FORMER Pembrokeshire College student, Matt Flowers recently returned to host an evening as guest chef at the college’s Academy Restaurant, showcasing the culinary excellence of his own restaurant, The Salt Cellar, Tenby.

Matt studied a National Diploma in Business at Pembrokeshire College in 2009, before moving on to work in the catering industry. Learning the trade at Bluestone and The Grove, Matt moved to Wiltshire, and then Bath before returning to Pembrokeshire to set up his own restaurant in 2016.

Matt said that a college business project first inspired him to think about setting up his own restaurant: “Part of the business course involved creating a business plan and I based mine on opening a restaurant. Once I’d learned the trade and gained more experience I was eager to return to Pembrokeshire to put what I’d learnt into practice.”

Now head chef at the 2 AA rosette restaurant, The Salt Cellar in Tenby, Matt returned with his wife, Jade to support the Guest Chef Evening at the college.

“We’re proud to be working with the young talent of Pembrokeshire College,” he said. “We’re passionate about what we do and enjoy sharing our enthusiasm with a wonderful group of students.”

Pembrokeshire College business lecturer, Karen Neville, said: “We’re all delighted to see how well Matt is doing. He’s an inspiration to all of our students. It’s great to see former students returning to share their journeys with us.”

The Salt Cellar in Tenby is owned and run by Matt, Jade and their two friends, Duncan and Helen, who share a wealth of experience in high quality hotels and restaurants.

Matt said: “I enjoyed my time at Pembrokeshire College and it was great to be back - even though it wasn’t as a student this time!”

Want to know where your journey could take you? Go along to Pembrokeshire College’s Open Evening on April 26, from 5 - 7 pm.