Chef Matt Sworder to close The Corner House Minster

Chef Matt Sworder is set to close The Corner House Minster at the end of May after nine years in business, citing staffing shortages and the lasting impact of Covid-19 

Matt - who previously worked for The Gordon Ramsay Group, at Les Deux Salons under Anthony Demetre and was part of the founding team at Adam Byatt's Bistro Union - opened his flagship restaurant with rooms in 2013, and has since launched its sister site in Canterbury.

Despite his best efforts to keep it afloat, including the launch of an 'At Home' offering and reducing the restaurant's operating hours, the financial impact of the pandemic and staffing shortages have put too much pressure on the business.

The team at the 2 AA Rosette site will be offered positions at The Corner House Canterbury, which will be opening a new 26-seat dining area in June.

On the closure, he told The Isle of Thanet News: “Minster was my first restaurant and without it there would not have been a Corner House in Canterbury. However, the last two years have severely tested the restaurant’s viability, with the staff shortages and the expansion of Canterbury, I felt it was the most responsible thing to do.”

“As I’ve always said, my fantastic team are the most important part of my business and whilst I’ll be saddened to close the doors of Minster for a final time, I will work with each member of them to ensure we can offer them a position in Canterbury.  For guests who have purchased gift vouchers with us, rest assured these are redeemable at the Canterbury restaurant also.”