire.
Maggie is a tour de force and ensures that everything at The Staveley Arms is perfect for the customer.
Maggie insists on excellence from her well trained team, who offer an attentive but unobtrusive service.
Rose Mathews, Front of House
Completing the family unit, Dave and Maggie’s daughter, and Jack’s fiancé Rose also works front of house at The Staveley Arms.
Rose has worked within the family business since leaving school. She is Deputy Manager, supporting the front of house by providing an exceptional level of service.
Rose also has an extensive knowledge of wines, gins and spirits, having recently passed her Level 1 WSET wine exam. She is currently studying towards Level 2.
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"Wow what can I say, what a great superior quality dine at home dinner the Staveley prepared for us last Saturday night. You would be mad not to try it. Well done Maggie and the team." - Kia, Facebook
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"Fish and Chips -wow! They were absolutely fantastic. Now, what to try next week? Lockdown has a silver lining, occasionally." – Sarah, Facebook
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"Fantastic takeaway reheat at home meal tonight! Full instructions given, huge portions and delicious food - we will be back! Thanks." – Jane, Facebook
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"Just thought I would thank the team for a truly delicious meal last night. The ‘At home’ beef wellington was absolutely amazing! It definitely helped to brighten up a rather pedestrian New Years Eve." – James, Facebook
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"Completely recommend the At home menu. Had the steak & ale pie & it was amazing. All ready to cook with instructions. Just amazing. Thank you!!" - Debi, Facebook
