My Life - Matthew James Veryard, CEO & Founder of Six One Six Restaurant & Bar part of Xquisite Hospitality
How would you describe yourself?
I am an aspiring entrepreneur on a focused mission with a deep desire and determination to achieve my clear vision within the hospitality sector. I am a perfectionist with a hint of OCD, although very creative. I also have a very positive mindset; I’m definitely a half-full person, then we add some ice, so I’m overflowing!
Where is home? And work?
Originally from the South, home is now Chester and for work I’m based at my restaurant & bar, Six One SIx on Pepper Street in the city.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
When at school I wanted to be an architect, however at 14, my Nan used to go out and get all different car brochures and price lists, and when I was at her house, I used to sit upstairs using her intercom phone system to sell her cars. I then started my career in the motor trade at Land Rover when leaving school.
Name a few of your favourite places to be...
I love a beach club in Mykonos, lunch at Scorpios, dinner at Interni and finish the night at Queens of Mykonos. Ibiza is another favourite - staying at Hotel Oku and heading to Zuma for dinner.
When I’m back in the South, you will find me in Marylebone and Mayfair, London, where I generally stay at Treehouse Hotel or The Mandrake. During the day I’ll be working at Ole & Steen and in the evening I’ll be enjoying live music and late drinks at 28-50.
Closer to home I enjoy a chilled wine in Paysan, cocktail in Prohibition or dinner at Peter Street Kitchen or 20 Stories in Manchester.
Who or what inspires you?
Richard Caring from Caprice Holdings, Soho House Group. I’m inspired by the fact he created The Ivy Collection, a restaurant group that appeals to such a wide demographic and offers such a high level of service across each site.
What’s one thing that is close to your heart?
Back in 2011 I was in St James Hospital, Leeds, for two months having been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). I then had two further relapses in 2012/13. Cambridge University has written studies on me, as it’s a miracle I survived and I’m healthy. As a business, I am currently in conversation to implement a 1-2-3 commitment to Meningitis Now Charity, giving 1% of company profit annually. I also aim to invite 2 survivors of meningitis per month to dine with us complimentary, and I want to host 3 events annually within my restaurant in aid of the charity.
What was the last gift you gave someone?
The last gifts I bought were at Christmas for my family, withit being one of my favourite times of the year. The highlight was most certainly seeing my niece Darcie-Rae and nephew Oscar open their presents from The Little White Company that I got them—sorry, I mean Santa got them!
Tell us a secret/fun fact.
I might have been on a few TV shows; however, let’s not talk about that...
What’s the one song you have on heavy rotation?
I cannot commit to one song, so my top three most recently:
• Devotion - Caius
• I Adore You - HUGEL, Topic, Arash. Feat Daecolm
• Move - Adam Port, Stryv, Keinemusik, Orso, Malachiii
My go-to song when the mic is in my hand is Warren G’s ‘What’s Love Got To Do’.
What podcasts have you been listening to lately?
Diary of a CEO – Stephen Bartlett and The Mindset Mentor - Rob Dial.
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