Renowned Shropshire chef to take on running of restaurant at Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury

A renowned Shropshire chef is taking over the running of the restaurant at Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury – six years after he helped to open it.

Matthew Periam and his fiancée Emily have taken on the running of The Foundry after submitting a successful bid to Shropshire Council.

The Foundry is to reopen, under Matthew’s management, on Tuesday 7 April 2015.

Matthew has been working in the Shropshire area as a chef for over 10 years. After a stint at The Fox in Chetwynd Aston, and achieving Shropshire Dining Pub of the Year for three years, he decided it was time to embark on his own venture.

Matthew said:

“After helping to open the restaurant at Theatre Severn when it first opened six years ago I always thought what a beautiful spot it is and what potential it holds.

“After discovering The Foundry was up for tender I sat down with my fiancée, Emily, to see if we could make something happen. I’m pleased to say, despite our second child only being 10 months old, she agreed we should go for it.

“Our intention for the future is simple. We want to provide a relaxing spot to serve lunches and evening meals, not just for theatregoers but the surrounding community. Supporting local suppliers and using seasonal produce, we aim to have a buzzing cafe by day and restaurant bar at night.”

Louise Cross, visitor economy manager with Shropshire Council, said:

“I’m delighted that The Foundry restaurant will be run by two local people, and I wish Matthew and Emily every success with their exciting proposals to grow and improve the business, and to use it to promote, and attract visitors to, Theatre Severn and to Shrewsbury.

“Seeking an external provider to run The Foundry is part of our successful new approach to working with partners to find more cost-effective ways to deliver our services – which is working incredibly well with stop. Café at Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, and with The Boathouse in Ellesmere.”

The Foundry will be open daily for freshly-prepared lunches and pre-show dining, as well as providing function rooms for family gatherings or business customers.

Matthew and Emily have also aimed to embrace The Foundry name. They have worked closely with British Ironwork Centre from Oswestry, who have made a sign and allowed local photographer Phillip King to take photos of their metal/ ironworks which will be displayed on The Foundry’s walls. The photos will be available to buy, with proceeds going to Hope House Children’s Hospice – a charity that The Foundry and British Ironwork Centre will continually support.

For more information or to contact The Foundry, call 01743 272767.

Note:

Member of the media are invited to attend an informal sneak preview event at The Foundry at 6pm on Tuesday 7 April. If you would like to attend, please call 01743 272767.

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