Matt Gillan
Matt Gillan, newly appointed Executive Chef at Amberley Castle, has brought his distinctive culinary direction to the castle’s award-winning restaurant. Drawing on extensive experience gained at celebrated establishments including The Pass at South Lodge Hotel, The Woodcote and his own restaurant, Heritage, Gillan has established a refined, ingredient-led approach to fine dining that champions local West Sussex producers and seasonal simplicity. His menus showcase this philosophy through a focus on provenance and careful sourcing, celebrating the quality ingredients available from nearby suppliers.
Beyond the formal restaurant, Gillan has introduced a versatile approach to dining at Amberley, crafting tailored menus for the castle’s exclusive-use events and corporate gatherings. His experience running both fine dining establishments and a bespoke events catering operation has honed his ability to create memorable meal experiences, whether for intimate dinners or larger occasions. This breadth of expertise ensures guests enjoy the same attention to detail and ingredient quality across all dining circumstances.
Having joined Amberley Castle in July 2026, Gillan was drawn to the property’s culinary heritage and the opportunity to work with a team committed to exceptional hospitality. His ambition is to create dining moments that guests remember, combining sophisticated food, attentive service and a setting that feels both refined and welcoming, encouraging them to return and to recommend the castle to others.